Certain types of accidents are more commonly associated with motorcycles. For instance, many are single-vehicle crashes, and if another party is involved, it’s often another motor vehicle. However, they can also involve pedestrians. Tragically, that was a recent cause of two fatalities in Woodside, New York.
The whole tragedy started when a group of about 20 motorcyclists were racing near the intersection of Queens Boulevard and 58th Street, according to media reports. Residents have indicated this is a popular drag strip. One of the bikes struck a 78-year-old woman.
Both the pedestrian and rider were transported to Elmhurst Hospital, where they passed away. Only two of the motorcyclists stopped and remained at the scene. The rest fled.
Motorcycle/Pedestrian Accidents
Although these types of accidents are not standard, they do happen. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 89 motorcycle-pedestrian crashes in 2012.
The statistics also show the day of the week with the most motorcycle crashes was Saturdays (1,055 occurred) and the time of day in which most motorcycle accidents occurred is between 3 pm and 6 pm (1,494 took place during this time period). The aforementioned tragedy occurred just before 5 pm on Saturday.
As speed was certainly a factor in this fatal accident, it is also one of the top causes of motorcycle crashes in New York. In 2012, there were 861 accidents involving unsafe speed.
If you or someone you love was seriously or fatally injured in a motorcycle-pedestrian accident, it’s important to seek legal advice right away. An attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates can help determine what steps to take next and the options that may be available for recovering compensation for damages. Call us at 800-550-0000 or use our online contact form.
