Motorcycle Accident Information & Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In New-york

Laws governing the riding of a motorcycle vary from state to state. All of these laws are an attempt to stem the rising number of motorcycle accidents that occur every year in America. In New York all riders and passengers on two and three wheeled vehicles must wear a state approved safety helmet with some type of reflector on it. Eye protection must be worn by all riders and a headlight must be on at all times. All those wishing to drive a motorcycle must be licensed by the state. In order to acquire your license, you must go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and apply for a permit. To receive the permit, you must pass a written knowledge test covering rules of the road. To get your final endorsement or license you may then either pass the road skills test or provide the DMV with a completion certificate from a rider safety course (the DMV can waive the road skills test at their discretion).

The number of motorcycle accidents in America has increased every year for the past nine years. In 2005 there were 4,576 motorcycle accidents that ended in fatality. In 2006 there were 4,810 fatal motorcycle accidents. These numbers represented 10.5 percent (2005) and 11.3 percent (2006) of the total number of deaths on the roads. New York numbers sit on the high end of these statistics. In 2005 there were 162 motorcycle related deaths and in 2005 192 deaths occurred. These numbers represent 11.3 percent and 13.2 percent of the total.

Out of every four accidents, three of them involve at least one other vehicle. Most often these are passenger vehicles. In most of these accidents, the driver of the other vehicle claims not to have seen the rider or not to have seen the rider soon enough to avoid colliding with them. Motorcycles are harder to see than other vehicles on the road. That is why bikers must be constantly aware of the road and other drivers around them. The most dangerous place for a motorcycle rider is at an intersection. If another driver does not see the motorcycle, then they will most likely violate the rider’s right-of-way and cause a collision. It is important to note that 98 percent of the riders involved in this type of collision sustain some type of injury.

96 percent of the riders in the other one out of four accidents are likely to sustain injury as well. This other portion of the accidents involves only the motorcycle and no other vehicle at the initial point of the accident. A large number of these occur when an inexperienced or under trained rider enters a curve at too great a rate of speed. It becomes very possible to slide out or under steer the corner. In both of these, the outcome will be similar. The rider may lose control of the bike and end up in a lane of oncoming traffic or leave the roadway. The severity of the injuries will vary according to the actual rate of speed. 92 percent of riders that are in an accident have either taught themselves to ride or have been taught by family and friends.

There are a large number of other variables that can be a factor in motorcycle accidents. About three percent are caused by hazards in the road, such as animals and potholes. Another three percent can be attributed to vehicle failure, such as a flat tire or stalled engine, and can be linked back to poor motorcycle maintenance. Only about two percent of the accidents involve weather as a factor. Unfortunately, over fifty percent of the motorcycle accidents in America still involve alcohol use.

Thank you for choosing Lawcore.com!

Lawcore.com Home | Contact Lawcore.com | Advertise Your Firm | Terms & Conditions Of Use / Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2004 - 2010 Lawcore.com, Inc (As Licensee). All Rights Reserved.