New York Injury Talk Blog

Teens who have valid driver’s licenses may also earn their motorcycle endorsement and drive motorcycles under New York law. If your teen is considering a motorcycle, here are some safety tips to consider, courtesy of the New York Department of Health.

• Speed is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents among 16- to 19-year-olds. If your teen will be riding a motorcycle, set strict rules for speed that consider the conditions of the road as well as the legal speed limit.
• Motorcycles are more difficult to control than cars, requiring greater coordination, agility, and balance. If you suspect your teen doesn’t have these skills, postpone allowing them to get a motorcycle endorsement.
• Consider prohibiting passengers on your teen’s motorcycle. Riding with a passenger is more difficult than riding alone and passengers can cause dangerous distractions.
• New York requires motorcyclists to wear helmets and face protection. Choose a helmet that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) requirements and have it properly fitted for your teen’s head.
• Make sure the motorcycle fits your teen. The driver should be able to place both feet on the ground while sitting on the bike. Hand controls and readouts should be easy to see and operate.

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries, especially when a bike collides with a fast-moving car. If you or someone you love is hurt in an accident, the knowledgeable New York motorcycle accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin can help. Call us today at (212) 222-4336 for a free, confidential consultation.

In the first two parts of this series on Motorcycle Safety we covered helmets and proper eye and face protection. Now, in the third and final installment, let’s talk about knowing your bike with instructions courtesy of the New York DMV.

• Make sure your bike fits you; get guidance from a professional bike shop. For starters, your feet should be able to touch the ground while sitting down.
• Your bike should without exception have: a headlight, taillight, brake light, front and rear brakes, turn signals, and a horn. While New York State law mandates only one mirror on a bike, having two mirrors is highly recommended.
• Be comfortable with all controls before riding on busy roads. Practice riding at slow speeds in a quiet area, like an empty parking lot.
• The owner’s manual is not for geeks; it’s a document essential to your safety — read it!
• Establish a thorough routine to check every component of your bike for safety problems prior to all rides.
• Avoid borrowing or lending out your bike. Crashes often occur with beginners or those riding unfamiliar motorcycles. If you do lend your bike out to a friend, ensure that he or she is experienced and licensed.
• Always ride exceptionally careful on any new motorcycle or in unfamiliar terrain. The NY DMV reports, “more than half of all crashes occur on motorcycles ridden by the operator for less than six months.”

Despite the safety measures, motorcyclists are incredibly vulnerable to accidents and serious injury. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York due to what you believe was negligence on the part of another driver, contact the Manhattan motorcycle accident attorneys with Wingate, Rusotti & Shapiro, LLP for a free case review. Call 212-986-7353 to speak with an attorney today.

Motorcycle safety starts with the helmet — but that’s not where it should stop. Using guidelines provided by the New York DMV to help riders take the safe road, this second installment in our motorcycle safety series will address proper eye and face protection.

Glasses or sunglasses are far from sufficient, as they offer no real protection and they won’t stop your eyes from watering; they may even get blown off your head. Goggles aren’t much better: they shield your eyes but don’t provide the necessary coverage to your whole face. And even a partial windshield falls short in blocking the wind and adequate protection.

All that taken into consideration, the best protection for both your eyes and face is a plastic, shatter-resistant, full-face shield. It will guard you from dust, dirt, wind, insects, flying rocks kicked back from vehicles in front, and inclement weather. Those elements are not only dangerous to your face but also distracting. If a bug or a piece of dirt flies into your eye it certainly will pull your attention off of the road, endangering yourself and everyone around you.

When looking for an adequate face shield, find one that has the following:

• Is secure against puncture or breakage
• Provides a clear view on all sides
• Does not have scratches
• Securely fastens to your helmet
• Allows air to move through it, minimizing fogging of the glass
• Provides ample room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if necessary
• Is not tinted unless used during day time

For our next post regarding motorcycle safety, we will discuss the proper clothing motorcyclists should utilize for riding. Contact the motorcycle accident injury lawyers in New York at Wingate, Rusotti & Shapiro, LLP, at 212-986-7353 for a free consultation if you have been injured as a motorcyclist in an accident you believe to be the fault of another motorist.

As routinely and tragically exhibited by news reports, motorcycle accidents are unfortunately prevalent in the warmer summer months. However, motorcycle safety is an important year-round concern for operators of all motor vehicles. To help steer positive preparation for riders, using guidelines posted by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), this post is the first in a series. Let’s start with the proper helmet for bikers.

