What to do Following a Motorcycle Accident in Buffalo

Motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence in Buffalo. Like the millions of Americans who own and ride motorcycles regularly throughout the U.S., our region is very popular with motorcyclists. And, with so many bikes on the roads in Western New York, the number of collisions are high. In the United States, there are over 8 million motorcycles on the roadways. Being on the open road can be invigorating and exciting but riding a bike can also be very dangerous, far more dangerous than riding in a car. Maintaining control is more difficult on two wheels, and when collisions happen, motorcyclists are at greater risk of serious injury or death because they don't have an enclosed vehicle or safety belts for protection.

A motorcyclist is 26 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than a passenger of a car. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , more than 40,000 motorcyclists died in crashes and over 88,000 were injured in the year 2013. Sadly we have had several fatal motorcycle accidents already in the early part of the 2016 bike riding season. On the same day just last month, a Buffalo man died in a motorcycle accident in the city and, in a separate accident, a motorcyclist was seriously injured in North Tonawanda.

Buffalo motorcycle accidents have common causes

Most motorcycle accidents in Buffalo , and the surrounding areas, occur as a result of a collision with other cars or trucks. Motorcycles are often hard to see on roads because of their size and height. There are several other common causes of motorcycle accidents, which include: drivers changing lanes without looking to see if a motorcycle is in their path, or drivers making turns without checking to see if the road is clear first, or failing to yield the right-of-way to motorcycle riders. Motorcycle accidents can also happen when either drivers or motorcycle riders are drunk, drowsy, speeding, distracted, or not following the rules of the road.

The use of a helmet is extremely important, as head injuries are very common among injured motorcyclists. Many states, including New York State, have implemented laws that require motorcyclists to wear proper helmets compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Helmets are about 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries. In 2008, 1,829 motorcyclists nationwide were saved by wearing their helmets . Even with the use of a helmet, a motorcyclist’s life can be seriously affected as a result of an accident.

When someone is injured in a Buffalo motorcycle accident, what should you do?

Following a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to get proper medical treatment, regardless of cost. Visit a local emergency room for a medical evaluation. Some of the areas major hospitals include:

• Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) ;
• Mercy Hospital of Buffalo ;
• Buffalo General Hospital ;
• Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo .

The injured person should also contact their insurance company as soon as possible to find out how their medical treatment is covered under their insurance policy. A motorcycle insurance policy will often have unique provisions so it's important to review the policy with their insurance agent for clarification on coverage.

When a motorcycle accident is serious or fatal, it's important to obtain an experienced Buffalo motorcycle crash lawyer

If you get into a motorcycle accident, you can recover compensation for the crash if you can prove another driver was negligent causing the collision. It is important to find an expert motorcycle accident attorney to represent you, like Craig Z. Small, of the Small Law Firm , who will fight passionately on your behalf.

With over 21 years of experience handing motorcycle accident claims, we will guide you through the legal process while providing you the personal attention you would expect and deserve from a small law office. If there is no recovery, then there is no fee. Call Buffalo motorcycle accident lawyer Craig Small for a free consultation. Call (716) 847-2600 or Contact Us today!