Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles are one of the more energy-efficient methods of transportation and they can also be a lot easier to park than a standard motor vehicle. Unfortunately, motorcycle operators and passengers are at significantly higher risk for injury and death if they are involved in an accident. I have seen some devastating injuries as a result of motorcycle accidents and in those cases, my goal is to ensure that victims are compensated for their injuries.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

During 2013, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reported there were nearly 5,000 accidents involving motorcycles on New York roadways. The causes of motorcycle accidents, like those of auto accidents are varied and can involve other motorcycles, automobiles and pedestrians. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:

• Driver Errors – Failure to yield the right of way is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents accounting for nearly 900 accidents. Other significant causes include involve distracted driving and traveling at unsafe speeds.
• Vehicle Issues – More than 200 accidents involved vehicular factors such as defective brakes or tire failure. In more than one-half of these accidents, the problem with the vehicle was unidentified.
• Environmental Issues – Animals are the leading cause of the more than 800 motorcycle accidents that involved environmental factors. Defective roadways and slippery pavements combined account for nearly 200 motorcycle accidents.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Slightly more than 2,000 motorcycle accidents involved only one vehicle while nearly 3,000 involved two vehicles and slightly more than 200 involved more than three vehicles. There were a total of 164 fatalities on New York roadways of which 157 were motorcycle operators. Five pedestrians also lost their lives as a result of a motorcycle accident.

Injuries varied among victims including nearly 1,000 that were considered serious, nearly 1,400 considered moderate and nearly 1,800 that were considered minor. In addition, almost 700 accidents resulted in property damage.  If you have had your property damaged or you were one of the thousands injured in motorcycle accident, a lawyer can help you recover financially from your losses.

Determining Who Bears Responsibility

Proving fault is the cornerstone of personal injury lawsuits. Since those involved in an accident will be required to file a police report, your lawyer will review the reports, your medical reports and speak to witnesses who may have seen the accident or know about the road conditions that may have caused the accident.  Since New York has a no-fault insurance plan, we can often help you file the necessary paperwork, due within 30 days of an accident to recover immediate medical costs and lost wages.

It is also important to note that New York has a shared responsibility clause that means that if you are found partially responsible for an accident, any award lawyer may secure on your behalf may be reduced by a percentage if you are found to be partially responsible. An example of this is if you are the motorcycle operator and you fail to use a signal and are struck by a vehicle, you may be found to be 10 percent responsible. Therefore, an award of $100,000 would be reduced to $90,000.

There are some significant injuries that victims can suffer after a motorcycle accident. I have seen victims with broken bones, traumatic brain injuries and crushing injuries. Unfortunately, I have also worked with the families of victims who have lost their lives. When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, the first thing you should do is make sure you get immediate medical attention. Once you have done that, contact Ivan M. Diamond at 877-960-1702 for a free consultation. My job is to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve including payment of your medical bills, reimbursement for lost wages and in some cases, for pain and suffering. Motorcycle accident victims often suffer far more serious injuries than those who are injured in a car accident, call me for help; I am committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.