Everyone knows how dangerous it is to ride a motorcycle, not because it’s difficult, but because of their lack of protection when they get into an accident.
While motorcyclists understand and accept the risk of riding a motorbike, they should not bear all the responsibility when they are impacted by a negligent driver who does not follow the traffic rules.
It’s a fact that a Westchester motorcycle accident may bring substantial physical harm to the rider.
Besides that, they will need to face mounting medical bills and may spend months without working due to their medical condition, which means losing a lot of income they otherwise enjoy.
If you or a family member gets injured in these accidents, you will need a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you get fair compensation for your damages.
An accident occurs when people don't follow the law or take precautions when the weather is against them.
If your accident occurred because someone did not do something as they were supposed to, you may be entitled to seek fair compensation.
It is not fair that you have to pay for all of your damages when you were not the one who caused the accident. The Ward Law Group can assist you by providing high-level legal representation from one of our motorcycle accident attorneys.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Westchester
Motorcycle accidents can occur in various scenarios, each presenting unique challenges for those involved. Understanding the different types of accidents is crucial in determining liability and seeking appropriate compensation for your injuries.
Besides, being aware of the different types of motorcycle accidents may grant you an extra layer of precaution. Here are some common types of motorcycle accidents in Westchester:
Single-Vehicle Accidents:
These accidents involve only motorcycles and no other vehicles. They can be caused by road hazards, adverse weather conditions, or mechanical failures.
For instance, if a rider encounters an unexpected pothole or spills oil on a slippery road, it can lead to a single-vehicle accident.
Rear-End Collisions:
A rear-end collision occurs when a vehicle strikes the back of a motorcycle. This type of accident often takes place at traffic signals or stop signs. Drivers failing to maintain a safe following distance or becoming distracted can lead to these collisions.
In such cases, the vehicle driver that rear-ends the motorcycle is typically considered at fault.
Left Turn Accidents:
Left-turn accidents happen when a motorcyclist is struck by a vehicle making a left turn at an intersection. This is a critical scenario in which the right-of-way usually favors motorcyclists.
A collision can occur if the driver of the turning vehicle fails to yield or misjudges the motorcycle's speed.
Intersection Collisions:
Intersection accidents, which occur when a motorcycle and another vehicle collide in an intersection, can be hazardous for motorcyclists.
Failure to obey traffic signals, running red lights, or not yielding the right of way may contribute to these accidents.
High-Speed Crashes:
High-speed crashes involve excessive velocities and can result in severe injuries or fatalities. Accidents happen on highways where fast speeds make it important for drivers to be careful and follow traffic laws.
Reckless driving, impaired judgment, or distracted driving can contribute to high-speed motorcycle accidents.
Lane-Splitting Accidents:
Lane-splitting refers to a motorcycle traveling between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. While legal in some states, it can be a hazardous practice if not executed safely.
Accidents may occur if drivers fail to notice the motorcycle or make abrupt lane changes without checking for approaching motorcycles.
In any accident, like in previous examples, you will need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident to back you up and recover fair compensation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
When discussing the causes of traffic accidents, discussing distracted driving is a must. Distractions are the leading cause of accidents that generate fatalities and serious injuries.
Being on the phone, whether scrolling through social media, sending a text message, or talking to someone else, is a distraction that can prevent you from maneuvering safely and may cause you to collide with other motor vehicles.
Motorcyclists must adhere strictly to traffic laws to avoid injury in an accident, as they are required to use both hands in their maneuvers.
Some motorcyclists use headphones with loud music that prevents them from hearing their surroundings and being aware of any incoming danger on the road.
Impaired drivers are another danger on the road. You may find them in different types of vehicles, so if you are a motorcyclist, you must pay attention to how they perform to detect a drunk driver. They may be speeding, changing lanes abruptly, or engaging in other reckless driving.
Another factor that causes accidents in general is the road's conditions. There might be holes, or the weather creates a slippery road hazard.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Due to the lack of protective barriers for riders, motorcycle accidents can result in a range of injuries, often more severe than those in car accidents. Here are some of the most frequent injuries a motorcyclist may sustain in an accident.
A road rash occurs when a motorcyclist's skin contacts the road surface during a crash. This friction can cause abrasions, lacerations, and sometimes deeper wounds.
Even wearing protective gear, riders can still suffer from road rash, particularly in high-speed accidents. Riders must seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection and ensure proper wound care.
The impact of a motorcycle accident can lead to fractures and breaks in various bones. Commonly affected areas include the arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones. These injuries can be painful and require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, immobilization, and rehabilitation.
Head injuries are a significant concern in motorcycle accidents, even when helmets are worn. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures are possible outcomes.
Wearing a certified and properly fitted helmet can greatly reduce the risk of severe head injuries but does not eliminate it.
Severe accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or loss of motor function. These injuries have life-altering consequences, requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and often adaptive equipment or modifications to the living environment.
Internal injuries are not always immediately visible, making them particularly dangerous. They can include injuries to organs like the liver, kidneys, or spleen and internal bleeding.
Prompt medical evaluation is crucial to diagnose and treat these injuries before they become life-threatening.
In addition to road rash, motorcyclists can experience soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and contusions. These injuries can be painful and limit mobility, requiring medical attention and sometimes physical therapy for recovery.
Motorcycle accidents can have lasting psychological effects on riders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These emotional injuries can be just as significant as physical injuries and may require therapy or counseling for recovery.
Legal Rights for Motorcycle Accident Victims
When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident caused by a negligent party and sustains serious injuries, they have a legal right to pursue compensation for their losses.
Victims of motorcycle accidents can pursue compensation for all medical expenses related to their injuries. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary long-term care.
It is due to keeping detailed records of all medical expenses incurred due to the accident.
Severe injuries from a motorcycle accident can lead to time off work for recovery and, in some cases, permanent disability that affects future earning capacity.
Victims can seek compensation for lost wages and potential future earnings. This can include the lost income for repairing or replacement and an estimation of future income that would have been earned if not for the accident.
Motorcycle riders can seek compensation for repairing or replacing their damaged motorcycle and any other property injured in the accident. This can include protective gear, helmets, and any personal belongings that were lost or damaged.
Victims of motorcycle accidents can pursue compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering caused by their injuries. This encompasses the immediate pain and discomfort and any long-term pain, disability, or emotional distress resulting from the accident.
In including severe injuries, victims may require ongoing rehabilitation and therapy to regain functionality and improve their quality of life. Compensation can be sought for these necessary medical services, fair physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling.
Contact a Westchester Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The Ward Law Group understands the pain and stress you may be dealing with, and we want to support you in your case. It is unfair that you have to pay for all the damages you received when the accident was not your fault.
You are entitled to seek rightful compensation, and we are experts. Rely on our expertise and high ethics to bring justice to you and your family. No one is above the law, and we can help you get covered.
Proudly serving the Hispanic community, we have won multi-million dollar settlements for our clients. We have been successful for over 12 years, and we are more than prepared to help you. Call us at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation about your case.