If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you may face significant medical costs. Handling the financial burden, along with the bodily and emotional injuries suffered, can be overwhelming.
Securing help from a Sayville personal injury lawyer can make the process somewhat easier. Your lawyer can handle the paperwork and deal with the insurance company while you focus on healing and recovery.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in New York
According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the following number and types of motorcycle accidents happened in 2010:
- fatal – 180;
- non-fatal injuries – 4,757;
- property damage – 633;
- pedestrian accidents – 79;
- bicycle accidents – 28; and
- total accidents in all – 5,570.
The DMV also provides statistics on the severity of the motorcycle accidents:
- unknown – 64;
- minor – 1,868;
- moderate – 1,451; and
- serious – 1,115.
The time of day in which most motorcycle accidents happen is between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The second most common time of the day is between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Most of the accidents in 2010 occurred over the weekend, with 1,133 on Saturday and 971 on Sunday. The day of the week with the lowest number of accidents was Tuesday at 599.
Of the 5,570 total accidents, most of them were two-vehicle accidents (2,906). There were 2,426 single-vehicle accidents and 238 involving three or more vehicles.
As to contributing factors in the motorcycle accidents, the following statistics reveal the top 10:
- failure to yield right of way – 841;
- unsafe speed – 828;
- driver inattention/distraction – 681;
- following too closely – 439;
- driver inexperience – 421;
- reaction to other uninvolved vehicle – 346;
- improper passing or lane usage – 334;
- turning improperly – 244;
- unsafe lane changing – 232; and
- alcohol involvement – 176.
These were all accidents caused by human factors. Motorcycle accidents can be the result of environmental factors as well.
The top five environmental contributions to motorcycle accidents in 2010 were:
- animals’ actions – 335;
- obstruction/debris – 172;
- slippery pavement – 164;
- obstructed/limited view – 112; and
- defective pavement – 87.
In regards to male drivers, those between the ages of 25 and 29 accounted for the highest number involved in a motorcycle accident. Next in line were men between the ages of 21 and 24 years old.
For women, those between the ages of 45 and 49 accounted for the highest number. The next age group was women between 40 and 44 years old.
Combining both genders, the age groups with the highest number of fatalities or injuries include:
- 25 to 29 (704);
- 21 to 24 (672);
- 40 to 44 (589);
- 45 to 49 (580); and
- 30 to 34 (5320).
Contacting a Sayville Personal Injury Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by another motorist’s distracted driving, violation of traffic laws, impairment and other negligent actions. No matter what the cause, when it was the result of another person’s careless or reckless actions, then you may have the right to seek compensation.
Compensation for your motorcycle accident can address the physical injuries you have suffered, including any costs associated with it. Hospitalization, medication, physical therapy and other types of medical care or treatment may be recoverable.
You also could be entitled to damages such as pain and suffering, lost income, mental anguish and more. Consulting a personal injury lawyer is the best way to know what your legal options are.
Contact a Sayville personal injury lawyer at Gacovino Lake & Associates. Our law firm serves residents of the 5 boroughs and clients nationwide. For experienced help with your motorcycle accident claim, contact us today at 800-246-4878.