It is estimated that one out of every five motorcycle accidents results in a victim suffering head or neck injuries, which data indicates to account for the majority of severe and fatal injuries. Data also suggests that these injuries are significantly reduced by properly wearing an approved helmet. According to research, a majority of riders are traveling less than 30 mph when a crash occurs. At those speeds, helmets can reduce both the number and the severity of head injuries by about half. Regardless of the speed, however, helmeted riders are about three times more likely to survive head trauma than those not wearing one during a motorcycle accident.

The two main kinds of helmets are three-quarter and full face, providing two different levels of protection (the full face obviously gives more coverage). Whatever type of helmet you select, make sure the helmet complies with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards; those with an additional label from the Snell Memorial Foundation offer an additional level assurance of quality. The helmet must fit snugly all the way around your head. Always keep it securely fastened while riding, or else it’s likely to fly off during a collision with a motor vehicle before it’s had a chance to do its job. Once the helmet has any cracks, worn strips, or loose padding, it’s time for a replacement in order to ensure your head is as protected as possible should an accident occur.

No matter the precautions, riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash with a negligent motorist, call the motorcycle accident attorneys in New York at Wingate, Rusotti & Shapiro, LLP at 212-986-7353 for a complimentary case consultation.

Two people were injured in a New York motorcycle accident after they were hit by a car that pulled out of a parking lot in Salina. According to a news report in The Post-Standard, the man and woman riding the motorcycle were found lying in the road with non life-threatening injuries. The motorcyclist saw the car coming out of the parking lot and attempted to avoid it. But the car swiped the motorcycle, pushing it into a ditch. An investigation is ongoing.

A 2008 New York State Department of Motor Vehicles study reported 188 fatalities and 5,290 personal injuries in New York as a result of motorcycle accidents. Crashes involving drivers pulling into traffic from driveways and parking lots commonly involve motorcycles. Inattentive drivers often tend to overlook motorcycles in such situations because of their smaller size and victims of motorcycle accidents often sustain more serious injuries.

Anyone injured by a negligent driver may choose to hold the at-fault party civilly liable by filing a personal injury claim. In such cases, injured victims would be well advised to consult with a New York motorcycle crash attorney who can review all aspects of the case and help determine fault and liability.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, please contact the experienced New York personal injury lawyers of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP to get more information about your legal rights. We always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families. Call us at 212-986-7353 today.

Three individuals riding on motorcycles were killed in two separate accidents in the New York City area, according to CBS New York.

An 18 year old riding a Suzuki motorcycle was killed in lower Manhattan around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 22. His passenger was also killed. Only 22 minutes later, a 36 year old motorcycle rider in Queens was killed when he hit a guard rail and then struck another motorcycle. The other motorcycle driver suffered non-life threatening injuries.

There is no denying that motorcycles are dangerous. The fatality rate for motorcyclists is much higher than for automobile drivers or passengers. In order to decrease your chances of having a serious accident on a motorcycle, follow these safety tips:

• Always wear a helmet and other protective gear. Helmets greatly decrease the likelihood of serious injury or death from an accident.


• Keep your motorcycle in good operating condition.


• Take a motorcycle safety course to learn safe riding techniques.


• Turn on your headlights. This will enable you to be more easily seen by other drivers.


• Never drink and drive.


• Always maintain a safe following distance.

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident as a result of someone else’s negligence? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact an experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyer today to learn more about your rights. The attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP are experienced in all aspects of New York personal injury law. Contact us today at 212-296-7353.

New York Giant Mathias Kiwanuka and his brother were involved in a motorcycle accident in Indianapolis. The Associated Press and NFL.com report that the Kiwanuka brothers were on separate motorcycles when a car pulled directly into the path of the NFL star's brother. The 32-year-old motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and is in critical condition. Kiwanuka was able to avoid a collision and was not hurt. The driver of the Honda reported minor injuries.

This type of accident is common with motorcycles and their riders. Motorcycles are simply smaller than other motor vehicles and are often overlooked, especially at intersections. Drivers pulling out of driveways and turning at intersections often times fail to consciously look for motorcyclists, bicyclists or pedestrians.

