For some motorcyclists, riding is an exhilarating hobby. For others, it’s a way to save on fuel and parking expenses. Still others ride to escape the daily grind; instead of racing down the highway, they’re content cruising along the coast and taking in the sights.
Regardless of their reason for riding, motorcyclists are always at risk of serious injuries and even death. In New York alone, roughly 141 people die in motorcycle accidents annually. Additionally, more than 1,500 riders are hospitalized every year for injuries sustained in collisions.
Motorcyclists who manage to survive wrecks are incredibly lucky; however, depending on the injuries they sustain, they may never be the same. Forceful impacts can have devastating consequences including limb loss and permanent disability.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident due to a reckless or distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for damages like medical bills, loss of earning capacity, and emotional distress. To determine if you have grounds for a claim, turn to The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny.
Richard M. Kenny is a battle-tested personal injury attorney who has won more than 150 verdicts. Call 212-421-0300 to schedule a free case evaluation with this seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer in New York City.
Let’s explore some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes so you can take steps to avoid them in the future:
- Drunk Driving
Maneuvering a motorcycle through traffic demands focus and coordination, both of which can be impaired by drugs and alcohol. Sadly, this does not stop people all over the country from drinking and then riding. In fact, riding while impaired seems to be more common than drunk driving, and it leads to more wrecks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 27 percent of riders involved in fatal collisions in 2015 were impaired, compared to 21 percent of passenger-vehicle motorists and 2 percent of truckers.
- Left-Turning Cars
Motorcycle accidents are common at intersections since drivers often forget to keep an eye out for riders. Cars turning left are especially dangerous because riders can end up crashing into them head-on at full speed.
You can avoid such collisions by slowing down at intersections and scanning your surroundings before proceeding. Always ride defensively, and never assume a driver has seen you. Additionally, pay attention to the direction a car’s wheels are turned as opposed to its blinkers since turn signals can be unreliable.
- Speeding
Riders who are racing down the road are more likely to lose control of their bikes. All it takes is a small patch of sand or a shallow pothole to cause a devastating wreck.
Passenger-vehicle motorists who are speeding also pose a serious risk to riders. Should they come across a motorcyclist—who is much more likely to appear “out of nowhere” than a car, truck, or SUV—they may be unable to respond in time to prevent a collision.
Discuss Your Case with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in New York City
If you sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, contact The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny. Our compassionate and strategic legal team has more than 100 combined years of experience representing clients just like you. Call 212-421-0300 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in New York City.
