NYC Motorcycle Accidents

Too many motorcyclists are the unfortunate victims of accidents that involve other cars and trucks on the road. Due their small size, light weight and general ability to be unseen by their larger vehicles on the road, it is not uncommon for motorcycle riders to be hit from the side or from the back. Even more concerning is the fact that motorcyclists are much less protected than other drivers with whom they share the road. Shielded by only a helmet and possible elbow / knee pads, riders of motorcycles are hardly protected enough to come out unscathed after a collision with another car, truck, or anything else.

Since the establishment of the Highway Safety and National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, well over 120,000 motorcyclists have lost their lives in traffic crashes throughout the country. Equally high numbers have sustained serious injuries that are sometimes catastrophic in nature.

"Share the Road" Campaign

Due to the high occurrence of motorcycle accidents per year, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration started what is known as the "Share the Road Safely" campaign to raise awareness about road safety as it relates to pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and other vulnerable parties. Among all vehicles on the road, they say, motorcycles are the most vulnerable to the road. This is because they are traveling at such a high rate of speed with nothing protecting them from surrounding cars and the road below.

The following tips were given so that motorcyclists can avoid injury as far as it depends on them. The first is to avoid rising in a truck's blind spot. This is the section of the truck directly to the sides and directly behind these trucks. Motorcyclists should always be careful to wear Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmets. Even when all of these safety tips are followed, riders can still be severely injured by the negligent driving of other vehicles.

Per motor vehicle mile, it has been estimated that motorcycle riders are nearly 26 times more likely to be killed in a vehicle accident. After being injured in this type of accident - even after losing a loved in this type of collision - it is important to remember that there is help. No matter how alone you may feel, you will always be able to turn to an attorney for the legal representation and personal support you need to help you get through this difficult time.