“Does New York no-fault law apply to motorcycle accidents?”
No. Although there was a prior article on motorcycles earlier in this blog which touched on some of the issues, this question is more direct.
There are two parts to the no-fault law. One part of the law provides for medical benefits and lost wages against one’s own policy, regardless of fault. That benefit is not available to motorcycle riders. Their medical bills must be paid by medical insurance and lost wages neeed to be covered by state and/or private disability insurance.
The second part of no-fault law manadates an injured party must have a ‘serious injury’ before that person can make a claim for pain and suffering against the at-fault party. This is not the case with motorcycle riders. They can claim all of their personal injuries and medical expenses and lost wages against the at-fault party.