Injuries most commonly sustained by motorcyclists include brain damage and other head injuries, neck injuries, spine injuries, broken bones and organ damage. All of these injuries may have significant effects on the victim’s life. An individual who has been injured as a result of someone else's negligence or wrongdoing can seek compensation for lost wages, medical bills, vehicle repair bills and even future income lost if the injuries result in a lifelong disability or inability to work.

If you’ve been injured in a New York motorcycle accident, you should know your rights. Please call the experienced NY motorcycle crash lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP. We can help you through the process of filing a claim and help determine fault and liability in your case. Call us at 212-986-7353 for a free consultation today.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is reporting that motorcycle deaths have decreased by about 10 percent last year. Auto accidents have also seen a downward trend over the last few years as safety technology in vehicles has improved. However, this is the first time over the last 10 years or so that motorcycle accident fatalities have actually decreased. While the drop in fatalities in 2009 cannot actually be labeled as a "trend" yet, it is certainly good news. We all know that riding a motorcycle still remains dangerous. Several states have not yet enforced helmet laws and motorcycles are not any safer today than they were a few years ago.

According to the recently released statistics discussed in a USA Today article, while 23 percent of fatal car accidents involve speeding, 35 percent of motorcycle accident fatalities involve exceeding the speed limit. That said, there are numerous instances where the driver of the other vehicle is at fault. The most common reason for a vehicle versus motorcycle accident is that the other vehicle fails to see the motorcycle. Statistics have also consistently shown that a majority of these accidents, most of which cause serious injuries or even death to the motorcyclist, occur at street intersections.

If you have been injured in a New York motorcycle accident, please contact an experienced New York City injury lawyer at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP for a free and comprehensive consultation. We will analyze all aspects of your accident, fight for your rights, and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your loss and that the negligent parties are held accountable. Get in touch with our skilled NY auto accident attorneys today at 212-986-7353.

Two men were killed in a Queens New York motorcycle accident after they crashed into a car. According to an ABC News report, the accident occurred at the intersection of 32ns Avenue and 88th Street. The 2008 Yamaha motorcycle, which was westbound on 32nd Avenue struck a Dodge Intrepid, which was going south on 88th Street. According to eyewitnesses, the impact from the crash sent the motorcycle's passenger flying down the street about 200 feet. That 27-year-old passenger was pronounced dead at the scene as was the 22-year-old driver. A man, his wife and their baby, who were in the Intrepid, were taken to an area hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

In this accident, as with any other car accident, there needs to be an official determination as to who is at fault for causing the crash. When two vehicles collide at an intersection, it is important to look into whether someone failed to yield the right-of-way or whether one of the drivers ran a red light. Usually, the at-fault party could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries.

Continue reading "Two Killed in New York City Motorcycle Accident" »

A 20-year-old man was critically injured and killed in a Staten Island motorcycle accident after his motorcycle collided with a livery cab. According to a news report in the Staten Island Advance, the motorcyclist was thrown off his bike after he crashed into a livery cab. The motorcycle also caught fire in the incident. Apparently, this summer has been deadly for motorcyclists in Staten Island. This was the fourth motorcyclist to die in separate accidents since June, the report states.

Motorcycles may be fun to ride especially during the summer, but they also come with inherent danger. Motorcycle crashes may occur due to the rider not wearing proper protective gear. But often times, motorcycle accidents occur because other motorists are not paying attention. Many of us do not realize that we share the road with motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. As experienced New York motorcycle accident attorneys, we see almost on a daily basis that motorists do not consciously look for motorcycles, bicycles or pedestrians when they are changing lanes or making a turn. A lot of motorcycle accidents particularly occur when the other vehicle is attempting to make a left turn.

Continue reading "Fatal Staten Island Motorcycle Accident" »

A woman was injured in a motorcycle accident in New York after the motorcycle she was riding crashed with a pickup truck on Route 611 in Tannersville, the Pocono Record reports. The injured victim was airlifted to the hospital because of the extent of her injuries. She was reportedly wearing a helmet. Police are still trying to determine the cause of this injury motorcycle accident.

In any New York auto accident or motorcycle crash, it is very important to thoroughly and completely investigate who or what caused the accident. Whether the accident involves two or more vehicles or it involved a single vehicle, it is important to find out what caused it. The most common cause of auto accidents include driver error, negligence, impairment due to alcohol or drugs, a defective auto product or a dangerous roadway condition.

