A 49-year-old motorcyclist died Saturday afternoon, October 24, 2026, after a crash on the westbound Cross Bronx Expressway near Exit 4. According to News 12 The Bronx, police said the motorcycle struck a Dodge Durango just after 4:45 p.m. and caught fire. The NYPD later identified the rider as Pedro Cortes, 49 (News 12). Our thoughts are with Mr. Cortes’s family and loved ones. For families facing a loss like this, speaking with an experienced Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer can help answer urgent questions about what comes next.
What Happened on the Cross Bronx Expressway
Based on police information reported by News 12:
- The crash happened shortly after 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, on the westbound side of the Cross Bronx Expressway near Exit 4.
- Police said the motorcycle struck a Dodge Durango driven by a 51-year-old woman, who remained at the scene.
- The motorcycle caught fire, and FDNY crews put out the flames.
- The rider suffered severe trauma and was taken to Jacobi Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
- Police said no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.
Authorities have not released a cause for the crash. We will not speculate about fault. Determining what happened in a motorcycle accident in the Bronx often requires a careful review of police reports, video footage, vehicle data and witness accounts.
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Why Motorcycle Accidents in NYC Are So Dangerous
Motorcyclists have almost none of the protection that a car’s frame, seatbelts and airbags give other drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are far more likely than passenger-car occupants to die in a crash for every mile traveled. On busy, congested highways like the Cross Bronx Expressway, common factors in a motorcycle accident in NYC include:
- Drivers changing lanes or merging without seeing a motorcycle
- Sudden stops and stop-and-go traffic
- Speeding and following too closely
- Potholes, uneven pavement, debris and construction zones
- Distracted or impaired driving
New York City tracks traffic deaths and serious injuries through its Vision Zero program, and motorcyclists remain among the most vulnerable road users.
Your Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Accident in New York
A New York motorcycle accident lawyer can explain how state law applies to your situation. Some key points:
- No-Fault does not cover motorcyclists. Unlike car occupants, motorcycle riders and passengers generally are not covered by New York’s No-Fault (PIP) benefits. That can make a claim against an at-fault driver especially important for covering medical bills and lost wages.
- Comparative fault. New York follows pure comparative negligence. Even if an injured rider is found partly at fault, they may still recover damages, reduced by their share of responsibility.
- Statute of limitations. Most personal injury claims in New York must be filed within three years. A wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years of the date of death.
- Claims involving government entities. If a dangerous road condition maintained by a city or state agency played a role, special rules apply. For claims against New York City and many public entities, a Notice of Claim usually must be filed within 90 days.
- Wrongful death claims. When a crash is fatal, the personal representative of the estate may bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family. A Bronx wrongful death lawyer can help with estate issues and preserving evidence.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in the Bronx
- Get medical care right away. Some injuries, including head and internal injuries, may not show symptoms at first.
- Call 911 and get a police report. Note the officers’ names and the report number.
- Document the scene if you can. Take photos of vehicles, your bike, gear, road conditions and injuries.
- Get witness contact information. Independent witnesses can be critical on a busy expressway.
- Preserve your helmet and gear. Do not repair or throw away damaged equipment.
- Be careful with insurance companies. Avoid giving recorded statements before speaking with a lawyer.
- Talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer in NYC early. Video footage and other evidence can disappear quickly.
How Our Bronx Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Team Can Help
At Chaikin Trial Group, we represent injured riders and grieving families across the Bronx, NYC and Long Island. Our team can:
- Investigate the crash, including police reports, video and accident reconstruction
- Identify every potentially responsible party and insurance policy
- Handle communications with insurers so you can focus on recovery
- Pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and, in fatal cases, wrongful death damages
Learn more about our personal injury practice, our motor vehicle accident representation, our case results and what our clients say.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Bronx motorcycle accident attorney if the other driver’s insurance calls me?
It is wise to speak with a Bronx motorcycle accident attorney before giving any statement. Insurers may use what you say to reduce or deny a claim.
Does No-Fault insurance pay for a motorcycle accident in NYC?
Generally, no. New York’s No-Fault benefits do not cover motorcycle operators and passengers, so injured riders often need to pursue the at-fault driver’s insurance or their own optional coverage.
How long do I have to file a claim after a Cross Bronx Expressway accident?
Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years, and wrongful death claims within two years of death. If a government entity may be responsible, a Notice of Claim is usually due within 90 days, so act quickly.
What does a Bronx wrongful death lawyer do?
A Bronx wrongful death lawyer helps families investigate a fatal crash, works with the estate’s representative, and pursues compensation for financial losses such as lost support and funeral expenses.
Talk to a Bronx Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was hurt, or if you lost a family member in a crash, a Bronx motorcycle accident lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group is ready to listen. Consultations are free, and you pay no fee unless we win. Contact us online. You can also read our FAQs or see the areas we serve.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This article is for general information only and is not legal advice.
