More Motorcyclists, More Accidents in New York

Statistics in the 2011 Highway Safety Annual Report for New York State improved over years past, meeting some of the state’s safety goals. There were fewer fatalities for drivers under the age of 21 and the number of speeding-related fatalities fell. Other measures were not as positive. After a steady downward trend from 2006 to 2009, the number of fatal car crashes increased in 2010. Fatal motorcycle accidents went up from 155 in 2009 to 184 in 2010, and there were 400 additional motorcyclist injuries reported.

One factor to explain these disturbing numbers is that there was an 18 percent increase in registered motorcycles between 2006 and 2010. In a strained economy, some people are opting for motorcycles as a cheaper means of transportation. Unfortunately, many automobile and truck drivers still do not pay enough attention to motorcycles in traffic and often do not yield right-of-way at intersections. Drivers who are drunk or distracted by cell phones or other devices pose an additional threat to motorcyclists.

Accidents involving a motorcycle and car or truck generally do not end well for the motorcyclist. If you are injured because the driver of the other vehicle was negligent, distracted or careless, speak with a New York motorcycle accident attorney about your legal options for bringing an injury lawsuit and recovering damages.

In motorcycle accident cases, insurance companies often attempt to place the blame on the motorcyclist. Rich & Rich, P.C., will protect your legal rights and work to make sure you get the maximum compensation for your injuries.