While all car accidents are traumatic, motorcycle accidents that happen on controlled-access highways, such as “interstate” roads, can come with their own set of unique challenges.
What Can Make Motorcycle Accidents on the Interstate Different?
According to New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law, a “controlled-access highway” means:
Every highway, street, or roadway in respect to which owners or occupants of abutting lands and other persons have no legal right of access to or from the same except at such points only and in such manner as may be determined by the public authority having jurisdiction over such highway, street, or roadway.
There are many reasons why motorcycle accidents that occur on controlled-access highways, like an interstate highway, can be especially devastating. Some reasons include the number of vehicles that may be present on the road, complex road structures with cars merging and exiting frequently, and high rates of speed at which vehicles may travel. When a negligent driver is added to the mix, that could be a recipe for disaster.
Interstate accidents can occur because of the negligence of fatigued or drowsy drivers. Some motorists who travel on major highways do so for many hours on end. This could potentially lead to inattentive or distracted driving. The number of large trucks on these roadways can also make interstate accidents especially dangerous. Finally, construction and work zones may likewise lead to tragic accidents when encountered by negligent drivers.
Common Types of Interstate Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents happen every day on busy highways, often with catastrophic consequences because riders and their passengers are more vulnerable than their automobile-operating counterparts. While car occupants are surrounded by steel frames, airbags, and seatbelt restraint systems, motorcyclists are more readily exposed to hazards on the open road.
Possible types of motorcycle accidents include rear-enders, sideswipes, and T-bone collisions. However, when we characterize collisions like this, we are painting with a very broad brush. Every collision is a little different, with different causative factors influencing the outcome.
There are several common causes of motorcycle accidents. Some causes may include:
- Left-Turn Accidents: Many motorcycle accidents are caused by right of way errors or misjudgments. 42% of motorcycle accidents involving a car are caused by the car making a left turn while the motorcycle was riding straight.
- Speeding: Traveling at a high rate of speed can reduce the amount of time in which a motorist has to react. Additionally, if there is an impact at a high rate of speed, it is likely the damage and injuries will be greater.
- Road Conditions/Hazards: Road hazards as small as a pothole or road debris can be very dangerous for bikers. Because motorcycles are smaller in size and only have two wheels, any irregularities or unexpected road conditions have the potential to cause a motorcycle accident.
- Alcohol: In 2020, approximately 27% of motorcyclists killed in fatal motorcycle accidents were under the influence of alcohol. Bikers involved in fatal accidents in 2020 had higher percentages of impairment, due to alcohol consumption, than any other type of vehicle operator.
Injured in an Interstate Motorcycle Accident? Call William Mattar
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident on New York interstate highway, you may be looking for an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. The personal injury attorneys at William Mattar, P.C., can review your case, help determine how you could obtain maximum compensation for pain and suffering, and help you file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. To contact us, dial (844) 444-444 or fill out our free initial consultation form.