There are several million registered motorcycles in the United States and New York is one of the less than half of the 50 states that mandates the use of helmets. The sheer number of motorcycle riders on the roads will obviously indicate that some are involved in accidents. Even though helmets are required and worn by the majority of riders, serious injury and even death may result when motorcycles are involved in roadway accidents.
Hudson motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to representing the rights of injured motorcyclists and their families. We know that most motorcyclists ride cautiously and responsibly, obeying the traffic laws of New York. However, that is not the perception that many motorcyclists have earned due to popular media and other delinquent motorcyclists.
All motorists must operate their vehicles as would any other responsible and prudent driver under similar circumstances. This includes seeing what there is to be seen, and even hearing what there is to be heard. It does not matter whether you are in a truck, car, pickup, or a motorcycle, the duty of care will remain the same to act reasonable and prudent under the circumstances. The standard based on what you are driving, however, will change what is considered reasonable or not (i.e., what is reasonable for a driver of a car will change from the driver of a truck when, for instance, the issue is not being able to stop due to wet roadway conditions).
Now that spring is here, motorists should expect to encounter more motorcycles on the road. Driving responsibly includes the conscientiousness of being aware of these types of vehicles, using one’s senses to be on the lookout for motorcycles and to prevent motorcycle accidents.
While drivers are not tasked with anticipating all possible roadway encounters, they too cannot simply avoid liability by saying, “I didn’t see the biker”. This is because the offending driver‘s behavior is not looked at within a vacuum. Rather, all of the facts surrounding the accident will be investigated and placed before a jury. The motorcyclist’s attorney will then show that other responsible and prudent drivers under the same circumstances would have avoided the accident.
Thousands of motorcyclists die each year, and tens of thousands are injured by avoidable accidents in which there was no fault on the part of the motorcyclists. Just because a biker drives a two-wheeled vehicle, a greater risk is not assumed. In short, motorcyclists have rights and if injured by the negligence of another, contacting an attorney is prudent.
Common injuries caused by motorcycle accidents are spinal injuries, soft tissue injury in the back, cuts, bruising, burns, road rash, fractures, concussions, traumatic brain injury, and injuries to other internal organs. If another motorist has breached his or her duty of care, and such a breach was the proximate cause of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages in a court of law.
Knowing that motorcycle accidents do happen, be sure to do whatever you can to protect yourself from injuries. Always wear a helmet. Use protective and reflective clothing. Keep your headlights on at all times. Of course, always obey the law and never operate your motorcycle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Additionally, be mindful of weather and road conditions, avoiding the use of your motorcycle when weather conditions make such too risky.
The attorneys at Greenberg and Greenberg handle motorcycle accident cases, throughout New York State, including Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, and Albany County. Our legal team has earned a reputation for dedicated service to our clients injured in New York personal injury accidents. Please contact us today to receive a free case evaluation by dialing locally to 518-828-3336 or call toll free at 877-469-9300.