New York Motorcycle Accident
Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience. Unfortunately, when a motorcyclist collides with a passenger vehicle or commercial vehicle, the injuries sustained by the motorcyclist can be extremely serious. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, a Kingston motorcycle accident lawyer from Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP can help you. With decades of experience, our firm has the experience and resources to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. With two office locations in Ulster County, our firm has assisted clients throughout the Hudson Valley, Ulster County, Kingston, Marlboro, Long Island, the Catskills, and throughout New York.
Motorcycle Safety and Accidents
Motorcycles are a convenient and economical way to travel. However, sharing the road with much larger and heavier commercial and passenger vehicles exposes the motorcyclist to greater danger than if one were riding in a vehicle. Motorcycle safety equipment and protective clothing, including helmets, helps a motorcyclist to avoid or minimize injuries. In New York, motorcyclists are required by law to wear USDOT approved motorcycle helmets. Yet even if a motorcyclist abides by all laws and wears the required and recommended safety equipment, accidents can happen.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Head-on collisions.
- Cars making left-hand turns. Left-hand turns present a uniquely dangerous situation for motorcycles because a car making a left turn might not see the motorcyclist who is going straight through the intersection. In other cases, the motorcyclist might be passing the car or trying to get in front of the car.
- Lane splitting. Although strictly prohibited by New York Law, lane splitting occurs when motorcyclists ride between the lanes of cars. This can cause accidents because the motorcyclist is very close to other moving vehicles, and the other drivers fail to expect or acknowledge the moving motorcyclist beside them.
- Alcohol and drug use.
- Colliding with a road barrier or other object. Unlike riding in a passenger vehicle, motorcyclists are more likely to by thrown from their bike and sustain serious injuries when colliding with an object, such as a light pole.
Contact An Experienced New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Only an experienced motorcycle accident lawyers can advise you on your rights after your motorcycle accident. If you have been injured, you could be entitled to recover damages for costs and expenses relating to your injuries and medical bills as well as lost income. At Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP, we offer free consultations with an attorney to discuss your case. For your convenience, we are available nights and weekends and will make home or hospital visits. Contact us today!
