It is a great experience to drive a motorcycle and feel the freedom and the air hitting your face while feeling the adrenaline of your ride. Many people enjoy a road trip on their motorbike even though they are conscious of the potential risks that motorcycle accidents in Yonkers can bring.
When a person gets injured while riding their bike by another driver who acted negligently, they can face significant challenges, such as extreme pain, potential long-term consequences, financial struggles, and psychological damage.
A Yonkers motorcycle accident lawyer is the professional you may want to keep nearby when these incidents happen. You may be confused and overwhelmed by the pain of your injuries and knowing that your family needs to be fed and you are their main provider.
With the help of a legal professional, you can fight against the negligent party who caused your accident and ask for fair compensation. You have some options, but you have to follow some steps first, and a motorcycle accident lawyer can do those on your behalf while you rest and heal.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Yonkers
Many ways can go wrong while riding your favorite motorcycle. You must be very careful and always drive defensively. A motorcycle rider is at a disadvantage when it comes to traffic accidents. Let’s review some types of motorcycle accidents in Yonkers.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
A rider can lose control of their vehicle for several reasons. Speed is the main factor. When you are riding a high-cylinder motorbike, the air plays a crucial part, sometimes, your motorcycle handlebar will tremble because of the air that is hitting directly the front wheel, and that can cause you to fall from it.
That is known as a single-vehicle accident when the rider falls from the motorbike without the actions of another vehicle and crashes. It can also happen when the weather conditions are hitting with extreme rain, snow, or wind.
Motorbike wheels can slip and make the rider lose control of their vehicle.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions can be seen when there is stopped traffic. A motorbike rider may be waiting for the green light and may receive an impact on their behinds due to a distracted driver, or it also could be a mechanical failure on their brakes.
Intersection Accidents
It is widely recommended that motorbike riders use reflective clothes to make them more visible to other drivers on the road. Sometimes intersections can be the scenario for motorcycle accidents in Yonkers.
It is vital that all motor vehicle drivers respect transit signs and follow the rules to avoid accidents. Many times riders could run over a red light, thinking that they’re going to make it to the other side, and suddenly a vehicle from another direction hit them, causing a devastating accident.
Lane-Splitting Crashes
Lane-splitting crashes, also known as "filtering" or "white-lining" crashes, typically occur when a motorcyclist rides their motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. This maneuver is common in some regions, where it is legal and socially accepted. However, it can lead to accidents in certain situations.
In Yonkers, New York, lane-splitting is a prohibited maneuver because of its risks. It can cause multiple accidents and put their lives at risk and others.
Accidents Caused by Vehicle Defects
It is possible that an accident can be caused by the malfunctioning of a motor vehicle. This malfunction can be due to a lack of proper maintenance by the vehicle owner, or it can be a manufacturer defect.
There must be an investigation in order to determine what exactly happened and how it contributed to the accident. After that, a lawyer can determine who was liable for it.
High-Speed Accidents
As always, speed is a crucial factor; it can be deadly to ride a motorbike at high speed in the city. There are too many obstacles and too many people that can be victims of a run-over. It is simply not recommended to drive recklessly.
The higher the speed that the rider is going, the higher the chances they can get serious injuries or even find themselves in a fatal accident where they can lose their lives.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are like any other type of accident. They have that in common, the reason why it always happens is because of being reckless and not following transit laws.
There are some cases when the roads and weather conditions can be a factor too. However, drivers always have to take precautions to keep themselves safe. Here’s a list of Yonkers's most common causes of motorcycle accidents.
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding and Reckless Driving
- Driver Impairment (Alcohol/Drugs)
- Poor Road Conditions
- Weather-Related Factors
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
The injuries usually seen in motorcycle accidents may vary depending on the severity of it. When there is a high deceleration impact, most likely, the rider will unfortunately die at the scene.
However, there are other accidents that can be considered mild accidents that can still harm you but not put your life in danger. A list of the most common injuries found in a motorcycle accident is presented now:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Dismemberments
- Road Rash and Skin Abrasions
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Internal Organ Damages
Immediate Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Yonkers, it is important to take the following immediate steps:
- Seek urgent medical care. Even if you do not feel injured, it is important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Motorcycle accidents can cause injuries that are not immediately apparent, such as internal bleeding or head injuries.
- Report the accident to the authorities. Call the police and file a report of the accident. This will create a record of what happened and can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit later.
- Document the accident scene. Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to your motorcycle and any other vehicles involved. You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Contact a Yonkers motorcycle accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind after a motorcycle accident:
- Do not admit fault. Even if you believe you were at fault for the accident, it is important not to admit this to anyone, including the police or the other driver's insurance company.
- Do not sign anything. Do not sign any documents without first talking to your lawyer. This includes medical releases, accident reports, and settlement offers.
- Keep track of your expenses. Keep track of all of your expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. This information will be important when you file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Following these steps can help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced Yonkers motorcycle accident lawyer today.
Legal Rights of Motorcycle Accident Victims
New York is a “No-Fault” state, which means that after an accident, people must seek compensation from their car insurance. However, most people have only the basic coverage for receiving compensation, and on top of that, insurance companies often refuse to pay their coverage, saying that you didn’t follow some of their rules or that your injuries are not too expensive.
When serious injuries are met in a transit accident, your PIP (Personal injury protection) coverage may not be sufficient to pay for all your expenses, and then you as a victim can seek extra compensation from the at-fault insurance company that will do the exact same as your insurer.
If no settlement can be agreed, you are entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. We always recommend getting help from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from The Ward Law Group.
They will be able to fight for you, run a thorough investigation to build a strong case, negotiate fair compensation, and represent you in court if necessary.
New York State Helmet Laws
In New York, safety should always be a top priority for motorcyclists. Helmet laws in New York require all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets. These helmets must meet specific safety standards set by the Department of Transportation.
Compliance with these laws is essential for personal safety, and failure to wear an approved helmet can impact your legal rights in the event of an accident.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident and are not wearing an approved helmet, it could affect your ability to seek compensation for injuries, particularly if the lack of a helmet contributed to the severity of your injuries.
It's essential to consult with an experienced Yonkers motorcycle accident lawyer who can provide guidance based on your unique circumstances.
Comparative Negligence Rules in New York
New York follows a comparative negligence system when determining liability in personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents. This means the court will consider the percentage of fault assigned to each party involved in the accident.
Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages, but the amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Understanding the nuances of comparative negligence is vital when pursuing a motorcycle accident claim. A skilled Yonkers motorcycle accident lawyer can assess the circumstances of your case, gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation, even in cases where partial fault is assigned.
Motorcycle Accidents Lawyers For You
It is possible that if you got involved in a motorcycle accident, you are now struggling with a lot of pain, stress, and a huge financial burden because we all know that medical care in New York is not cheap.
We understand your frustration with dealing with insurance companies that, at the end of the day, they are always trying to save money instead of giving you what they promised.
We are here to protect your rights and negotiate the compensation you deserve because it is not fair that you deal with the consequences of a negligent party who was not following the rules.
At The Ward Law Group P.L., we have helped thousands of people in the past 12 years to recover from their damages.
We have built a reputation of success and respect by following high ethical standards and delivering high-level representation in court for our clients.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Call us at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation on your case.