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:
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!
The Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) has opened registration for the 2024 EA2EVL Fondo. Over the last three years this ride has raised $150,000 to continue to open, build, improve and maintain the 27-mile ECRT Trail that runs from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY. The trail association is making so much progress because of YOUR SUPPORT!
#1 - Date: This year, the 42-mile charity bike ride will be held on Saturday, October 5th.
#2 - Same Route: How could you forget! The fondo—or non-competitive bike ride—starts at 42 North Brewing in East Aurora and goes down Route 240, heading west on Rt 242 into Ellicottville.
#3 - Party On: EA2EVL ends with a celebration—music, food, drinks—at the Holiday Valley Resort.
#4 - Fundraising Awards: Your registration gets you into the event, access to our course and rest stop amenities. We’re asking each rider to fundraise for the ECRT Trail: A $100 donation earns you an event t-shirt and tickets for food/drink at the party.If you raise $500 or more, you get an EA2EVL event jersey, plus all of the above. Our top fundraiser gets all of the above PLUS gets to wear the yellow jersey and a $500 gift certificate from Tom's Pro Bike!!
#5 - Register Today: Sign up today, raise some money for ECRT, and enjoy the party and a great fall ride!
424 Main St, Ste 1904
Buffalo, New York 14202
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