Common Causes of New York City Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle Crash Injury Lawyers Serving Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx
Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers when it comes to using New York City roads and highways, but far too often other motorists don’t give motorcycles the respect or space they deserve.
New York City intersections can be a particularly dangerous place for riders. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration figures show that about half of all motorcycle collisions nationwide occur at intersections — and an urban area like New York City is full of intersections.
One of the more common types of intersection accidents happens where another motorist makes a left turn immediately in front of a motorcyclist. Intersection wrecks are also common where a vehicle pulls out in front of an oncoming motorcycle from a side street, driveway or parking lot.
Other factors that frequently contribute to motorcycle accidents include:
- motorcycles’ narrow profile
- other drivers’ blind spots
- tailgating or “cutting off”
- speeding or other reckless driving
- distractions
- defective road conditions
- vehicle defects
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a New York motorcycle accident, protect your rights by calling the New York City motorcycle accident injury attorneys at David Resnick & Associates, PC. There is no obligation for the consultation, so call today at (212) 279-2000 or contact the firm through our online form.
Common Causes Of New York Motorcycle Accidents
In 2008 alone, motorcycles were involved in 2,387 fatal multi-vehicle accidents nationwide. In 41 percent of those wrecks, the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight or passing the other vehicle, according to NHTSA statistics. That means that motorcyclists are particularly prone to wrecks where another motorist abruptly turns in front of them.
Urban intersections with obstructed lines of sight pose another peril. Obstacles including buildings, parked vehicles and overgrown trees or bushes can prevent other motorists from seeing an oncoming motorcycle. Another danger zone is in New York City residential neighborhoods where cars frequently back out of driveways, alleys and parking lots.
A motorcycle collision can happen even on a straight road or street with no obstructions. Because motorcycles have a much narrower profile than other motor vehicles, they can be hard for other drivers to see — especially from head on.
NHTSA statistics show that 77 percent of fatal crashes involve an impact with the front of the motorcycle, while only 7 percent of fatalities resulted from a collision with the rear of a motorcycle.
Motorcycles’ small size also makes them more prone to blind spot collisions, particularly if the driver of the other vehicle fails to perform a “head check” before changing into the lane where a motorcycle is traveling. Their small size also allows motorcycles to stop more quickly, creating a collision risk when a vehicle with a longer stopping distance is following too closely.
Distracted driving is a factor for all drivers, but motorcycle riders face a unique threat because motorcycles are more likely to elude a distracted driver’s attention due to their small size and narrow profile.
In some instances, the root cause of a motorcycle accident might be the motorcycle itself. Either a manufacturing or design defect could lead to an accident, as could faulty maintenance or repairs.
Road conditions can also contribute to motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists face risks from New York City potholes, pavement irregularities, steep shoulder drop-offs, gaps between different road surfaces, puddles and road debris. If the road was to blame for an accident, the agency that maintains the roadway may be liable for a motorcycle crash.
Were You Hurt In A Motorcycle Accident? Call Our New York City Injury Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a motorcycle wreck and someone else was at fault, you could be entitled to compensation. The personal injury attorneys at David Resnick & Associates, PC, are skilled at evaluating traffic accident claims and have a track record of getting results for our clients.
Call our firm today at (212) 279-2000 or use our New York City, including the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, NY and Long Island.
