What are the Top 10 Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in New York?

Motorcycle crashes in New York can happen for many reasons. Common causes of motorcycle crashes in New York include speeding, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, left-turn failures, impaired driving, low visibility, dangerous road conditions, lane splitting, dooring, and lack of training.

Of course, if you’re a rider who is involved in a motorcycle crash that occurs for these reasons or others, you’re not necessarily at fault. If someone else may be to blame, you could have grounds to sue them for compensatory damages.

Talk with a Long Island personal injury lawyer if you are interested in filing a motorcycle crash lawsuit. Your attorney can discuss the top 10 causes of motorcycle accidents in New York and other case topics with you. Depending on your situation, your lawyer may advise you to file a lawsuit in alignment with New York law.

A Closer Look at the Top 10 Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in NY

Every motorcycle crash is different, and many circumstances may have contributed to your wreck.

Below are details about the top 10 causes of motorcycle accidents in New York and how these incidents can affect the riders involved in them now and in the future:

1. Speeding: If a motorist drives faster than the posted speed limit, they may not be able to stop in time to prevent their car from colliding with a motorcyclist, and the rider could suffer severe property damage and injuries.
2. Distracted driving: A motorist who drives while distracted is paying attention to something other than safe travel. They can cause a motorcycle accident, and if so, they may be liable for a rider’s losses.
3. Unsafe lane changes: If a motorist changes lanes without checking their blind spots, they put themselves and others in danger. This motorist could get into an accident, and they may be held responsible for it.
4. Left-turn failures: A motorist makes a left turn in front of a motorcyclist, resulting in an accident. In this scenario, the motorist could be at fault for the incident if they violated New York’s road rules when they were turning left.
5. Impaired driving: A motorist who drives while impaired can be at fault for an accident with a motorcyclist. They may also face criminal charges for their actions.
6. Low visibility: The weather or dark clothing may make it tough for motorists to see motorcyclists. Regardless, if a motorist crashes their car into a rider and claims low visibility is the reason for the incident, they may still be held liable.
7. Dangerous road conditions: Potholes and other road hazards can contribute to accidents involving motorcycles. If poor road conditions played a role in your motorcycling accident, you may have a case for seeking damages from the government entity responsible for maintaining the road.
8. Lane splitting: A motorcyclist may drive in between cars, which is incredibly dangerous (and illegal in New York). If this rider is involved in an accident while splitting lanes, it could be a factor in determining liability.
9. Dooring: A motorist should keep a close eye out for motorcyclists if they open their car door, particularly in the city. Otherwise, a motorcyclist could crash into the door, and the motorist could be responsible for the accident.
10. Lack of training: If a motorist or motorcyclist lacks sufficient training, they may be prone to mistakes. Such mistakes can lead to accidents, and the party responsible may have to cover the losses incurred by those harmed in the incident.

Remember, as a rider, you have rights after a motorcycle accident in New York. Motorcycle accident attorneys can explain these rights and how they apply to your motorcycling crash case. If another party may be liable for your motorcycle accident, your lawyer may advise you to exercise your right to move forward with a lawsuit against them.

Other Causes of Motorcycle Collisions in New York That You Need to Know About

Beyond the 10 leading causes of motorcycle crashes in New York, there are others to consider, especially for those who have recently been injured in motorcycling accidents.

Here is information about various motorcycling accident causes outside of the top 10:

• Mechanical failures: If a car or motorcycle malfunctions, an accident can occur. Following this incident, a vehicle manufacturer, parts manufacturer, or mechanic could be held liable.
• Sudden stopping: If a motorist has to stop suddenly, a rear-end collision involving a motorcyclist traveling behind their vehicle can occur. An investigation may be conducted to determine whether the motorist or motorcyclist is responsible for this incident, or whether both parties share the blame.
• Failure to use turn signals: If motorists or motorcyclists don’t use turn signals, accidents can happen as a result. If a driver or rider fails to utilize turn signals, they could be held responsible for an accident.

If you’re involved in a motorcycling accident for these reasons or others, and you want to file a lawsuit against a liable party, you have a limited window to do so. Per New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) 214(5), you generally have three years from the date that you are injured in a motorcycle accident to pursue compensation from an at-fault party.

Should You File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Crash in New York?

Meet with motorcycle accident attorneys if you’re unsure of whether to file a lawsuit after your New York motorcycling crash. Your lawyer can provide insights into the ways that motorcycle accidents differ from car crashes in New York. Plus, they can evaluate your case and describe your legal options as you recover from your motorcycling crash.

If someone else’s negligence led to your motorcycle accident, you could sue them and recover damages for your medical bills and other losses. Motorcycle accident case results vary. For example, in one case, a motorcyclist obtained a $14 million verdict in Nassau County. In your case, your lawyer can estimate its value and fight for maximum compensation for you.

Sadly, there are times when a family member dies in a motorcycle accident, and another party may be liable. If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, the personal representative of the estate may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family.

Learn More About the Top 10 Causes of Motorcycling Crashes in New York

There are many causes of motorcycle crashes in New York. If you suffer injuries or property damage in a motorcycle accident, and someone else may be at fault, you may hold them accountable for their actions by filing a lawsuit against them.

Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers has a legal team in place with 50 years of combined experience. We can teach you about the common causes of motorcycle crashes in New York.

Along with this, if you want to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit, we can help. To get started, request a free case consultation.