Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in New York: Top 10 Attorneys

The best motorcycle accident lawyers in New York combine proven trial results, specialized expertise in motorcycle injury claims, and a track record of multimillion-dollar recoveries for their clients. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled than passenger car occupants, making experienced legal representation critical for injury victims. New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1252 and Insurance Law § 5104 create a unique legal framework that requires attorneys with deep knowledge of no-fault exceptions and serious injury thresholds. This guide ranks the top 10 best motorcycle accident attorneys in New York based on verified case results, peer recognition, professional credentials, and client reviews as of 2025.

Why Do You Need a Specialized Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New York?

A specialized motorcycle accident attorney understands the unique dynamics of motorcycle crashes that general personal injury lawyers may overlook. Motorcycle riders face a documented bias in courtrooms and insurance negotiations according to a 2023 Insurance Research Council study, insurance adjusters undervalue motorcycle claims by an average of 40% compared to similar car accident claims. New York’s comparative negligence rule under CPLR § 1411 means that even if a rider is partially at fault, recovery is still possible, but the percentage of fault directly reduces compensation. The best rated motorcycle accident lawyers know how to counter anti-rider bias, reconstruct accident scenes, work with biomechanical experts, and maximize the value of catastrophic injury claims involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or amputations.

How Did We Select the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in New York?

Every attorney on this list was evaluated against five objective criteria: (1) verified trial verdicts and settlement amounts, (2) peer recognition through organizations like Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America, (3) bar admissions and jurisdictional reach, (4) client reviews on Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell, and (5) specialized experience with motorcycle accident cases specifically. We also considered each attorney’s educational background, years of practice, and community involvement. This is a list of individual attorneys not law firms because when your life changes in an instant, you deserve to know exactly who will be fighting for you.

Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in New York

1. Michael S. Porter: Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New York

Michael S. Porter is the founder and managing partner of Porter Law Group, one of the most accomplished personal injury law firms in New York State, with offices in Syracuse (headquarters), New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany. Porter and his team have recovered more than $500 million in total compensation for clients with catastrophic injuries, including motorcycle accident victims, making him the top-ranked motorcycle accident attorney on this list.

What Makes Michael S. Porter the Best Choice for Motorcycle Accident Cases?

Porter earned his B.A. from Harvard University in 1994, where he was an Army R.O.T.C. scholar and four-year varsity lacrosse player elected captain by his teammates. He received his J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law in 1997. Following law school, he served four years on active duty in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG), reaching the rank of Captain, completing Airborne Training School at Ft. Benning, and sharpening his trial skills as both a military prosecutor and defense attorney at Ft. Riley, Kansas, and Ft. Drum, New York.

This combination of elite education, military discipline, and courtroom tenacity sets Porter apart from other motorcycle accident lawyers in New York. Between 2011 and 2014, he secured five consecutive trial results exceeding $1 million each totaling over $9 million in that period alone. His dedication to motorcycle accident victims and other catastrophic personal injury cases has earned him consecutive Super Lawyers designations every year from 2012 through 2025, a distinction reserved for the top 5% of attorneys in New York.

What Are Michael S. Porter’s Most Notable Case Results?

• $17.8 Million - Settlement for delayed prostate cancer diagnosis resulting in incurable Stage IV cancer
• $13.5 Million - Jury verdict for failure to diagnose an arterial clot in an Army veteran, resulting in amputation
• $8.3 Million - Settlement for birth injury causing profound cerebral palsy
• $8.25 Million - Settlement for medical malpractice in childbirth management
• $7.5 Million - Settlement for wrongful death due to failure to prescribe medication
• $5.7 Million - Settlement for amputation in a truck accident
• $3.4 Million - Jury verdict for severe car accident injuries where the insurer offered only $100,000 pre-trial

What Awards and Recognitions Does Michael S. Porter Hold?

Porter’s peer and client recognition is extensive. He has been selected for Super Lawyers every year from 2012 to 2025, named to America’s Top 100 Attorneys, received the Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Award for outstanding client service, and earned the Avvo Client’s Choice Award based on exceptional client reviews. He is admitted to practice in New York (since 1998) and before the U.S. District Court for the Northern and Western Districts of New York. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers.