Continue reading "New York Motorcycle Accident Injures Woman" »

A 25-year-old New York woman was killed in a motorcycle accident after her motorcycle hit the back of a box truck in on the Interstate 95 in Greenwich. According to this news report in the Stamford Advocate, the woman fell off her Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle after striking the truck as she tried to move from the left to the center lanes. After falling off her bike, the woman was struck by another motorcycle and a car, the news report stated. She was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are about 4 million registered motorcycles in the United States. Motorcycles are gaining popularity with Americans because of their low initial cost and good fuel efficiency. Motorcycle accident fatalities represent 5 percent of all highway fatalities each year, but motorcycles represent only 2 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States.

One of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in motorcycle accidents in New York and throughout the United States is because the motorcycle itself provides no protection in a crash. For example, about 80 percent of reported motorcycle accidents result in injury or death. Only 20 percent of other auto accidents result in injury or death.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Accident Kills New York Woman" »

Two people died in a New York motorcycle accident following a collision with another vehicle. According to this CBS News report, Robert Williams Jr. and his passenger Sherry Moulton died in the fatal motorcycle crash. They were both 40 years old. Williams was reportedly driving a 2007 Harley Davidson when he passed a dump truck and then crashed into a car, which was making a left turn into the driveway. Williams and Moulton were thrown off the motorcycle and suffered fatal injuries.The driver of the car, who has not been identified, and his passenger sustained minor injuries.

Serious auto accidents have a devastating impact on the injured victims as well as their families. When you are injured in an auto accident in New York, the first step is to make sure you get proper medical care and attention. Once you have taken care of yourself, it would be in your best interest to contact experienced New York car accident lawyers, especially if you believe that you or a loved one was injured by a negligent driver.

Who is a negligent driver? Such a motorist could include someone who is speeding, running a red light, breaking traffic regulations, driving recklessly without any regard for public safety, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In such cases, it is most important that you consult with skilled NY personal injury attorneys who will help protect your rights and make sure you get the compensation and justice you rightfully deserve. Injured in an auto accident? Please contact Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro today to schedule your free consultation and case evaluation.

Timothy Otis, a 37-year-old man died in a New York motorcycle accident, according to this news report. Otis was driving west on Route 25 in St. James when he struck a sport utility vehicle that was turning left on to the roadway. The driver of the SUV was treated and released from the hospital. Otis died from his injuries. No one has been cited or arrested pending an investigation.

The most important part of any Long Island car accident investigation is the determination of fault. Who was responsible for the accident? It is extremely common for motorcycle accidents to take place when a vehicle is turning left. These accidents have devastating effects on the motorcycle rider because it is the motorcycle rider who is exposed to the elements and faces a higher risk than the motorist in the passenger vehicle. If the driver of the vehicle is determined to have been negligent, then he or she can be held accountable for the accident and resulting injuries or death. It is also important to find out whether the driver was operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. That would make it a criminal case as well.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York, please call the skilled New York auto accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP for a free and comprehensive consultation. We will thoroughly investigate the incident, carefully examine police reports and gather the evidence necessary to help you secure fair compensation for your injuries and/or loss. Please call us today.

Michael Campisi, 47 of North Carolina, was killed in a Central Islip motorcycle accident in New York, according to a news report in New York Newsday. The incident happened following a collision with a Cadillac Escalade. Randy Bracciodieta, another motorcyclist who was hit, was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released. Michele Cordingley, 46, the driver of the Escalade has not been cited or charged pending an investigation.

Cordingley told police that after traveling about 100 feet on Connetquot Avenue, she heard something strike the side of her vehicle. She then saw the motorcyclists and the motorcycle. Apparently, Cordingley did not see the two motorcycles that were also traveling on Connetquot Avenue. Bracciodieta tried to swerve his motorcycle to avoid the collision, but wasn't able to do so.

It's very common for drivers of passenger vehicles or larger vehicles to miss motorcyclists or bicyclists. This could especially happen at an intersection where drivers of bigger vehicles tend to look for other bigger vehicles, but fail to look for motorcycles, bicycles or pedestrians. However, this is no excuse and would still amount to negligence and the likelihood of needing a skilled NY personal injury attorney. In almost all accidents, investigators also look into whether drivers were operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York motorcycle accident, please call a knowledgeable and experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyer at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free consultation and review of your case. We will work hard make sure that your legal rights are protected and that the negligent driver is held accountable for his or her actions.

