Riding a motorcycle is more than just an exhilarating mode of transportation; for many, it is a way of life. The freedom of the open road, the camaraderie, and the rush of adrenaline are just some of the reasons why bikers enjoy the motorcycle lifestyle.
However, riding motorcycles does carry certain inherent risks. While every motor vehicle has the potential to be involved in a serious wreck, motorcycles are the deadliest method of transportation in the U.S. today. Cars are the second most dangerous form of transportation, but a motorcyclist is 27 times more likely to die in a crash than someone in a passenger vehicle, due to the obvious lack of safety features such as a steel frame or air bag.
The experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at O’Connor & Partners, PLLC have built a reputation for excellence in New York’s motorcycle community. We have a proven history of success helping injured bikers recover the justice and compensation they need to move forward after an accident.
The Most Common Type of Motorcycle Accident
The most common type of motorcycle accident occurs when a vehicle makes a left-hand turn in front of a motorcycle. Accounting for 42% of all wrecks involving motorcycles and other vehicles, this is the single most dangerous situation a biker can encounter. In these types of collisions, the turning vehicle strikes the motorcycle as it:
- Passes the vehicle
- Goes straight through the intersection
- Tries to overtake the vehicle
These accidents are also common among all types of vehicles, but because of the size and lack of protection for motorcycles, these wrecks are much more dangerous for motorcyclists.
Common Causes Motorcycle Accidents
In additions to accidents caused by cars making left-hand turns, other common causes of motorcycle wrecks include:
- Inexperience: Ideally, motorcyclists should spend dozens of hours in training to learn how to operate a motorcycle, gauge conditions, and respond to situations. However, all too often, riders hit the road before they are ready, and their inexperience can lead to serious wrecks.
- Riding under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and motor skills. Operating a motorcycle requires razor-sharp reflexes and the ability to make sound, split-second decisions. Nearly 40 percent of all single-vehicle motorcycle crashes involve alcohol. Twenty-six percent of multi-vehicle crash fatalities involve motorcyclists who were over the legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
- Speeding: A leading cause of all motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle crashes, speeding reduces your ability to see and react to other vehicles on the road in time to prevent a wreck. The faster a biker rides, the greater the impact and the more severe the consequences.
- Turning corners: Whether due to a patch of sand, water, leaves, or gravel, corners can be dangerous for those riding motorcycles. Once the front tire hits an unexpected material, a rider can lose traction, and ultimately, control of the bike. It’s also common for motorcyclists to misjudge how tight a corner is, and take the turn too fast.
- Failure of other drivers to see motorcycles on the road: Due to a motorcycle’s small size, drivers often fail to see them on the road. Whether the result of road glare, obstructions, or simply not paying attention, wrecks caused by drivers not seeing bikers are tragically common. Even the safest, most skilled riders can’t avoid a wreck if other vehicles don’t see them.
The Most Fatal Motorcycle Accidents: Head-On Collisions
Wrecks that involve a motorcycle and another vehicle account for 56% of fatalities from motorcycle accidents. Of these deaths, 78% occurred from vehicles striking motorcycles head-on. Due to the nature of these types of crashes, head-on collisions are the most fatal of all motorcycle wrecks.
In addition to life-ending injuries, head-on collisions can result in a number of severe, life-altering injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Traumatic amputation
- Broken bones and fractures
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, your first step toward compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses begins with an initial consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. During your complimentary case evaluation at O’Connor & Partners, PLLC, we will listen to your story, assess the merits of your claim, and explain your rights and legal options.
Contact a Kingston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. You may be facing high medical bills, debilitating pain, and time away from work you can’t afford.
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, it is important to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
Call O’Connor & Partners, PLLC at (845) 303-8777 today for a free consultation. Our motorcycle accident lawyers serve Kingston, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and other areas of New York.