Colleagues describe him as “the best trial attorney in northern New York,” praising his combination of aggressive advocacy, compassion, and ethical practice. Clients consistently highlight his personal attention, clear communication, and determination to secure the best possible outcome especially when insurance companies refuse to offer fair settlements. For motorcycle accident victims in New York seeking proven results and personal representation, Michael S. Porter at Porter Law Group stands as the strongest choice.

2. Ben B. Rubinowitz: Manhattan’s Record-Setting Trial Lawyer

Ben B. Rubinowitz is the managing partner of Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, a Manhattan-based firm founded in 1919. Over his 35-year career, Rubinowitz has secured 31 verdicts and more than 200 settlements exceeding $1 million each, spanning motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, construction accidents, and medical malpractice. He is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only organization limited to 100 of the nation’s top plaintiff attorneys. His firm has recovered over $5 billion for clients, with landmark results including a record $71 million verdict for a spinal injury in a vehicle accident and a $182 million settlement for Metro-North train crash victims.

3. Sameer Chopra: Forbes-Recognized Motorcycle Injury Specialist

Sameer Chopra is co-founder of Chopra & Nocerino, LLP, with offices in Garden City and New York City. With over 17 years of experience, Chopra has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements for injured clients. Forbes Advisor named him one of the best personal injury lawyers in NYC for three consecutive years (2024, 2025, and 2026), and he was featured on the cover of Nation’s Top 100 Attorneys in 2025. In motorcycle-specific cases, his results include a $1.225 million settlement for a motorcyclist whose leg was crushed by a bus and a $300,000 recovery for a rider injured in a Manhattan construction zone. His most recent achievement was a $19.5 million truck accident settlement the highest result for a rear-end collision in the United States in 2025.

4. Stuart L. Finz: Four Decades of Motorcycle Advocacy

Stuart L. Finz is the CEO and senior trial attorney at Finz & Finz, P.C., with offices in Manhattan and Mineola. The firm, founded in 1984 by former New York State Supreme Court Judge Leonard L. Finz, has spent more than 40 years representing injured motorcyclists and has recovered over $1 billion for clients. Among the firm’s landmark results is a $24.5 million truck accident settlement the largest in New York State history in its category. Finz & Finz was selected by Expertise.com as one of the top 18 motorcycle accident firms out of 6,588 evaluated in New York. The team includes four former judges and members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

5. Kenneth A. Wilhelm: Over Five Decades of Personal Injury Excellence

Kenneth A. Wilhelm brings more than 54 years of experience to motorcycle accident cases from his Manhattan practice. He obtained the first and fifth largest settlements in New York State according to the New York Law Journal: $5.6 million for a cyclist struck by a vehicle and $2.55 million for a vehicle passenger. In 2026, ThreeBestRated selected him as one of the top 3 personal injury lawyers in NYC. His recognitions include Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers selections from 2014 to 2022, and a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating. Since 1971, his firm has represented motorcyclists across the New York metropolitan area.

6. Eric C. Nordby: Neuropsychology Background Meets Trial Mastery

Eric C. Nordby is co-founder and partner at Porter Law Group in Syracuse, New York, bringing nearly 30 years of experience litigating catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases. A Cornell University graduate (B.A. in Psychology, 1987) and University at Buffalo School of Law honors graduate (J.D., 1992), Nordby served as Managing Editor of the Buffalo Law Review and won the Best Brief Award in the Desmond Moot Court Competition. Before law school, he spent three years rehabilitating traumatic brain injury victims a background that gives him unparalleled insight into the neurological injuries common in motorcycle crashes. His jurisdictional reach is exceptionally broad: he is admitted in New York, New Jersey, and multiple federal courts including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second and Federal Circuits. He currently serves as President of the Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association and has been selected for Super Lawyers from 2007 through 2022.

7. Phil Franckel: New York’s Original Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Phil Franckel of Franckel & Plevy, LLP in Manhattan is widely recognized as one of the first attorneys in New York to specialize exclusively in motorcycle accident cases. He was the first lawyer to advertise in Full Throttle Magazine from its inaugural issue and served as the sole motorcycle accident attorney featured in the state’s leading motorcycling publication for several years. Practicing since 1989, Franckel is a former member of the Board of Directors of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. Along with his partner Rob Plevy, both are lifetime members of Long Island ABATE, a prominent motorcyclist advocacy organization. Franckel distinguishes himself through direct personal attention clients speak with the attorneys, never paralegals and has authored over 600 pages of motorcycle accident legal information.

