What Are Some Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

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If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in New York City that was caused by someone else, you may be entitled to financial compensation. An experienced New York City motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation that you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Finz & Finz, P.C. will fight tirelessly to get you the financial recovery you need following your motorcycle accident. Our firm is focused exclusively on personal injury law. For 40 years, we have been committed to helping motorcycle accident victims get the full and fair compensation they deserve. We have a long track record of success, even netting six- and seven-figure settlements and verdicts. This blog will discuss some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in New York.

In many instances, motorcycle accidents are the fault of another motorist. Motorcycles can be hard to see on the road, and drivers of larger passenger vehicles are not usually watching for them. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the biggest contributors to motorcycle accidents. For example, if a motorist is texting, eating, fiddling with their GPS, or doing any other activity to take their attention from driving, their vehicle could drift into oncoming traffic and strike a motorcyclist.

Speeding

Speed is a factor in many motorcycle accidents. When a driver is speeding, it makes accidents more likely because the driver has less reaction time. Furthermore, speed can make motorcycle accidents more deadly because it increases the force of impact.

Intoxication

Drivers of passenger vehicles who are under the influence of alcohol are an all too common cause of motorcycle accidents. Alcohol decreases visibility, slows reaction time, and hampers hand-eye coordination, making it extremely difficult for a driver to avoid an accident with a motorcyclist.

Drunk driving is not only dangerous; it’s against the law. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by an intoxicated driver, you will most likely be able to use the driver’s intoxication as an example of negligence.

Dooring

In busy, congested urban areas like New York City, motorcyclists can be seriously injured when a driver of a vehicle parked along the road fails to look before opening their door, and the motorcyclist crashes into it.

Merging Vehicles

Vehicles merging or changing lanes are a constant threat to motorcycle riders as motorcycles are easy to miss when these drivers change lanes. Sometimes motorists don’t see motorcyclists in their blind spots, and when they change lanes or merge, it can lead to a sideswipe accident.

Rear-End Collisions

Fender benders can be especially dangerous for motorcycle riders. When stopped at an intersection, for example, a motorcyclist can be rear-ended by a negligent driver who did not see the vehicle in front of them.

Cars Making Left-Hand Turns

Cars making left-hand turns create dangerous situations for motorcyclists. Typically, the turning vehicle strikes the motorcycle when:

  • The motorcyclist is passing the car
  • The motorcyclist is traveling straight through the intersection
  • The motorcyclist is attempting to overtake the car

The small size of a motorcycle size makes them less visible and more vulnerable to the turning vehicle. Motorcycles that pass larger passenger vehicles within the same lane are even more vulnerable as motorists don’t generally expect such motorcycle maneuvers. A vehicle that strikes another vehicle while making a left-hand turn will almost always be found to be fault for the collision.

Road Hazards

Road hazards are a common cause of motorcycle accidents. When roads are not properly maintained, motorcyclists are at a much greater risk of injury. Common road hazards that can lead to motorcycle accidents include:

  • Potholes
  • Uneven lanes
  • Cracked pavement
  • Debris
  • Slippery roads
  • Standing water
  • Roadkill

Divided Intersections

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

Motorcycle Defects

If the motorcycle malfunctions or has a manufacturing or design defect, this can lead to an accident. In these cases, the manufacturer, designer, or retailer could potentially be held liable for damages sustained in a product liability lawsuit.

Because the New York laws surrounding motorcycle accidents can be complicated and hard to comprehend, motorcycle accident victims need an experienced personal injury lawyer on their side. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident that was due to the negligence of another party, the New York motorcycle accident lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C. are ready to assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve.

Types of Injuries

When a motorcycle accident happens, victims can suffer a wide range of injuries. Because of a motorcycle rider’s relative lack of protection and the fact that they are often not seen by other motorists, they are one of the most vulnerable motorists on the roadways. Below are some common injuries that can occur as a result of a motorcycle accident.

  • Broken bones
  • Skull fracture
  • Neck injuries
  • Leg injuries
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Paralysis
  • Muscle damage
  • Organ damage or failure
  • Strain/sprain injuries
  • Road rash
  • Biker’s arm
  • Burns

Contact a New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle accident can have serious consequences. Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York that was not your fault? If so, you deserve to be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and all other losses you have suffered. Don’t delay in contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.

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

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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.