Motorcycle Accidents

All motorcyclists know that no matter how careful you are, you cannot control the choices of truck and car operators around you. Motorcycle crash injuries are almost always far more severe than accidents involving only passenger cars because motorcycles provide no protection from impact and motorcycle riders are routinely thrown from their bikes in a crash.

The results of a motorcycle accident can be catastrophic. Over 100,000 motorcyclists and their passengers are injured each year, and often those injuries are severe, including fractures, surgeries, and brain injuries. Worse, over 5,000 people per year are killed in motorcycle accidents and the fatality rate is far greater than with passenger vehicle crashes.

Some common causes of motorcycle crashes include:

Driver Error:

The most common cause of motorcycle crashes is the inattention or misperception of the operator of a passenger motor vehicle. Often these crashes involve a vehicle turning left in front of a motorcycle, a vehicle striking the motorcycle while changing lanes, and a vehicle pulling out in front of the motorcycle at an intersection controlled by a stop sign or stoplight. This sometimes occurs because drivers of passenger vehicles are simply inattentive or distracted. It also occurs when the drivers of those passenger vehicles were not themselves trained in the proper operation of a motorcycle and they simply do not properly perceive or appreciate the location or position of an approaching motorcycle.

Unreasonably Dangerous Road Conditions:

While many motorcycles are now equipped with antilock braking systems and traction control, these advanced safety features do not eliminate all dangers. Sometimes the root cause of action can be traced to poorly designed or maintained roads.

Unique laws often apply to those injured in motorcycle accidents in New York. For example, when a driver of a car is injured in an accident, the New York State No Fault law provides that the person’s medical bills are to be paid for by their own no-fault insurance, even if the accident was his or her fault.   New York’s no-fault law does not provide the same protection to motorcyclists; your medical bills are often your own responsibility even if you had motorcycle insurance. So, in prosecuting a claim on your behalf against the responsible party, we pursue all avenues of potential recovery, including for payment of your medical bills as well as maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.

Needless to say, if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights. Your lawyer needs to be aware of the unique applicable rules, and be able to root out the inherent “anti-motorcyclist bias” held by many insurance adjustors and prospective jurors. Contrary to the belief held by many, not all motorcyclists are aggressive or unsafe drivers. We pride ourselves on representing the conscientious and safe motorcyclists who are injured by the negligence or recklessness of others and holding others accountable for the damages they cause.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, call us – 845-353-2000.
We can help.