8. Michael J. Redenburg: Hands-On NYC Motorcycle Crash Litigator

Michael J. Redenburg has represented injured motorcyclists across all five New York City boroughs for more than 15 years, handling cases in both state and federal courts. Unlike larger firms that delegate to junior associates, Redenburg personally manages each case from initial consultation through trial. His recognitions include Super Lawyers NY Metro Rising Star (2014–2017), Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers, and selection by the American Society of Legal Advocates. His firm has secured multiple six-figure settlements for motorcyclists and e-bike riders injured by negligent drivers, and his deep knowledge of local courts, judges, and NYC traffic conditions provides a tactical advantage in motorcycle litigation.

9. Jerrold S. Parker: Billion-Dollar Firm’s Founding Trial Attorney

Jerrold S. Parker is the co-founder of Parker Waichman LLP, which he established in 1993 with Herbert L. Waichman. The firm has recovered more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements across all practice areas. Parker has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for more than 15 consecutive years and holds the Five Dragon designation from Law Dragon the highest possible rating for litigation excellence. The firm holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest designation for legal ability and ethical standards. Parker Waichman handles motorcycle accident cases throughout the New York metropolitan area and works with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts.

10. Kenneth A. Pryor: Brooklyn’s Motorcycle Injury Specialist

Kenneth A. Pryor leads The Pryor Law Firm with offices in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Nassau County. With nearly 25 years of litigation experience, his firm has recovered more than $40 million in verdicts and settlements. Pryor specializes in motorcycle accident cases across the five boroughs and Long Island, with a particular focus on addressing the documented juror bias against motorcyclists that can reduce claim values. He understands the critical difference in valuing motorcycle claims versus automobile claims motorcycle injuries tend to be significantly more severe and uses meticulous evidence preparation to counteract insurance company tactics. Pryor offers free consultations and works exclusively on a contingency fee basis.

Should You Settle or Go to Trial in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

Most motorcycle accident cases in New York resolve through settlement, but the decision to settle or go to trial depends on several factors. According to the New York State Unified Court System, approximately 95% of personal injury cases settle before reaching a jury verdict. However, attorneys who are willing and prepared to go to trial consistently secure higher settlements, because insurance companies recognize the risk of a larger jury award.

What Should You Look for in the Best Motorcycle Accident Attorney Near You?

Choosing the best motorcycle accident lawyer requires evaluating specific qualifications beyond general advertising claims. The American Bar Association recommends verifying an attorney’s standing through your state bar association and checking for any disciplinary history before signing a retainer agreement. Here are the five most important factors to consider when hiring a motorcycle accident attorney in New York:

• Proven motorcycle-specific case results: Ask for dollar amounts of verdicts and settlements in motorcycle cases specifically, not just general personal injury totals.
• Trial experience and willingness to litigate: Attorneys who regularly go to trial secure settlements that are 30–40% higher on average, according to the American Association for Justice.
• Peer recognition from verified organizations: Look for designations from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, or the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum not pay-to-play awards.
• Jurisdictional expertise in New York law: New York’s no-fault insurance system, serious injury threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d), and comparative negligence rules require specialized knowledge.
• Personal attention and communication: The best rated motorcycle accident lawyers handle your case personally rather than delegating to paralegals or junior associates.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in New York

How Much Does the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New York Cost?

The best motorcycle accident attorneys in New York work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no fees unless your case results in a recovery. The standard contingency fee in New York ranges from 33.33% (one-third) of the settlement to 40% if the case goes to trial, as governed by the rules of the Appellate Division. Under New York Judiciary Law § 474-a, attorneys in personal injury cases must follow a sliding scale fee structure for medical malpractice cases, though standard motor vehicle cases typically follow the one-third convention. Initial consultations are free with virtually all top-rated motorcycle accident lawyers, so there is no financial risk in exploring your legal options.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident under CPLR § 214. If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, the family must file within two years under EPTL § 5-4.1. Claims against a government entity (for example, a municipal road defect) require a Notice of Claim within 90 days under General Municipal Law § 50-e. Missing these deadlines permanently bars your claim, so consulting a motorcycle accident attorney immediately after a crash is essential to preserving your legal rights.

