Potholes are a common cause of motorcycle accidents in New York, with riders being particularly vulnerable to their hazards. The deep, irregular gaps in the road can cause a loss of control or balance, leading to collisions, falls, and serious injuries. When a motorcyclist is injured in an accident that involved a pothole, who is liable?
Karamian v. City of New York involved a motorcyclist who was injured after his motorcycle hit a pothole on a city street. The plaintiff, Mr. Karamian, sued the City of New York for negligence, alleging that the city was responsible for maintaining safe roadways and that its failure to repair the pothole was the direct cause of his injuries. The case eventually made its way to the New York Appellate Division.
Background