New York Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Although they are the most fuel-efficient class of highway vehicles and can be enjoyable to ride, motorcycles are also the most hazardous of all motor vehicles. Motorcycles are substantially overrepresented in fatal car crashes in the United States, with the death rate per registered motorcycle more than three times that of registered passenger cars. The U.S. Department of Transportation reported nearly 80,000 motorcycle accidents on U.S. roadways in 2003. In New York State alone, there were 4,848 motorcycle accidents in 2001, and 145 of those resulted in fatalities. According to 2005 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,008 motorcycle occupants were killed on American roads in 2004, an 8% increase from 2003. During that same period, drivers of automobiles showed a 10% increase in fatalities, and motorcyclists showed an 8% increase in fatalities. Pedestrians also showed a 10% in fatalities. A total of 37,304 automobile occupants were killed on American roads in 2004. Additional data reveals that there are over 4 million motorcyclists registered in the United States, and motorcycle fatalities represent approximately 5% of all highway fatalities each year, even though motorcycles represent just 2% of all registered vehicles in the United States. One of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in crashes is because the motorcycle itself provides virtually no protection in a crash. For example, approximately 80% of reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death, yet the comparable figure for automobiles is about 20%.

A New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyer could help with:

Additional statistics:

1. Three quarters of motorcycle accidents involve a collision with another vehicle (most often a passenger automobile).
2. Mechanical failure accounts for 3% of motorcycle accidents and is most often due to a puncture or flat tire.
3. Animals are involved in 1% of motorcycle accidents.
4. Roadway defects are responsible for 2% of motorcycle accidents.
5. The majority of accidents are caused by the failure of other motorists to see motorcycles in traffic.
6. Intersections are the most common place for a motorcycle accident.
7. Weather is a factor in 2% of motorcycle accidents.
8. Over 50% of motorcycle accidents result in fuel system leaks and spills that create a fire hazard.
9. The average speed of a motorcycle involve in an accident is less than 30 miles per hour.

Motorcycle Accident Faqs

Compared with car drivers, motorcyclists are more susceptible to serious injuries caused by other drivers, defective roadway design, harsh weather conditions and product defects. Unfortunately, there are other causes too, such as losing control, bad driver behavior and motorists who fall asleep or are under the influence of alcohol, medication or a controlled substance. No two motorcycle accidents are alike. Statistics show that generally a combination of factors cause motorcycle accidents.

Injuries commonly caused by motorcycle accidents include:

1. Head injury (this risk is substantially reduced by wearing properly fitting, standards-approved head protection)
2. Spinal injury
3. Concussion
4. Fractured hip
5. Amputation or dismemberment
6. Road rash (this can be minimized through the proper use of motorcycle-specific protective apparel, such as a leather jacket or reinforced denim and textile pants)
7. Paralysis
8. Biker’s arm (where nerves in the upper arm are damaged during a fall, causing a permanent paralysis of arm movement)
9. Brain damage
10. Broken bones (most common being shoulders and pelvis)
11. Burns and scars
12. Eye injuries or blindness
13. Facial disfigurement (full-face helmet decreases the potential for facial injuries)
14. Death

Are you seeking a New York Motorcycle Accident Attorney? Contact our New York Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today!

As a claims representative from a major U.S. insurance company once said, when you ride, the question is not whether you will have an accident, but when and how bad. We are available to talk to you about your claim and insurance coverage questions. You need to talk with an experienced lawyer who can guide you with proper counseling and advice to get the answers you need.

Motorcycle accidents lead to many serious musculoskeletal injuries, fractures, spinal cord injuries, head traumas and fatalities each year. Motorcyclists are at a greater risk of injuries than most other motorists because they are not as well protected. Many accidents involve cars making a left turn directly in front of the bike, being run off the road, especially on curves, being side-swiped, struck from behind, head-on collisions and alcohol-related incidents. We will be able to help assess your injuries and determine whether you have a substantial and viable claim on which you should move forward. A personal injury lawyer may try to convince you he or she is a motorcycle accident lawyer, but a motorcycle accident is not like any other motor vehicle accident. The stress on your body from trying to avoid an accident or trying to keep the bike upright can itself cause stress and damage to ligaments, tendons and other soft tissue. Even if another vehicle is not involved, the damage you sustain from a minor incident can be very serious. It is important to get immediate medical attention. We know it is also important to secure medical coverage in such situations. We can help you find that coverage if it exists in your situation. This is one of the many reasons why many motorcyclists consult and retain us for their case.

Are you seeking a New York Motorcycle Accident Attorney? Contact our New York Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today!

The State of New York, ranked sixth among states in the number of licensed motorcyclists and registered motorcycles, now offers Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider courses in at least 24 training sites to ensure that motorcyclists have the knowledge and skills to operate a motorcycle safely and to properly protect themselves on the road.  In the United States, the primary overseer of motorcycle safety training is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, which operates over 1,500 RiderCourse sites in the United States.

To protect yourself from being involved in a accident, you should be sure to get professional training in riding, secure proper licensing, use helmets that meet Department of Transportation safety standards, properly maintain your bike, avoid sharing a lane with a driver who may not become aware of your presence, wear protective clothing, and make sure your attire is made of abrasion-resistant material. We know that all drivers are required to carry liability insurance, personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage. Your ability to recover will depend on the causes and severity of the injury, as well as your compliance with the law and other safety precautions. Every motorcycle enthusiast should know several key safety factors that will help him or her when riding a motorcycle. First, one should always wear safety equipment, including a helmet. Second, do not ride in hazardous weather or road conditions. You may be an excellent driver, but others are not—do not put your life in the hands of other drivers. Third, never ride carelessly or perform tricks or stunts.

Are you seeking a New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyer? Contact our New York Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today!

Motorcycle accidents involve specific areas of insurance and state laws and regulations, so it is crucial that you contact an experienced and knowledgeable motorcycle lawyer as soon after an accident as possible. We will fight vigorously for full compensation for your injuries and will assure that you receive proper medical care and treatment. At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will aggressively defend your rights as a motorcyclist and will seek full compensation for your injuries and damage to your property.

Whether your accident was caused by possible defect part or repairs, road conditions, or even another vehicle, you need a qualified and experienced motorcycle accident attorney to help with your legal matters. If you think your motorcycle accident was due to defective parts or workmanship, you should consult a motorcycle lawyer to determine whether or not you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and the repair of your motorcycle. If you are not sure who might be at fault for the accident, you should contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer now to review your case.

Are you seeking a New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyer? Contact our New York Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today!

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Michael Gunzburg is a New York Motorcyle Accident Attorney serving the New York Metropolitan area, including New York City, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland and Orange County.