The expert attorneys of Law Offices of William J. Maniatis, New York motorcycle accident law firm, have helped many clients handle personal injury claims after an accident. Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in serious injury or death than other types of road accidents. So it is important to learn about the frequent causes of these accidents and be more vigilant in those situations in order to reduce risk.

Head-on Collisions

According to the federal government, crashes involving motorcycles and other vehicles makes up for about 56% of motorcycle accident deaths. In that huge number of accidents, the car strikes the motorcycle from the front 78% of the time. These accidents often result in fatal consequences for the motorcyclist.

Cars Making Left-Hand Turns

The most dangerous situation for motorcyclists occurs when cars are making left turns. The accident usually occurs when the motorcycle is going straight through an intersection or trying to pass the car. A motorcycle’s smaller size makes it even less visible to the turning car.

Motorcycle Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is when a motorcycle drives between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars. This can cause an accident due to several factors:

• The close proximity of the cars to the motorcycle
• The smaller space the motorcycle has to maneuver, and
• The cars may not anticipate a vehicle between lanes.

Motorcyclist Speeding and Alcohol Use

Statistics show that about half of the accidents involving a single motorcycle are caused by speeding or drunk driving. And because motorcycles do not provide much rider protection, these accidents are much more likely to result in death or serious injury.

Collisions with Fixed Objects

Because motorcycles do not provide much rider protection, a motorcycle’s collision with a fixed object accounts for 25% of motorcyclists deaths, but just 18% of car crash deaths.

Road Hazards

Due to the smaller size and less stability of a motorcycle, road hazards, such as potholes, debris, slick pavement, uneven lanes, and other irregularities pose a serious threat to motorcycle safety.

High Performance Motorcycles

High performance motorcycles, sport and supersport, account for a large number of motorcycle accidents.

Supersport motorcycles are built according to racing platforms that have been modified for highway use. Being lightweight and high powered, these motorcycles can travel up to 160mph. Younger riders, who have been statistically proven to be less cautious than older drivers, are also the majority of supersport riders.

Sport motorcycles are similar to supersport, but have a lower power to weight ratio and again are more attractive to younger drivers.

Motorcyclists have a higher risk on the roads than cars and trucks, but by increasing safety, awareness, and extra precautions, hopefully motorcyclists can reduce their risk of serious injury or death. In the event of an accident, a motorcyclist deserves the same compensation rights as a car. Click here or call the experts at Law Offices of William J. Maniatis today at (212) 248-5060 to speak to an NYC personal injury attorney.