Statistically, the other driver is at fault in most motorcycle accidents. It is a common misconception that motorcycle riders are inherently reckless and therefore responsible for most accidents. However, the data and legal case trends suggest a different story.
In multi-vehicle accidents, drivers of passenger cars are often at fault. This is especially true when they do not notice a motorcyclist or break traffic laws. In contrast, motorcyclists are usually at fault in single-vehicle crashes, where rider mistakes or road conditions are more significant.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, an attorney can investigate to determine who was at fault. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Nassau County have over 50 years of combined legal experience. Call today for your free consultation and tell us what happened.
Why Fault Matters in Motorcycle Accidents
New York is a No-Fault state for car accidents. That means your own auto insurance pays for your medical expenses, part of your lost wages, and some other expenses when you are in a crash, up to the limits of your policy. For some accidents, it doesn’t matter who was at fault.
No-Fault does not apply to motorcycle accidents, and even relatively minor crashes can mean medical expenses and other bills you can’t pay. Determining who was at fault for the crash can help you recover financial compensation and pay your bills.
While an insurance company may assign fault, and attorneys may dispute fault using the facts of the accident, the court is the ultimate decision-maker when it comes to who is responsible for an accident.
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Common Scenarios Where Drivers Are at Fault
Several types of the top causes of motorcycle crashes in New York frequently result in liability for drivers rather than motorcyclists.
These common situations include:
Left Turn Collisions
One of the most common reasons motorcycle accidents happen occurs when a car turns left into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers may misjudge the motorcycle’s speed or fail to see it. The driver is at fault for failing to yield the right of way.
Failure to Yield at Intersections
Intersections can be dangerous for motorcycle riders. Drivers may ignore traffic signals, run stop signs, or fail to yield, causing serious collisions. Whenever a driver violates the right-of-way rules, they are usually found negligent.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Drivers may have trouble seeing motorcycles in their blind spots. When they change lanes without checking thoroughly, they can collide with a rider occupying a lane legally.
Distracted Driving
Motorcycles are difficult enough to see under the best of circumstances. When a driver’s attention is somewhere other than the road, their negligence can make them at fault for any accidents that happen.
Dooring Accidents
While more likely to happen on crowded city streets, car drivers can be liable for an accident when they are parked and open their door without looking, obstructing the path of an oncoming motorcycle.
Comparative Negligence and Motorcycle Accidents
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover compensation after an accident even if you were partially at fault. Each party is assigned a percentage of responsibility, and any compensation awarded is reduced by that percentage.
If a motorcyclist is found to be 25% at fault for speeding, but the other driver is 75% at fault for making an illegal turn, the rider can still recover damages. However, the total compensation would be reduced by 25%.
This system is especially important in motorcycle accident cases, where insurance companies may try to shift blame onto the rider to reduce payouts. Our legal team will investigate the accident and push back on unfair insurer accusations.
Reports on Motorcycle Crash Data
Several reports on motorcycle accidents exist; the most comprehensive is likely the Motorcycle Crash Causation Study, conducted by the Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Safety Research and Development.
This study found that multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes most commonly involve collisions where another vehicle violated the motorcycle’s right-of-way, particularly during left turns. Single-vehicle crashes are most often correlated with rider control issues, speed, or roadway conditions.
While statistical reports provide valuable insight into crash patterns, they do not establish legal liability. Fault is determined through a fact-specific analysis of each accident, initially assessed by insurance companies and attorneys, and ultimately resolved by the courts if a dispute arises.
Get Help When You Are in a Motorcycle Accident
Statistics show that other drivers are more often at fault in motorcycle accidents involving multiple vehicles. No-Fault auto insurance does not apply to motorcycle accidents in New York, so you may be able to hold the negligent motorist liable for your injuries.
That means dealing with insurance companies and filing claims. It also means laws like comparative negligence may reduce the amount of compensation you can recover. It’s smart to work with a lawyer who can protect your rights after a motorcycle accident in New York.
Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers has recovered more than $100 million in awards and settlements for New Yorkers injured in accidents. Come in as a client, leave as a friend.
Call today for your free consultation and tell us how your motorcycle accident happened.