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Late September George Clooney was involved in a motorcycle accident when a motorist hit his cycle. He was treated for a hairline rib fracture and road rash at Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, New Jersey. Sarah Larson, who was riding on the motorcycle with Clooney, suffered a broken foot. Clooney and Larson were released shortly after being treated.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports motorcycle fatalities are actually on the rise with an almost 10% increase between 2003 and 2007. These accidents cause serious injuries and often lead to loss of life. Each year, more than 2,200 people are killed and more than 55,000 are injured in motorcycle accidents. The reports are alarming that nearly 80% of motorcycle accidents result in death (compared to 20% of motor vehicle accidents).
Often the driver of the car that hits or fails to yield the right of way to a biker says, “I didn’t even see him coming.” That’s why motorcyclists must drive very alert and defensively. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation in 2007 has listed these:
5 Tips For Riding Safely
1. Be aware of blind spots on cars and trucks.
2. Flash your brake lights when slowing or stopping 3. Wear a helmet and leather or other thick protective clothing.
4. Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists 5. Give other motorists space and time to respond to you.
Now we don’t know from newspaper reports whether Clooney or his rider were wearing helmets. The use of helmet (or other eye protection, leathers, gloves, or sturdy boots) is important if you ever are in an accident–and your head and bones hit the concrete. Helmeted riders are less susceptible to neck injuries than riders who don’t wear helmets.
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has advocated for motorcyclists since 1924, and specifically support helmet use for minor who ride because they may not be mature enough to make the proper decision about wearing a helmet. for the older driver, they oppose legislation requiring helmets that each individual biker should make that decision. New York Personal Injury Lawyers know that failing to whre a helmet increases the chances of a serious injury
Specific to New York State, the law does not protect motorcylists or their passengers like ALL other motor vehicle operators and pedestrians are protected. They are NOT covered under the New York State No Fault Law, which provides virtually automatic payment for medical bills, prescriptions, physical therapy–nor does it cover loss of earnings. This is most unfair because often victims of motorcycle accidents are the most seriously injured. Insurance companies have protected themselves from paying out millions of dollars statewide.
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CLIP AND SAVE
Auto Accident Checklist
√ STAY CALM.
√ Move yourself and your passengers out of harm’s call. Call the police.
√ Assist anyone who is injured. Call an ambulance if necessary.
√ Get the name, address, phone number, and license number of the other
driver(s) and car(s). Exchange insurance information. DO NOT discuss
the accident (except with the police), but DO make notes of anything
the other driver(s) say about the accident.
√ Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses.
√ Get photographs of your vehicle, contact your insurance company,
and write down everything you remember about the collision ASAP.
√ Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates1-800-NYNY.Law (1-800-696-9529) to discuss your legal options
Information provided by Stephen Bilkis & Associates, Attorneys at Laws
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Would you believe it? Americans have about 12 million car/truck/motorcycle accidents each year–many with personal injury. If you’ve been in one, you know how scary it is, and how traumatic the entire situation of the police, hospitals, insurance issues, court, etc. can be.
Most people may not be in an accident this year, but they will know someone who is. If you’re like most people, you want to know what to do if they are in an accident–what to say and do, and NOT say or do.
What if there is personal injury that you caused? What if the other driver is at fault? Insurance companies, some in particular, work very hard to convince their customers and those affected by the accident in the other car that “we are giving you the best deal possible…please sign here now.” DON’T.
Make a copy and put it in glove box of all your cars–including your kids’. It might save them money and a lot of aggravation. If you’ve been there, like a lot of my personal injury clients, you know what I mean. If you’ve been spared, lucky you.
If you have an accident–and personal injury, you have Stephen Bilkis & Associates ready to help you and other people in New York City area with these personal injury issues. Call with questions, big or small.