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We have all experienced it. Sitting in heavy traffic when a motorcycle whizzes past you between the lanes of slow moving cars, weaving in and out to get ahead of everyone else. It is natural to be jealous of the rider way off in the distance, much closer to your destination than you are. The only problem is that this behavior on a motorcycle is not only illegal, it is extremely dangerous and can lead to a serious accident.
The dangers of riding a motorcycle irresponsibly were evident in a recent fatal accident on the Tappan Zee Bridge. A 38-year-old man was zigzagging and speeding through traffic on the span of the bridge when he lost control of his motorcycle. The motorcycle crashed into the back of a pickup truck, sending the man onto the road where he was then struck by a tractor-trailer. The deadly accident closed down a portion of the bridge for over five hours, and caused delays in the area similar to when a construction crane collapsed onto the bridge in July.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatalities in motorcycle accidents occur 26 times more than fatalities in motor vehicle accidents over the same number of traveled miles. Two of the biggest contributing factors were riders who were either intoxicated or not wearing a helmet. Only 19 states have mandatory helmet laws for all riders, while another 28 states require helmets for only a specific group of riders. Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire are the lone states without any helmet regulation. With the high rate of head trauma and brain injuries associated with motorcycle accidents, it is imperative to wear a helmet even if it is not required by law.
Motorcycles operate with a lot of power contained in not a lot of machinery. Due to instability, especially at high speeds, and a lack of visibility at times to other motorists, motorcycles can be a dangerous form of transportation. Even when riders follow the law and follow all safety precautions, accidents will happen. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you need attorneys who will stand up for your family during this difficult time. Don’t delay. Call the compassionate and skilled attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C., today.
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Finz & Finz, P.C. is a New York and Long Island personal injury law firm based out of Mineola, NY. It was founded in 1984 and is highly rated, with many honors and awards of excellence.
