With the weather getting warmer, many people like to spend time outdoors. This also means many more motorcycles are on the road. As a motorcyclist, safety is imperative. New York and New Jersey state laws require the use of helmets for both drivers and passengers to avoid fatalities or serious head injuries in the event that an accident should occur. In fact, nearly 5,000 motorcyclists were killed nationwide in 2012.
Fatality Arises From Pothole
The winter weather took its toll on New York City-area roadways, creating potholes of all sizes that can cause serious damage to vehicles, and even death, as in one unfortunate case in Riverhead, New York. A 37-year-old motorcyclist died at the hospital hours after he lost control of his vehicle as a result of hitting a pothole.
Victim of Motorcycle Pursuit Accident Settles With City
New York City recently agreed to pay more than $250,000 to settle a civil lawsuit brought by a Bronx man who was injured in a police pursuit which ultimately resulted in the death of a close friend. The incident, which took place on August 11, 2012 in Hunts Point, started when police saw the suspects driving an unlicensed dirt bike. The incident quickly escalated into a tragedy when an NYPD officer slammed into the dirt bike on which the two men were riding. Soon thereafter, an investigation conducted by the NYPD Internal Affairs department concluded that the incident was simply an accident not predicated on criminal intent.
