Motorcyclists Face Dangerous Roads
Motorcycle accidents can easily lead to serious injury or death, often times with riders and passengers sustaining injuries to their head, neck, arms, and legs. According to New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, during 2014, there were a total of 1,330 motorcycle crashes in New York City.
One reason why motorcyclists must be attentive is because it may be more difficult to see a motorcycle than a vehicle. At times motorcycles can be missed on the roadways because of another vehicle’s blind spot. Another cause for the serious nature of motorcycle injuries is that a motorcycle offers no protection as a vehicle would. When a motorcyclist is hit, his or her body is directly impacted by the other vehicle and pavement. A rider can easily be thrown off of a motorcycle because there is no roof and no sides, and no seatbelt safety devices either.
When riding a motorcycle, the driver is at the mercy of other vehicles on the road. If other drivers are not diligent in looking properly before changing lanes, or following a motorcycle too closely, riders are the ones to suffer serious personal injuries. An accident between a vehicle and a motorcycle can result in more damage to the bike because it is smaller and lighter.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Claims for motorcycles are treated differently than automobile claims under the law because New York No-Fault does not apply. A motorcyclist would not be entitled to medical expenses and lost wages as an automobile driver would be because of the No-Fault rules, but at the same time the “serious injury” threshold would not apply either. That translates to motorcyclists’ ability to bring minor claims against another driver that would not have passed the threshold under the No-Fault Law.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise you of your legal rights. The Law Offices of Levine & Slavit represent clients in motor vehicle and motorcycle cases and will fight for your right to compensation. Contact (888) LAW-8088 for a consultation today.
