Representing Injured Motorcycle Riders in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is connected to Manhattan by the Brooklyn Bridge, two other bridges, one vehicular tunnel, and several rapid transit tubes. Parkways connect Brooklyn to Queens and Long Island, and the 4,260 foot Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge connects the borough to Staten Island.
Traffic in Brooklyn is probably the best in NYC, but it is still horrendous. New York City was ranked as the third most congested city in the U.S., with 117 hours of delay per driver, and the fifth most congested in the world on the INRIX 2022 Global Traffic Scorecard.
In traffic this heavy, motorcycle accidents are bound to happen. If you have been hurt on a bike in a crash that was someone else’s fault, contact an experienced Brooklyn motorcycle accident attorney at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP by calling (212) 986-7353 as soon as you are able.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks in Brooklyn?
Like all traffic crashes, motorcycle accidents have multiple contributing factors. Many are caused by the negligence of other drivers. Motorcycles are smaller, less stable, and less visible than four-wheeled passenger vehicles, and many accidents occur when drivers simply fail to register a motorcycle in the road. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Negligent turns: Many motorcycle crashes are caused drivers turning left who fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists traveling straight through intersections on the green light. These drivers typically fail to notice the motorcycle in the road or misjudge its speed and distance. Approximately one-third of all multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents are caused by other motorists turning into the path of the motorcycle, as stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Improper lane changes: Motorcycles are less visible in drivers’ blind spots than larger vehicles. A driver who fails to signal and perform a head check before switching lanes can plow into a motorcycle in the lane the driver is entering.
- Tailgating: Following too closely is dangerous under any circumstances. When a passenger vehicle driver tailgates a motorcyclist, it can have deadly consequences if it leads to a rear-end collision. The rider can be ejected from the bike and thrown into traffic.
- Speeding: The faster a vehicle is traveling, the less control the driver has, the more distance is required to stop to avoid hitting a motorcycle in the road, and the greater the impact of a collision.
What Types of Injuries Can Riders Suffer in Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, which makes them vulnerable to serious injuries in a crash. More than 80% of all reported motorcycle collisions result in injury or death to the rider, as reported by NHTSA. Common motorcycle accident injuries in Brooklyn include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Bone fractures
- Arm and shoulder injuries
- Injuries to the lower extremities, including muscle damage and broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Degloving (an injury in which large sections of skin are completely removed from the tissue underneath)
- Internal organ damage
- Road rash (severe abrasions that occur when a rider is thrown from the bike and slides across a rough surface)
How Can a Lawyer Help After a Brooklyn Motorcycle Crash?
If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a claim for compensation against the at-fault party. Damages you may be entitled to claim may include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning potential, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Our Brooklyn vehicle accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP have the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (212) 986-7353.