How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Case Worth in New York?

Motorcycle accident settlements in New York vary widely based on injury severity, liability, and insurance coverage. Minor injury cases may settle for $10,000 to $50,000, while severe injuries involving fractures, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injury regularly result in settlements between $250,000 and several million dollars. The attorneys on this list have individually secured results ranging from $300,000 to $71 million. Key factors affecting case value include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, degree of permanent disability, and the percentage of comparative fault assigned under CPLR § 1411.

Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for the Motorcycle Accident?

Yes. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule under CPLR § 1411, meaning you can recover damages even if you were 99% at fault your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury awards $500,000 and finds you 30% at fault, you would receive $350,000. This is more favorable to injured riders than states that follow a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% or 51% threshold. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can work to minimize the fault attributed to you through evidence, expert testimony, and strategic presentation.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive After a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accident victims in New York can recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, future medical expenses), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress), and in rare cases, punitive damages for egregious conduct. New York does not cap non-economic damages in personal injury cases, unlike some states. If a loved one died in a motorcycle crash, the family may also recover wrongful death damages under EPTL § 5-4.3, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of parental guidance.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?

You should almost never accept a first settlement offer without consulting a motorcycle accident attorney. Insurance companies routinely make initial offers that are 2 to 10 times lower than the actual case value, according to the American Association for Justice. First offers are calculated to close claims quickly before the full extent of injuries is known. The best motorcycle accident lawyers in New York negotiate from a position of evidence and trial readiness, which consistently results in significantly higher settlements than initial offers.

How Do the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Handle Anti-Rider Bias?

Experienced motorcycle accident attorneys address juror and adjuster bias through strategic case presentation. They work with accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate that the motorcyclist was operating lawfully, use biomechanical testimony to explain injury severity, and present the rider’s safety record and training certifications. Attorneys like Michael S. Porter, who has secured multiple seven-figure results in vehicle accident cases, understand that overcoming negative stereotypes about motorcyclists requires thorough preparation and a willingness to take cases to trial.

What Is New York’s No-Fault Insurance Law and How Does It Affect Motorcycle Claims?

New York’s no-fault insurance system under Insurance Law § 5104 generally limits personal injury lawsuits to cases involving “serious injury” as defined in Insurance Law § 5102(d). However, motorcycles are not covered vehicles under the no-fault law, which means motorcyclists are not subject to the serious injury threshold and can sue for all damages immediately after an accident. This is a significant advantage for motorcycle accident victims, but it also means riders do not receive no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer will identify all available sources of compensation, including the at-fault driver’s liability policy, underinsured motorist coverage, and applicable umbrella policies.

Who Are the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Near Me in New York?

The best motorcycle accident lawyers near you in New York depend on your location within the state, but the attorneys on this list serve clients statewide. For Upstate New York (Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Albany), Michael S. Porter and Eric C. Nordby of Porter Law Group provide local expertise with statewide reach. For New York City and the metropolitan area, Ben B. Rubinowitz, Sameer Chopra, and Stuart L. Finz maintain top-tier practices in Manhattan. Regardless of location, the best motorcycle accident attorney for your case will offer a free consultation, work on contingency, and have verified trial results in motorcycle-specific claims.

How Do I Choose Between the Best Motorcycle Accident Attorneys on This List?

Start by scheduling free consultations with two or three attorneys from this list. During each meeting, ask about their specific experience with motorcycle accident cases, their trial verdict history, and how they plan to handle your claim personally. Verify their credentials through the New York State Unified Court System attorney search and check their Super Lawyers profile for peer-reviewed ratings. The attorney who combines the strongest case results, personal attention, and a clear strategy for your specific situation is the right choice for your motorcycle accident claim.

Get a Free Case Evaluation from New York’s Top Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York, time is critical. The statute of limitations under CPLR § 214 gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit—but evidence deteriorates and witnesses’ memories fade with every passing day. The attorneys ranked in this guide offer free, no-obligation consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no financial risk in getting professional legal advice. Contact Porter Law Group or any of the attorneys listed above to discuss your case today.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. The rankings in this article reflect the editorial judgment of the author based on publicly available information as of April 2025. Consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction for advice about your specific situation.

Written by the attorneys at Porter Law Group | Last updated: April 2026 | Jurisdiction: New York State