Staten Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Staten Island Motorcycle Accident Information
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles reported 5,396 total motorcycle accidents in 2008. In those accidents, 184 people were killed and 5,290 people were injured. New Yorkers involved in Staten Island motorcycle accidents should know their legal rights and the type of compensation that is available to them. The Staten Island traffic accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, LLP have a long history of protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists and holding negligent drivers accountable for the damage they cause.
Causes of Staten Island Motorcycle Accidents
All victims of negligent drivers would be well advised to discuss the specifics of their case with an experienced Staten Island auto accident attorney. There are many potential causes of motorcycle accidents.
- Inattentive and Distracted Driving: Motorcycles are significantly smaller than normal passenger vehicles. They run the risk of being easily overlooked. It is crucial that all drivers pay attention to the road and consciously look for motorcycles, especially when they make a lane change or turn at an intersection. Distracted driving increases the risk of a car versus motorcycle accident.
- Failure to yield Right-Of-Way: Intersection accidents are very common in New York and they often involve a driver failing to yield right-of-way.
- Defective Motorcycles: Defective tires, faulty brakes and inadequate maintenance can all lead to serious motorcycle accidents. A motorcycle accident attorney will work with investigators to determine the cause of the crash and who should be held liable for the damages.
- Dangerous Roadways: Potholes, uneven pavement and rough surfaces can pose serious hazards for motorcyclists.
What to do after a Staten Island Motorcycle Accident
If you have been involved in an accident be sure to
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Contact the authorities
- Get information from any witnesses
- Preserve your bike as is for inspection
- Seek medical attention
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney
Victims of negligent drivers may file a personal injury claim to recover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages. The family of someone killed in a Staten Island motorcycle accident may file a wrongful death claim to recover hospital bills, funeral expenses and lost future wages. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact the experienced Staten Island personal injury lawyers at Wingate, Russotti and Shapiro to get more information about you can pursue your legal rights.
