There’s nothing quite like riding a motorcycle through New York City and feeling experiencing the exhilaration of all the sights, sounds, and smells of the city. However, there’s no denying that riding a motorcycle comes with its fair share of risks and that motorcycle accidents are all too common in NYC.
Here is some information about motorcycle accidents in NYC and how to be safer when you’re riding one or driving next to one in the future.
Prevalence of Motorcycle Accidents in the New York
According to the New York State Department of Health, about 166 people die annually from motorcycle crashes in our state. Approximately 1,600 New Yorkers go to an emergency room each year because of motorcycle crashes, and motorcyclists are about 37 times more likely to die in crashes than people in passenger cars. The biggest factor in motorcycle crashes in New York is unsafe driving speed.
In New York City, the fatal crash rate is about 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in the city. Other factors that put NYC motorcycles at a disproportionate risk of death is operating a motorcycle without being properly licensed to operate it and alcohol use.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Even if a motorcyclist is fortunate to survive a motor vehicle collision, he or she is likely to suffer very severe injuries. Road rash is very common after an accident, as well as broken bones, burns, and bodily disfigurement. Severe accidents can also cause spinal cord injuries, limb amputations, brain injuries, and paralysis.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek immediate treatment for your injuries, call the police, and call a local motorcycle accident attorney.
Common Types of Motorcycle Collisions
Motorcycle accidents in NYC are most common on weekends and during afternoons and evenings. Most crashes here take place on city streets and not highways. They also most often involve passenger cars, rather than cyclists or pedestrians.
Based upon motorcycle registrations, Brooklyn and the Bronx have the highest rates of motorcycle fatalities – 6.0 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively. The most commonly cited causes for motorcycle injury crashes in the city are overtaking, rear-ending, right angle movements, and left turns.
Safety Tips for Operating a Motorcycle
If you are a motorcycle rider, always wear the appropriate gear to prevent severe crash-related injuries, including a helmet, leather clothing, non-skid boots, and gloves. Follow all traffic rules, don’t weave in and out of lanes, be alert when you are riding, and never assume that other drivers can see you or are paying attention.
As the driver of a car, it is also your responsibility to be hyper-aware of motorcyclists in your vicinity. Practice the four-second rule, which means counting and leaving a four-second distance between your car and a motorcycle. Look carefully in all directions before turning, check blind spots frequently, and never cut off a motorcycle when you’re in a rush to get somewhere quickly.
Legal Help with Your NYC Motorcycle Accident
At the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum, our team of knowledgeable and experienced attorneys will help you get the justice you deserve after a motorcycle accident. We will provide you with a free legal consultation, and we are only paid if your case is successful. If we cannot get a satisfactory settlement with the insurance company, we are always prepared to take your case to trial.
Contact us or call us today at 718-237-5586 to discuss your potential case.
