According to the New York State Department of Health, an average of 1,600 New Yorkers are treated in a hospital as a result of motorcycle crashes every year. Being in a motorcycle accident can cause devastating, life-threatening injuries. Riding a motorcycle in New York City is especially dangerous given the congested roadways and aggressive drivers.
Why are Motorcycles More Dangerous?
There are serious risks to riding a motorcycle because you are not protected the way you would be inside a car. Motorcycles have few safety features to protect riders who are involved in an accident. Motorcycles are far more dangerous than cars because:
- Due to their smaller size, motorcycles lack the visibility of a car. It’s harder for other motorists to see a motorcycle and this can result in drivers cutting off motorcycles, swerving into them, failing to yield the right of way, and following too closely.
- Motorcycles are so much smaller and lighter than cars that even a slight impact can cause devastating damage
- Because they only have two wheels, motorcycles are not as stable on the road as cars
- Motorcyclists are exposed to direct impact between their bodies and the ground.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Just as in any motor vehicle accident, there are a variety of factors that can cause a motorcycle crash:
- Driver inattention
- Alcohol or drug use
- Reckless or negligent driving
- Debris on the roadway—motorcycles are more prone to accidents caused by debris due to their relative instability
- Potholes and other road hazards
- Defective motorcycle parts
Potential Injuries Resulting From Motorcycle Accidents
Because of the lack of protection afforded by a motorcycle, serious injuries can result from an accident, including:
- Road rash—caused when a rider slides across the pavement and sustains abrasions to the skin
- Head injuries—although following the New York helmet law will offer you protection, helmets don’t prevent every possible head injury
- Spinal cord injuries—a collision between a motorcycle and a car or truck can lead to compressed nerves and spinal cord damage.
- Fractures—because motorcycle riders are not protected by doors and windows, even a minor crash can result in bone fractures.
- Wrongful death—according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists account for 14% of all traffic fatalities. Motorcyclists are more likely to die in a crash than a driver or passenger of a motor vehicle.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should have a personal injury attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers and their families. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español