And as usual, it’s time for the weekly ten-minute talk with Michael Brook, head of the Bureau of Accident and Traffic Incident Investigations. Misha, hello.
Michael: Hello, Alexander. Hello, dear listeners. I traditionally wish everyone health and hope that no one gets into any trouble, and that under no circumstances do you receive any injuries. However, if you or your friends, acquaintances, close family members, or colleagues at work do receive an injury, be it due to a fall, an incident at work or at home, or an automobile accident, especially related to the spine, back, neck, or loin, it's best to consult a lawyer immediately. Don’t postpone it for later - speak to a lawyer literally the moment it happens. A lawyer will consult you in detail on what to pay attention to, what needs to be done, and what shouldn’t be done, so you can feel much calmer. This is absolutely free, and you should only remember my phone number: 718 256 56 10.
Michael: There was a question from a listener; she was riding a motorcycle with her boyfriend when the motorcycle hit some box on the road, causing them both to fall. She resulted in a broken leg and severe burn from the accident. So, can she consult you regarding this? That is her first question. Second, who is to be judged in this case, and how will it all proceed? Please respond.
Michael: Of course. I’ll certainly provide you with a lawyer, particularly one specializing in motorcycle cases, because there are many peculiarities in such cases. The main problem is that motorcycles generally don’t have insurance covering medical expenses for passengers or drivers. In car accidents, there is mandatory medical insurance that covers treatment up to $50,000, but not for motorcycles. Insurance for motorcycles must be purchased additionally, and unfortunately, no one ever does. Therefore, in motorcycle-related accidents, my lawyers negotiate with doctors so the treatment is initially free, with the fees being settled at the end of the case. This is an additional complex process, so I refer clients to lawyers who have handled similar cases numerous times and have established agreements with doctors.
Michael: Regarding her case, yes, she should sue the motorcycle driver because he didn’t notice the object on the road, indicating his fault. If he had collided with another vehicle, then it would be possible to sue that vehicle. But if there was no collision and only the motorcycle is involved, she can claim from his insurance. The basic insurance in New York State is $25,000, but if there is a higher insurance policy at her home, she could get additional compensation. The lawyer I arrange for her will provide more detailed guidance.
Michael: Here’s an example: a girl’s mother contacted me. The girl was a passenger on a motorcycle that got into an accident. Both the rider and the girl suffered significant injuries. I provided her with an excellent lawyer who found specialized doctors that helped her recover quickly; within a year, her arm and leg were nearly restored. The lawyer was able to recover the full insurance amount from the motorcycle and obtained an additional $225,000 from the parents’ insurance within two months.
Saveliy: Michael, I listened with my wife. We have a small alley where a neighbor’s fence piece was torn off by the wind, and a large part of it fell, severely injuring my wife. I believe she has a broken arm. We called your service, and your employees really helped. The question is about the neighbor. Was it really the wind's fault? Please explain.
Michael: Regarding the fence, regular maintenance is crucial. If it's torn off by the wind, that suggests something was wrong with it. My lawyer will investigate and, especially with severe injuries like a fracture, prove fault at least partially on the fence owner. Insurance will then cover the damages. It often depends on the seriousness of the injury and specific diagnosis to determine the compensation. Here’s a related example: a man contacted me after a gate fell on him, breaking his toe. Our lawyer proved that the gate was in poor condition, and the insurance provided $150,000 compensation.
Zoya: My daughter was hit by a car at an intersection, and the driver fled, but police caught him under drug influence. What if he has no insurance? Can we still receive compensation, and who will pay for my daughter's treatment?
Michael: In situations like these, even if the driver lacks insurance or if the vehicle is stolen, there is coverage. If your daughter or anyone in the household owns a car, the car insurance can cover it. Our lawyers will first verify whether there’s insurance on the perpetrator’s car, often finding coverage where it seems none exists. If not, we’ll use your insurance, and we can turn to a special city organization for compensation. The key is reporting to the police within 24 hours post-accident. Always contact me immediately; I work around the clock and provide 24/7 lawyer consultations.
Michael: For any accidents, injuries, or fractures, turn to Michael Brook at the Bureau of Accident and Traffic Incident Investigations. He will direct you to expert lawyers who strive for maximum compensation. Call 718 256 56 10.