Motorcycles carry inherent risk. Less protected than drivers and passengers of other types of vehicles on the road, victims of motorcycle accidents often navigate longer recovery times, steeper medical bills, and more extensive property damage. After a motorcycle accident, an attorney can help victims answer important questions and navigate recovering their life after the accident. 

What are motorcycle accident statistics?

Data from the city of New York allows us to see motorcycle accident statistics. To date in the year 2020, 668 motorcycle accidents have occurred and been reported by the city. This reflects a slight decline from the previous three years during the same time frame. From January to October in 2019, 934 accidents involved a motorcycle. 2018 and 2017 reflect similar numbers.  The slight decline could be due to the changes in behavior due to the coronavirus outbreak. But even with this slight decline, over 600 motorcyclists were involved in accidents, which is far too many for any year. 

Though accidents with cars and trucks far out number the accidents with motorcycles, the number of deaths per crash far outpaces the other types of crashes. This year in New York City, 89 people were killed in motorcycle accidents, making 4% of all motorcycle accidents resulting in a fatality. For comparison, the sedan accidents that account for the majority of car crashes in New York City are only 0.18% likely to be deadly. 

Injuries reflect even more startling numbers. 38% of sedan accidents this year resulted in injuries. This number pales in comparison to the 77% of motorcycle accidents this year that resulted in injuries. 

Can you survive a motorcycle accident?

The circumstances of all accidents vary widely and no blanket statement can answer questions about every case. However, statistically you are less likely to survive a motorcycle accident than other types of accidents on the road. In general, if you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you are three times more likely to be killed and twice as likely to be injured. 

Of course, many people survive motorcycle accidents. For those who survive the accident, a long road of physical and financial recover lies before them.

What to do after a motorcycle accident

Motorcycle accidents can be an incredibly scary event for all involved. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, follow the below steps to begin the process of healing and recovery.

Treat any injuries on the scene

Sometimes our adrenaline in a stressful event can encourage us to ignore symptoms of serious injury. Brain and spinal injuries can grow exponentially in seriousness if victims wait to receive treatment or leave the scene without proper examination. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, make sure medical professionals are on the scene and allow them to examine you thoroughly before you move on to any other step. 

Exchange insurance information

Once all parties have been cleared by the medical professionals on the scene, numbers and insurance information should be exchanged. Regardless of severity of the accident, all motorists begin a relationship to, ideally, help everyone recover physically and financially as quickly as possible. Insurance information will be key as you move toward resolving the fall out of the accident. 

Gather documentation

If you are well and able, begin taking photos and writing down relevant details you remember. Having this information from the day of the accident will assist in guiding the rest of the processes toward justice. Often as days pass after the accident, the details blurr and differing narratives can form. With documentation of all damage and any recollections, the reality you witnessed at the scene will serve as the basis for the resolution. 

Call the police

Part of this information gathering includes a police report. Even if the accident caused little injury or damage, an official police report is an essential document to ensure that a third-party report of the incident exists just in case there is any future confusion or conflict in the recovery process. 

Create your insurance claim

To receive any compensation for your injuries or damages, you must file a claim through insurance. If you own the motorcycle involved, file a claim with your motorcycle insurance carrier. If another party owns the motorcycle involved, check in often to be sure they file a claim as well. It is through the insurance that compensation will be awarded. 

Continue to gather documentation

In the days, weeks, and months after the motorcycle accident, continue to document any effects of the accident. The obvious, medical and repair costs, only scratch the surface of possible expenses due to the accident. Paystubs showing missing work, transportation costs to and from doctors’ offices, receipts showing payment to household help needed because of injury, or proof of purchase or rental for recovery medical equipment like crutches and braces should be collected and organized. These documents can help you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Contact a motorcycle accident attorney

The above steps could overwhelm anyone. The process of recovering after a motorcycle accident is complicated because, hopefully, you are not involved in motorcycle accidents frequently. Motorcycle accident attorneys deal with these complicated steps day in a day out. They know the process of recovering financially from a motorcycle accident and know the ins and outs of insurance claims and payments. If any questions arise as you move toward recovery, contact a motorcycle accident attorney for a free consultation and helpful guidance. 

The attorneys at Deliso and Associates are experienced in motorcycle accidents and can help you get the compensation and justice you deserve. Call 718-238-3100 or message us today for a free consultation. We have Arabic and Spanish speakers on staff and will advocate for you. 

By Allison Theresa

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