Motorcyclists are very vulnerable to accidents. Every now and then we hear news about them colliding with other cars or even fixed objects like trees, fences, guardrails, etc. It has been observed that motorcycle accidents are often more complicated compared to any car accident. One reason is that motorcycle accidents result in more severe injuries and secondly, in some situations when the other drivers, witnesses, police officers and even the courts are biased against a motorcyclist which may affect the outcome of your legal case.
A motorcycle offers less protection to its riders compared to other means of transport. Accidents caused when riding a motorcycle can cause spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputation or even death.
What are the causes of Motorcycle accident injuries?
- Speeding
Speeding is the main cause of motorcycle accidents. It can be either on the motorcyclist’s part or a car driver’s part. Due to the fast speed, the driver or the rider is unable to make sense of and react to the objects or obstacles ahead and is not able to prevent a collision.
- Stopping Suddenly
If a vehicle suddenly stops in front of a motorcyclist, the motorcyclist can lose their balance and fall off
- Unsafe Lane Changing
On failing to check their blind spot while changing lanes, a car driver can hit an unseen motorcyclist.
- Driving under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs
When a motorcyclist or a car driver drives under the influence of intoxicants like alcohol and drugs, their ability to operate the vehicle safely is impaired, hence an accident occurs.
- Dangerous Road Conditions
Motorcyclists are at greater risk due to poor road conditions. Many times in New York the drainage, potholes, poor signals & signs, debris on the road are the major concerns for motorcyclists. These road conditions might get unnoticed by car drivers but it is particularly hazardous to motorcycle riders.
It is particularly crucial for motorcycle accident victims to get in touch with a motorcycle accident lawyer, who has the experience and the knowledge to present their case in court. It has been observed that 80% of the multi-vehicle accidents involving a motorcyclist are not the fault of the motorcyclist, but still, motorcyclists are tagged as reckless and irresponsible. Hence, it becomes all the more important that you take the help of an accident lawyer who will fight and win your case and get you the compensation you deserve for the negligence of someone else.
What should you do after a Motorcycle Accident in New York?
No matter how careful you are and how protective your riding gear is, accidents happen. If you ride a motorcycle, there is a possibility that you might meet with an accident even without a fault of your own, but due to some other driver’s or rider’s mistake on the road.
Let us give you a few pointers on what to do god forbid you meet with an accident.
- Seek Out Medical Help
Immediately after an accident get yourself checked by a doctor
- Call the Police
In New York, after any accident or crash with injury, no injury or property loss, etc, must be reported within 10 days of the collision. A police report also helps in case the other driver later puts a claim that the accident was your fault.
- Document the scene
Whether the police respond or not, you should document the vehicle numbers, names and addresses of the driver at fault and also of the people who were present when the accident happened.
- Inform your Insurance Company
Your fault or someone else’s, a report with the insurance company is to be filed after an accident.
- Seek advice from a New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Most often in a car crash, the issue gets resolved by the drivers’ insurance adjusters, but in case of motorcycle accidents, both insurance companies and the drivers can have ‘motorcycle bias’. This bias means that everyone assumes that if you were on the motorcycle, it is your fault and the accident occurred due to your irresponsibility. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer like Siler & Ingber can help you fight this bias and ensure that you receive the compensation that you claim. We believe that every motorcycle rider has equal rights as of a car driver and they deserve to recover damages too in case of an accident due to the negligence of another party.
The Siler & Ingber team helps all their clients establish liability, evaluate the full case, prove the damages and then finally collect the highest possible settlement. We have been dealing with personal injury cases for a really long time. If you’ve been in a similar situation recently, contact us today for free consultation.