Often, responding to motorcycle accidents by filing claims against negligent drivers is the best way for victims to get the compensatory damages they deserve in Mount Kisco.
Motorcycle accident injury rates are high in Mount Kisco, with the majority of accidents happening because drivers fail to yield to the right of way or make improper lane changes. The risk of injury for motorcyclists is high, even when wearing the necessary protective gear, like helmets. Injury types vary, often including head injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and disfiguring injuries. Right after the accident happens, make sure you call the police. Tell law enforcement what happened and get immediate medical treatment for any injuries you sustained.
For a free and confidential case review from our Mount Kisco, NY motorcycle accident lawyers, call The Martello Law Firm, PLLC now at (914) 685-6950.
Motorcycle Accident and Injury Statistics for Mount Kisco, NY
Motorcycle accident and injury rates are high throughout New York, including in Mount Kisco, mainly due to its proximity to popular highways like I-684 and Routes 117, 133, and 172. By better understanding motorcycle accident rates, we can better understand why victims often need to pursue compensation against negligent drivers.
Fatal Accidents
According to recent data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR), there were a total of 170 fatal motorcycle crashes and 3,854 personal injury motorcycle crashes in New York in 2022.
In Westchester County specifically, where Mount Kisco is located, there were 208 reported motorcycle accidents during the same year. Of those accidents, eight were reported as fatal by police in accident reports, while 50 were classified as serious. This data comes from the ITSMR’s Traffic Safety Statistical Repository.
Accident Causes
Also, according to information compiled by the ITSMR, unsafe speed contributed to 39 motorcycle crashes in Westchester County, and failure to yield to the right of way was a contributing factor in 35 accidents. Other top causes for accidents in Mount Kisco in recent years include driver inexperience, driver inattention, and making improper turns. Police officers cited improper passing, lane changes, and lane use as contributing factors to 58 motorcycle crashes in the area in 2022.
Helmet Use
According to V.A.T. Law § 381(6), motorcyclists must always wear helmets in Mount Kisco and elsewhere throughout New York. According to police reports compiled by the ITSMR, helmets were worn in 168 accidents in the area. Notably, over 87% of motorcycle accident victims who died from injuries in Westchester County were wearing helmets. Helmets can lower the risk of fatal head injuries significantly but do not eliminate the risk of fatal injuries during motorcycle accidents. Still, wearing a helmet is an important safety precaution to take as a motorcyclist.
Injury Types
Throughout Westchester County in 2022, 175 motorcycle drivers were killed or injured during accidents. Of the accidents that resulted in non-fatal injuries, 53 were classified as serious. This classification indicates that a victim sustained an incapacitating injury, like severe lacerations, distorted limbs, or skull fractures, and needed medical assistance at the scene.
According to the ITSMR, 42 accidents were classified as moderate. This means that victims had external and physical signs of an injury, like abrasions and minor lacerations. They might still need medical treatment, but their injuries are not as severe as a traumatic brain injury or limb loss, which would be classified as serious by police at the scene.
Finally, 70 accidents were classified as minor, meaning victims might have complained of pain but showed no physical signs of injury. The ITSMR bases its information on police reports, and police officers collect this information at accident scenes. While some victims might appear unhurt at the scene, they could have underlying injuries. This is one of the many reasons why getting immediate medical care is vital after a motorcycle crash in Mount Kisco.
Accident Dates and Times
According to information pooled by the ITSMR, the most common dates for motorcycle accidents in Mount Kisco and the surrounding area in recent years were Sunday and Friday. In 2022, 80 accidents happened on those days, primarily in the early and late afternoon. That said, there is a considerable risk of motorcycle accidents during nighttime when visibility is low, as negligent drivers might ignore motorcyclists or fail to see them on the road.
Generally speaking, the summer months of May, June, July, and August are the most common months for motorcycle accidents in the area. While that may be the case, Mount Kisco’s roads during winter months might ice over, presenting an elevated risk of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents.
Your Next Steps After a Mount Kisco, NY Motorcycle Accident
Immediately after the collision, call 911 and report the crash to the police. Officers can process the scene so that you can focus on getting emergency medical care from paramedics.
Never leave a crash site before speaking with law enforcement, even if you feel physically fine. Having documentation of the collision in the form of an accident report will be important, which is why victims should always call 911.
Police officers will talk to all involved parties, including any witnesses who remain on the scene. Be candid with law enforcement, and tell them what you remember about the other driver’s negligent actions.
Since motorcycle accidents typically seriously injure victims, some may have to go straight from the site to the emergency room before being able to recount the accident to law enforcement. In those cases, police officers may contact victims after the fact to fill out any remaining sections of the accident report. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will then help you get this report from law enforcement in Mount Kisco and check it for accuracy, as well as any other details that could help your case.
Call Our Attorneys in Mount Kisco, NY Today
The Martello Law Firm, PLLC can assess your case for free when you call our motorcycle accident lawyers at (914) 685-6950.
