A serious motorcycle accident occurred Sunday evening on Syracuse's South Side, leaving a motorcyclist in critical condition after a hit-and-run collision. The incident highlights the ongoing dangers motorcyclists face on New York roads and the devastating consequences when drivers flee accident scenes.
According to Syracuse Police Department reports, the crash occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Midland and West Borden avenues. A motorcyclist in his late 50s was struck by a dirt bike traveling southbound on Midland Avenue. The dirt bike operator fled the scene before police arrived, making this a hit-and-run incident. The motorcyclist was initially transported to Upstate University Hospital in critical condition but was later upgraded to stable condition. Police are actively investigating the incident and asking anyone with information to contact them at 315-442-5130.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can result from various factors, many of which involve negligent behavior by other drivers or hazardous road conditions:
- Failure to yield right-of-way: Other vehicles often fail to see motorcycles or misjudge their speed and distance
- Distracted driving: Texting, talking on phones, or other distractions can cause drivers to miss motorcycles
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use significantly increases accident risk
- Speeding and reckless driving: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity
- Lane splitting violations: Unsafe lane changes or following too closely
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, or inadequate signage can cause accidents
- Defective motorcycle parts: Faulty brakes, tires, or other components can lead to crashes
- Hit-and-run incidents: Fleeing the scene compounds the tragedy and often indicates conscious wrongdoing
When negligence contributes to a motorcycle accident, injured victims may be entitled to legal compensation for their injuries and losses.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the limited protection motorcycles provide compared to enclosed vehicles. These crashes can lead to significant personal injury claims and, in the most tragic cases, wrongful death lawsuits. The severity of injuries in motorcycle accidents frequently results in substantial medical expenses, extended recovery periods, and permanent disabilities that impact victims' quality of life and earning capacity.
Potential liable parties in motorcycle accident cases may include negligent drivers, vehicle manufacturers (if defective parts contributed to the crash), government entities responsible for road maintenance, and in hit-and-run cases, the fleeing driver once identified. Compensation in these cases may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Our experienced legal team has successfully handled numerous motorcycle accident cases throughout New York State.
Damages and Compensation
Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to various types of compensation designed to address the full scope of their losses:
Economic Damages include quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future earning capacity. These damages also cover property damage to the motorcycle and any assistive devices needed due to permanent injuries.
Non-Economic Damages compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement or disability. These damages recognize that some injuries affect victims in ways that extend far beyond financial impact.
Future Losses account for ongoing medical care, continued rehabilitation, and reduced earning potential. Motorcycle accidents often result in injuries requiring long-term treatment and adaptation.
Compensation is calculated based on medical records, expert testimony, economic analysis, and evidence of how the injuries have impacted the victim's life. The purpose of compensation is to restore victims as much as possible to their pre-accident condition, hold negligent parties accountable, and deter future reckless behavior. Contact our experienced attorneys to discuss your specific case and potential compensation.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Motorcycle accident cases, particularly hit-and-run incidents, require immediate legal attention. Evidence can disappear quickly, and insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts to motorcycle accident victims. Having experienced legal representation ensures that your rights are protected and that all potential sources of compensation are identified and pursued.
Our legal team understands the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face, including bias against motorcyclists and the complex investigation required in hit-and-run cases. We work diligently to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build strong cases that maximize our clients' compensation. For more information about our approach and successful results, we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don't wait to seek legal help. Contact our experienced legal team today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York?
CONTACT USOur Recent Case Results
Settlement
Jury Verdict
Settlement
Settlement
Why Choose Porter Law Group?
The attorneys at Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing motorcycle accident victims and their families throughout New York State. We understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face, both on the road and in the courtroom, where bias against riders can affect case outcomes. Our seasoned trial lawyers have the resources and expertise necessary to take on insurance companies and negligent parties who attempt to minimize compensation for seriously injured victims.
We have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in New York State courts, and we bring a state-wide reach with a hometown feel to every case. Our clients come to us seeking guidance and answers during some of the most difficult times in their lives. We provide compassionate support while aggressively pursuing maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
At Porter Law Group, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid when we secure compensation for you. Our team understands that motorcycle accidents often result in life-changing injuries, and we're committed to fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
Contact Porter Law Group Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York, don't face the insurance companies alone. The experienced legal team at Porter Law Group is ready to fight for your rights and help you navigate the complex legal process. We serve clients across all of New York State and offer free initial consultations to discuss your case.
Time is critical in motorcycle accident cases, especially hit-and-run incidents where evidence can disappear quickly. Contact us today at 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free consultation. Let us put our knowledge, resources, and dedication to work for you while you focus on your recovery. Don't wait—your future may depend on the legal decisions you make today.
Call 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free consultation. Time may be limited for filing your claim, so reach out today to learn how we can help you through this difficult time.