Statistically, though car accidents are more common, motorcycle accidents more frequently lead to deaths on New York roads. No matter what type of vehicle you choose to drive around New York, if you get injured in an accident, it’s important to understand your rights and legal options by consulting with a local attorney.
New York Traffic Accident Facts and Statistics
According to the most recent traffic crash data available, an average of 1,098 people die each year due to motor vehicle accidents in New York. There are also an average of 136,913 emergency department visits and 12,093 hospitalizations.
Based on data collected across a three-year period, there were 292 deaths of motor vehicle occupants annually, compared to 141 annual motorcyclist deaths. This broke down to about 1.6 motorist deaths for every 100,000 New Yorkers and 0.7 for motorcyclists. The greatest number of motorcyclist deaths in New York were males ages 20 to 44.
Higher Odds of Serious Injury and Death on a Motorcycle
Motorcyclists are vulnerable and unprotected in a crash. For this reason, they are at a much higher risk of suffering severe, life-threatening and fatal injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that in 2023, motorcyclists were nearly 28 times more likely to die in accidents than motor vehicle occupants per vehicle mile traveled.
Nationwide, motorcyclists represented 15 percent of all traffic deaths in 2023 despite only making up about 3.2 percent of all registered vehicles in the U.S. This disparity is due to the fact that motorcyclists have greater odds of suffering deadly injuries in collisions.
Even while wearing a helmet, a motorcyclist could suffer traumatic injuries they are unable to recover from. Examples include brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, crush injuries and internal injuries.
Common Causes of Car Accidents vs. Motorcycle Accidents
Car accidents and motorcycle accidents have both shared and unique common crash causes. While motorcycle accidents can happen for many of the same reasons as motor vehicle crashes, riding a motorcycle also comes with unique crash risks. Examples include:
- Lack of motorcycle visibility
- Left-hand turns
- Lane splitting
- Road and weather hazards
- Motorcycle defects
- Rider inexperience or error
Operator error is the number one cause of both types of accidents in New York. Shared crash causes include speeding, red-light running, impaired driving, failing to yield and tailgating.
Insurance Differences: Motorcycle vs. Car Accident Claim
New York State applies different insurance rules depending on whether a crash involves a motorcycle. Motorcyclists are not covered under New York’s no-fault car insurance law. This means that rather than seeking coverage from their own personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, injured motorcyclists can seek a financial recovery directly from the at-fault driver or party.
If you get injured as a motorcyclist in New York, you will need to provide evidence proving that another party is at fault. As an injured passenger vehicle driver or occupant, on the other hand, you can seek compensation from your own insurance provider, regardless of who is at fault. Either way, you should seek the advice and counsel of an experienced personal injury lawyer in New York.
How an Attorney Can Help After a Car or Motorcycle Accident in New York
An attorney can negotiate a fair settlement from an insurance provider on your behalf, whether you have the right to seek coverage from your own auto insurance company, another person’s or a combination of both. If an insurer attempts to blame you for the crash, your Forest Hills personal injury lawyer can navigate the state’s comparative negligence law to maximize your financial outcome as much as possible. In the meantime, you can focus on your injury recovery.