Why New York's No-Fault Law Doesn't Cover Motorcyclists

Motorcycles and No-Fault

New York's no-fault law specifically excludes motorcycles. That means a rider injured in a crash cannot tap the PIP benefits that car occupants rely on for initial medical bills and lost wages.

The upside is that riders are not bound by the 'serious injury' threshold in the same way — an injured motorcyclist can pursue a claim against an at-fault driver for pain and suffering without first clearing that statutory hurdle.

How Riders Pay Medical Bills

Without PIP, injured riders typically rely on their own health insurance, optional medical-payments coverage, and ultimately a claim against the at-fault party. This makes documenting the other driver's negligence especially important.

Fighting the Bias Against Riders

Juries and insurers sometimes harbor unfair assumptions that motorcyclists are reckless. A skilled attorney counters these biases with clear evidence — showing that the rider was lawful and that another driver caused the crash.

Get Your Case Reviewed

Because the rules for motorcyclists differ so much from car claims, riders benefit from speaking with a lawyer who understands those differences. Your case review is free and confidential.