Casey G. Mehlinger, 47, of Shirley, New York, died in a motorcycle accident in Upper Tulpehocken Township on November 28, 2008. According to this article, Mehlinger was riding his motorcycle along Bloody Spring Road near Route 183 when his motorcycle crossed the westbound lane, left the road and hit a tree. Mehlinger was thrown off his motorcycle. He was pronounced dead in an area hospital. He was wearing a helmet. However, the news report states that he died of head injuries suffered during the crash. Mehlinger was apparently the 51st person to die on Berks roads this year.

New York Motorcycle accident injuries are on the rise not only in New York but across the nation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) latest statistics, motorcycle fatalities have increased from 4,387 in 2006 to 5,154 in 2007 – up by 6.6 percent, which accounted for 13 percent of all motor vehicle accidents. The number of motorcycle injuries has also significantly increased from 88,000 in 2006 to 103,000 in 2007. That is a 17 percent increase. If you think the increase in fatalities is because more people are riding motorcycles, consider this statistic – fatality rates in most years have outpaced registration rates. For example, from 2005 to 2006, when motorcycle registrations actually decreased by 1.6 percent, fatality rates increased by 5.7 percent.

Motorcycle accidents occur because of a variety of reasons. In solo vehicle crashes, the most common causes apart from driver error or speeding are a mechanical malfunction or product defect in the motorcycle or a dangerous condition on the roadway that caused the rider to lose control of his vehicle.

It is in the Mehlinger family’s best interest to contact an experienced New York motorcycle accident attorney to find out about their rights and legal options. In cases where there is negligence or wrongdoing involved – be it a defective auto product or dangerous roadway – families of auto accident victims are eligible to receive compensation for medical or funeral expenses and loss of future wages.

The New York Times reported that the number of motorcyclist accident deaths jumped in 2007, with the region accounting for nearly one in eight motor vehicle deaths, government safety officials said on Thursday. Deaths of people in cars and trucks, on bicycles or on foot dropped by nearly 2,000 last year, pushing the overall death rate to a historic low. But deaths of motorcyclists surged 6.6 percent, to 5,154; 2007 was the 10th straight year of increase.

Experts say the trend is most likely to continue, as high gasoline prices will encourage some travelers to use their bikes more often. The average motorcycle gets 50 miles for the $4 gallon of gasoline instead of the 20 miles per gallon the average car travels.

“We have seen the total motorcycle participation in vehicle miles traveled go up,” said Mary E. Peters, the secretary of transportation and a longtime Harley-Davidson rider. “We might see more people moving to that mode of transportation,” Ms. Peters said. “We might see that data skew.”

Continue reading "New York Motorcycle Accident Deaths Rise Again" »

A 12-year-old is dead after a head-on dirt bike collision in New York. Kody Beasock was killed after his brother, 16-year-old Christopher, struck him head-on, throwing him from his bike. The crash occurred on a rural road; Kody died and Christopher is now in critical condition. The community of Leyden and Boonville, New York, is mourning Beasock, with grief counselors available at Kody’s school. The ongoing investigation has not yet revealed the speed of the crash; no criminal charges will be pursued. It is thought that excessive speed and Kody’s inattention led to the head-on collision. Christopher’s condition has not changed since the accident, and his family remains at his bedside waiting for him to recover.

This accident is just one in a recent spate of dirt bike accidents that has devastated families in Maine, Massachusetts, and Virginia. ATVs and dirt bikes, like many other recreational vehicles, tend towards catastrophic injuries and improper operation – circumstances that can lead to motorcycle accident injuries or death.

The New York accident raises a number of questions about safety, training, and age. Were the boys old enough to really be driving dirt bikes? Where were their parents? Though a lawsuit seems unlikely given that the victims were brothers, there is the potential of lawsuits involving supervising family members or even the dirt bikes’ manufacturers or sales people. The complexity of dirt bike collision investigations is clear – everyone from insurers to third-party manufacturers can get dragged into the fray.

Because of the variety of complications of a motorcycle or dirt bike collision – and the severity or even deadliness of the involved injuries – it’s vital to find the right attorney as soon as possible after the accident to protect your legal rights. Your motorcycle accident attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve for the physical and psychological aspects of your injury.