By their nature, motorcycles are less crash-worthy than passenger vehicles. They are less visible to other motorists and pedestrians, weigh less, and are less stable than four-wheeled vehicles. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to road and weather hazards. They lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle and are more likely to suffer serious injuries in a crash.
In New York, on average, 1,558 hospitalizations and 4,458 emergency room visits result from motorcycle accidents each year. Many crashes are caused by the negligence of other drivers. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault, your best course of action is to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Driver negligence is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents in New York. Driving behavior that causes crashes can occur in many different forms, including:
In a study involving all injured motorcyclists hospitalized in another state during a five-year period, researchers compared injuries sustained by motorcyclists age 40 or older (with and without helmets) to injuries suffered by motorcyclists under the age of 40 (with and without helmets). This study was conducted by the Association for Advancement of Automotive Medicine. The most seriously injured body regions researchers found in both age groups, in order, were:
Insurance in New York is different for motorcycles than for cars. Motorcycles are not considered motor vehicles under the state’s no-fault law, and injured motorcyclists are not entitled to those medical and lost wage benefits.
However, motorcyclists are also not subject to the serious injury threshold under the no-fault law. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may bring a claim against the at-fault party for injuries that would not be considered serious enough to pass the no-fault threshold in a car accident case.
After a motorcycle crash with injuries, our New York personal injury attorneys at Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP can handle your claim for compensation, while you focus on your recovery. Call The Case Handler team today at 929-223-4195 to get a dedicated legal advocate on your side after a serious motorcycle accident.
Your submission is confidentially reviewed by Adam Handler – The Case Handler