Motorcycles and mopeds can be an effective way to get around New York City, because of lower parking constraints and the ability to maneuver in traffic. Accidents involving motorcycles, however, can often be more dangerous and traumatic due to a lack of protection that a car offers. New York state averages about 4,500 emergency room visits per year for injuries sustained from motorcycle accidents and crashes.
Fatalities from Motorcycle Crashes
For New York State, there was an average of 141 motorcycle accident deaths per year from 2012 to 2014; according to the state’s Department of Health. Fatalities are most often avoided in most cases where helmets and other protective gear are worn by riders.
Safety Laws
Wearing a helmet can help prevent skull fractures and Traumatic Brain Injuries. As of 2017, only about 65% of motorcycle drivers in New York wear helmets. The state law requires that all drivers wear a helmet. While not every state requires a helmet, it is safest to ride with a helmet any time you ride.
Traffic laws require you to have proper lighting on your vehicle, including brakelights, headlights, turn signals, and reflectors. These are for the safety of you, other drivers, and pedestrians alike.
Rush Hour Crashes
As with car accidents, motorcycle accidents are most often during rush hour, where roads are packed with commuters. About 24% of all fatal motorcycle accidents that occur on a weekday happen between 3 PM and 6 PM. On the weekends, motorcycle accidents are most likely to occur between 6 PM and 9 PM
Drunk Driver Accidents and Motorcycles
Motorcyclists involved in drunk driving accidents, in any capacity, are killed roughly 30% of the time. Comparatively, motorcyclists involved in a non-DUI based accident are killed only about 5% of the time.
Seeking Legal Action
If you or your loved one is injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation New York’s no-fault auto insurance rules can attempt to keep cases out of court after accidents; but more severe or costly cases can go to court. Any accident that caused death can also go to court for compensation.
You will need to gather some information on the site of the accident. Take photos of the scene and gather witness contact information. Exchange insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. Contact the police for an official report on their records. You should contact your insurance agency. Visit your physician as soon as possible after the crash, so that they can look over any sustained injuries. Contact your lawyer so that they can help you build your case.
For over 25 years,we have been assisting people in the New York/New Jersey area with injury cases of all shapes and sizes; from Auto Accidents to Dog Bites. D’Agostino & Associates, P.C., and its affiliates do not provide legal advice by articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for legal advice. Call 1-888-245-2924 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys. Bite Back with D’Agostino & Associates, P.C.
