You could be eligible for compensation if you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver. Being hurt by someone else’s wrongdoing can leave you not only injured but angry and feeling like you’ve been betrayed. How do you handle the additional expenses from your injuries and the feeling that someone else got away with their wrongdoing? Call our New York motorcycle accident attorneys for a consultation. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys could help you pursue money for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. We can work to make sure the at-fault party is held accountable for their actions. We have helped many injured riders in New York City and throughout the state. Call the
New York motorcycle accident lawyers of
Hach & Rose, LLP at
212-779-0057 for a consultation.
Common Driver Errors That Cause Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents happen for several reasons. Crashes involving other drivers – a motorcycle versus another motor vehicle – carry greater risk to motorcyclists. According to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), a crash involving another vehicle occurred in 55 percent of motorcycle rider fatalities. Driver error is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. In many cases, the driver of a car, truck, or other vehicle fails to see a motorcyclist, either because they are not paying attention, are distracted, or are simply not looking for motorcycles on the road. This can lead to collisions that result in severe injury or death for the motorcyclist. Some common types of driver error that can lead to motorcycle accidents include:
- Failure to yield – Drivers may fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists and drive into them as a result.
- Following too closely – When drivers follow motorcycles too closely, they may not have enough time to react to sudden stops or changes in direction, which can lead to rear-end collisions.
- Distracted driving – Drivers distracted by their phones, passengers, or other activities may not see motorcycles on the road.
- Drowsy driving – Fatigue slows reaction time and increases the likelihood of a driver falling asleep at the wheel or taking a micro nap and hitting a nearby motorcycle.
- Drunk or drugged driving – Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol may have impaired judgment and slower reaction times, making them more likely to cause accidents with motorcycles nearby.
- Aggressive driving – Drivers might take out their frustration on a vulnerable target, such as a motorcycle rider.
- Speeding – When drivers exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for traffic or weather conditions, they may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision with a motorcycle.
- Opening car door – Drivers should check for approaching motorcycles before opening car doors on a parked vehicle.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by driver error, a qualified attorney can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in many injuries, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. Here are some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries:
- Road rash: This type of injury is caused by friction between the skin and the road surface. It can range from minor scrapes and bruises to severe and bloody abrasions.
- Broken bones: Motorcycle accidents can break bones, including those of the arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs. These
injuries can be serious and may require surgery to repair. - Head injuries: Head injuries can be some of the most severe injuries in a motorcycle accident. These injuries range from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries resulting in permanent disability or death.
- Spinal cord injuries: Motorcycle accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or other forms of permanent disability.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma to the body can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and other serious complications.
- Amputations: In severe cases, a motorcycle accident can result in amputation, either in the accident or as a surgical remedy for a crushed or partially amputated limb.
Motorcyclists are inherently more at risk for severe injury or death than people riding inside vehicles. Motorcycles are lighter, less stable, and lack a protective frame. Motorcycle riders can also be injured twice in one accident: upon impact with the vehicle and ejection onto the roadway.
Proving Driver Liability in a New York Motorcycle Crash
All licensed drivers in New York must know and follow the state’s
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driver’s manual rules. Some laws apply when
driving in New York City, and drivers must also know those laws. Drivers owe motorcyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers a duty of care. They must take reasonable measures to prevent causing an accident. When they fail to uphold this duty of care and accidental injuries and other losses result, a motorcycle accident lawyer with
Hach & Rose, LLP can work to hold them accountable. There are several types of documents and evidence that a qualified attorney can use to show liability, including:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Digital on-board information
- Photos or video from the accident scene
- Skid marks and debris
- Drug or alcohol test results
Compensation in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Through our nearly 25 years of legal practice,
Hach & Rose, LLP knows that motorcycle accident victims suffer serious injuries that cost tens of thousands of dollars in medical care. We’re prepared to pursue maximum compensation for all the ways that a careless driver harmed you, including:
- Medical treatment, now and in the future
- Lost pay
- Emotional distress
- Physical pain and suffering
- Property loss or damage
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
You could be entitled to compensation from the driver that caused the accident and your injuries. Here are steps you can take to help you achieve the best possible outcome:
- Follow your doctor’s advice for physical therapy, prescriptions, rest, and appointments, to avoid giving the insurance company an excuse to claim that you are not seriously injured.
- Keep all documents related to the crash and your injuries, including medical bills, hospital invoices, medication, and transportation to your doctor’s appointments and pharmacy.
- Avoid posting pictures and comments about the accident on social media.
- Talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer before you speak to the insurance agent or anyone else about the crash.
Get Help From Our New York Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
Driver’s error is often a factor in motorcycle accidents. A dedicated personal injury attorney with
Hach & Rose, LLP can help you seek compensation for your injuries after a crash that wasn’t your fault. Call
212-779-0057 today for a
consultation.