14 Jun How are Motorcycle Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
New York can be a tough place to drive, amid all the traffic, rain, snow/ice, and even smoggy weather.
Unfortunately, these circumstances aren’t the only factors that contribute to vehicular accidents. Many collisions result in injuries and fatalities because of irresponsible driving and other avoidable hazards. This affects motorists of every kind: cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles.
In this post, we’d like to distinguish between motorcycle accidents versus other automotive collisions. Motorcyclists have to endure even riskier circumstances than other drivers and incur a disproportionate volume of incidents. This is what we typically find with motorcycle accidents in New York City.
A Greater Chance for Serious Injuries & Fatalities
So, as we mentioned, motorcycles experience more accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Even though motorcycles only comprise 3% of registered vehicles, their owners are more than 28 times more likely to die in an accident than other vehicle owners. If you’re under 40, then statistics show you’re 36 times more likely to sustain injuries than car drivers of the same age.
There are many reasons these accidents are more consequential. Other motorists may not exercise the same caution around a bike or motorcycle as they would a large 4X4 truck. Also, it’s common for motorcycles to experience severe injuries from intersection collisions (especially “T-Bone” accidents).
Be Ready for Insurance Companies to Push Back on You
There is also some evidence to suggest insurance companies have a bias against motorcyclists in some circumstances. It may just be because juries are themselves more biased against them, leading the insurance companies to act accordingly regarding claims. They also know these cases can become very expensive with medical costs, long-term injuries, and lost wages.
Whatever the case, odds are you’ll experience some resistance from insurance companies if you get in a wreck with a motorcycle (even when it wasn’t your fault). So, for these reasons, it is crucial for motorcycle-accident victims to get ahold of reliable legal counsel before pursuing a claim.
If you aren’t sure how to do this, or think you’ll need sponsorship in a court case, then contact Gruenberg Kelly Della for help in Manhattan. Our large and well-credentialed staff helps clients gain significant recompense for a variety of personal injury scenarios. This covers everything from motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and much more.
Call us today to learn more at 631-737-4110.