It is a great experience to drive a motorcycle, feeling the freedom and the air hitting your face while feeling the adrenaline of your ride. Many people enjoy a road trip on their motorbikes 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 things can go wrong while riding your favorite motorcycle. You must be very careful and always drive defensively. Motorcycle riders are 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 riding a high-cylinder motorbike, the air plays a crucial part. Sometimes, your motorcycle handlebar will tremble because the air hits the front wheel directly, which 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 hit by extreme rain, snow, or wind.
Motorcycle wheels can slip and cause the rider to lose control of their vehicle.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions can be seen when traffic is stopped. 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 wear reflective clothes to make them more visible to other drivers on the road. Sometimes, intersections can be the scene of motorcycle accidents in Yonkers.
All motor vehicle drivers must 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, known as "filtering" or "white-lining" crashes, typically occur when motorcyclists ride their motorcycles between slow-moving or stopped traffic lanes. 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 prohibited because of its risks. It can cause multiple accidents and put their lives at risk and others.
Accidents Caused by Vehicle Defects
A motor vehicle malfunction can cause an accident. This malfunction can be due to a lack of proper maintenance by the vehicle owner or a manufacturer defect.
An investigation must determine what happened and how it contributed to the accident. After that, a lawyer for your motorcycle accident can determine who was liable for it.
High-Speed Accidents
As always, speed is crucial; riding a motorbike at high speed in the city can be deadly. 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 one thing in common: they always happen because of recklessness and not following transit laws.
There are some cases when the roads and weather conditions can also be a factor. 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, other accidents 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, getting checked out by a doctor as soon as possible is important. 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, 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 your deserved compensation.
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 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, meaning people must seek compensation from their car insurance after an accident. However, most people only have basic coverage to receive compensation. 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 occur in a transit accident, your PIP (Personal injury protection) coverage may not be sufficient to cover all your expenses. Then, you, as a victim, can seek extra compensation from the at-fault insurance company, which will do the 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 our best motorcycle accident lawyer from The Ward Law Group.
They can fight for you, run a thorough investigation to build a strong motorcycle accident 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 require all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets, which 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 motorcycle accident lawyer in Yonkers 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 your percentage of fault will reduce the amount you receive.
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.
Compensation You Can Get For Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
After these types of accidents, chances are that victims are experiencing excruciating pain and mounting debt for medical care. Hiring a lawyer to represent you when filing a personal injury claim is best.
You can ask for compensation for your medical expenses, past and future medical treatment, and if you need to modify your home for your comfort while recovering. If there is a wrongful death as a result of a motorcycle accident, the family members should obtain rightful compensation for their loss.
You may need monetary compensation for your damaged vehicle; your lawyer can add that expense to your claim.
There is another type of compensation known as non-economic compensation, which considers intangible damages such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of bodily function, among others.
Contact a Yonkers Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
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 they always try to save money instead of giving you what they promised.
We are here to protect your rights and negotiate the compensation you deserve. It is unfair that you deal with the consequences of a negligent party's non-compliance with the rules. We are your legal representation.
In the past 12 years, we at The Ward Law Group have helped thousands of people 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.