May 14, 2020
Warm Weather Weekends Lead to More Motorcycle Accidents
By Jonathan Damashek
Posted in
Did you know that warm weather weekends lead to more motorcycle accidents? A study by the New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) discovered that accidents increase dramatically on Saturday and Sunday starting in April and peaking in June.
The study found that during weekends with nice weather, the average number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) in accidents is 88% higher for motorcyclists than the winter weekend rate. Given that motorcycle riders face more serious injuries and fatalities than those in automobiles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, such a dramatic increase is a serious matter.
Because motorcyclists have less protection in a crash, injuries can be very serious, including death. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, or your loved one was killed in one, the New York motorcycle accident lawyers at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. can help. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys can document your injuries, determine the cause of the accident, and what parties are responsible so that you get the compensation you deserve.
Call (212) 490-5700 today for a free case review.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
With thousands of motorcycle accidents statewide and an average of 4,000 New Yorkers hurt yearly, it is important to understand the various causes of these crashes. Given the chances of being hurt or killed increase in warm weather, it pays to keep these causes in mind so that safety while riding is top priority.
Accidents frequently occur due to:
- Careless and Inattentive drivers – failure to signal when changing lanes, sudden stops, driving in blind spots
- Distracted drivers – texting or talking on cell phones, putting on makeup, eating, disciplining children
- Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drivers disobeying traffic laws – failing to yield, stop, or go the speed limit
- Pedestrians – stepping off a curb, not following the walk light at intersections, jaywalking
- Poor road conditions – unmarked construction or road hazards
- Vehicle malfunctions
Who’s to Blame?
When a motorcycle accident occurs through no fault of the driver, the personal injury attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. will investigate the details of the crash and determine who is at fault. Sometimes it can be more than one person, such as when a delivery truck driver working in the course of his employment hits someone. The driver may be liable, but so might his employer.
Possible parties liable for a motorcycle accident include:
- Other driver(s)
- Employer of a driver who has an accident while working in the scope of employment
- Pedestrians
- Public and Private Construction
- Private property owners
- Truckers that leave road debris
- Manufacturers of motorcycles, parts, and tires
Additional Considerations When Riding in Warm Weather
Remember that those warm weather weekends mean that traffic increases as people venture out to enjoy the sun. More traffic means more chances for accidents. And sunny, weekend weather often means people are having fun, perhaps with alcohol involved, and may be less attentive to driving.
Warm temperatures can be much harder on motorcycle riders. The pavement can become blistering hot so that even a minor accident could lead to serious burns. Harsh sunlight could contribute to not being seen well by other motorists.
When riding in warm weather, make sure you take extra precautions by applying sunscreen, being mindful of hot metal on the bike, and watching for drivers that may not be watching for you.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
If despite all the care you have taken, you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact us to review your case. We can determine your legal options and help you get the compensation needed to get you back on your feet. For families mourning the loss of a loved one due to a motorcycle accident, we want to help you find out if someone’s negligence was a fault and if so, recover monetary damages for the survivors. We know that doesn’t bring the person back, but it can help the financial burden while a family grieves and heals.
Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. offers free consultations and if we take your case, there is no fee unless you recover. Call (212) 490-5700 today.