How Likely Are You To Get Into A Motorcycle Crash?

Motorcycle riding can be a lot of fun, but it also carries plenty of risks. Motorcyclists in New York experience a greater crash rate and a much higher fatality rate than passenger vehicle drivers. Some of the reasons for this are that motorcycles provide less physical protection for riders, and they are less stable and more difficult to operate. Passenger vehicle drivers may also have difficulty seeing motorcyclists on the roadways.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York that was caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyer at Finz & Finz, P.C. can help you recover the compensation that you deserve for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

At Finz & Finz, P.C., our skilled and compassionate injury lawyers will fight tirelessly for the financial recovery you deserve following your motorcycle accident. We focused exclusively on personal injuries. For more than 35 years, we have been committed to helping motorcycle accident victims. We have a long successful track record. Our attorneys have netted six- and seven-figure verdicts and settlements for personal injury victims in New York. To schedule a free and confidential consultation with our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys, call today at 855-TOP-FIRM.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2015, 88,000 motorcyclists were hurt in accidents among the 8.6 million registered motorcycles nationwide. That’s an injury rate of 1,028 riders for every 100,000 registered motorcycles. The fatality rate for was about 58 riders for every 100,000 registered motorcycles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 13 out of every 100,000 cars are involved in a deadly accident. However, motorcycles have a fatality rate of 72 per 100,000. Motorcycle riders are also at a higher risk of fatality per mile traveled. For every mile traveled in 2017, the number of deaths on motorcycles was nearly 27 times the number in cars.

The most dangerous time for motorcyclists is their first year, according to The Insurance Journal. The first 30 days are actually four times riskier than a rider’s entire second year. The Journal also reported that condensed, fast-tracked motorcycle courses might actually increase crash risks.

In 2015, New York City recorded its fewest number of motorcyclist fatalities since 1998, according to the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT).

DOT reviewed the motorcycle crash data in New York City and found that:

• Although only 2% of registered vehicles are motorcycles, from 2010-14, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of traffic fatalities in New York City.
• The fatality rate in New York City for motorcyclists is almost twice the rate as New York State motorcyclists.
• 43% of fatalities involved a motorcycle rider who was not properly licensed to operate the vehicle.
• 56% of motorcycle rider deaths were under 35 years old.
• Nearly all motorcycle riders who die in crashes are male.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are often the fault of another motorist on the road. Motorcycles can be difficult to see, and passenger vehicle drivers are not typically watching out for them.

Some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Unsafe lane changes. A driver risks crashing into a motorcycle when they fail to check their blind spot or signal when switching lanes.
• Speeding. Speeding reduces a driver’s chance of reacting to other motorists in time to prevent a crash. The greater the speed, the greater the impact, and typically the more serious the injuries and damage.

• Distracted driving. Distracted driving is one of the biggest contributors to motorcycle accidents. For instance, if a driver is texting, eating, adjusting their radio, or doing anything to take their mind and attention off the road, their vehicle could drift into oncoming traffic and cause a motorcycle accident.

• Intoxicated driving. Drivers who cause motorcycle accidents because they were driving while under the influence of alcohol could face both civil and criminal liability.

• Merging vehicles. Vehicles merging are a threat to motorcycle riders as motorcycles are easy to miss. Sometimes motorists do not see motorcyclists in their blind spots, and when they merge, it can cause a sideswipe accident.

• Left-turn accidents. Right of way errors while making a left turn are causes of motorcycle accidents.

• Dooring. In congested urban areas, motorcyclists can be injured when a driver of a vehicle parked along the road fails to look before opening their door, and the motorcyclist crashes into it.

• Tailgating. Rear-end accidents caused by tailgating or stopping abruptly can result in serious injuries or even death to a motorcyclist.

• Busy intersections. Congested intersections are a major hazard for motorcyclists. Intersections have the cross-traffic of distracted drivers, and there are risks of left-hand turns.

• Inexperienced drivers. Drivers who lack experience are more likely to make unsafe or dangerous moves on the road that could compromise the safety of others on the road.
• Hazardous road conditions. Potholes, uneven lanes, cracked pavement, debris, and a lack of road signs can increase the chances a motorcycle rider will lose control of their bike.
• Motorcycle defects. If the motorcycle has a defect, this can lead to a serious accident. In these cases, the manufacturer, designer, or another party could possibly be held liable with a product liability lawsuit.

Contact a New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Have you or a loved one been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in New York that was caused by someone else? If so, you deserve financial compensation for all the losses you have suffered. Don’t delay in contacting an experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyer.

The personal injury lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C. can help you seek the recovery that you are entitled to. Call now at 855-TOP-FIRM to schedule a free initial consultation with our highly skilled and compassionate New York motorcycle accident attorneys.