Kingston Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorney

Mainetti & Mainetti, P.C. is a tenacious legal team with decades of experience in pushing back for those who have suffered motorcycle accident injuries at the hands of another party. The costs of acute medical care, long-term rehabilitation, counseling services, lost wages and more can pile up fast, with or without health insurance; we’re here to help make you whole.

Hurt on a bike? Call Alex and Mike!

Ulster County Motorcycle Injuries: By the Numbers

Motorcycle crashes in Ulster County follow a somewhat predictable pattern when analyzed through recent data. A previous study found that approximately 25% of all motorcycle accidents occur on Wednesdays, with additional spikes on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, indicating that both midweek commutes and weekend leisure rides pose increased risks for motorcyclists.

The causes of these accidents vary. One study revealed that around 25% of motorcycle crashes in the county result from “failure to yield” the right of way. Other common causes include unsafe speeds, driver distraction or inattention, improper lane use, and improper turns. Additionally, rural areas in Ulster County pose the unique risk of animals crossing the road, further complicating driving conditions for motorcyclists.

Certain towns in the county experience more frequent motorcycle accidents. Below is a breakdown of the number of personal injury motorcycle crashes recorded in these areas:

• Saugerties: 8 crashes
• Town of Ulster: 7 crashes
• Plattekill: 5 crashes
• Wawarsing: 4 crashes
• Hurley: 3 crashes
• Town of Esopus: 3 crashes
• Town of Rochester: 2 crashes
• City of Kingston: 2 crashes
• Marlborough: 2 crashes
• Shawangunk: 2 crashes

These figures suggest that towns like Saugerties and the Town of Ulster are particularly prone to motorcycle accidents, potentially due to higher traffic volumes or challenging road conditions. Both motorcyclists and other drivers should exercise heightened caution in these areas.

Why are so many accidents caused by these factors?

From looking at this data, the three most common causes of motorcycle accidents in the Mid-Hudson Valley are:

Failure to yield right of way

These accidents occur when a car or truck driver fails to yield to a motorcyclist who has the right of way, resulting in a collision. Sometimes, a driver will fail to see the motorcyclist due to their smaller size, which can lead to a failure to yield. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury than other motorists due to the lack of protection offered by their vehicles, and a failure to yield can lead to catastrophic injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

Unsafe speeds

Many accidents occur when motorcyclists travel at unsafe speeds, either because they are trying to keep up with traffic or because they are simply driving too fast. High speeds make it difficult for motorcyclists to react to changes in traffic or road conditions, and they increase the risk of losing control of the bike. When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident due to unsafe speeds, they are often blamed for the accident, even if the other driver was at fault.

Driver inattention or distraction

With the increasing use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving, distracted driving has become an epidemic on our roads. When a driver is distracted, they may not see a motorcyclist until it is too late to avoid a collision. Distracted drivers may also fail to obey traffic signals or signs, or fail to yield right of way to motorcyclists. Inattention can also play a role in motorcycle accidents, as drivers may not be paying enough attention to the road or their surroundings to notice a motorcyclist until it is too late.

Motorcyclists should take steps to reduce their risk of accidents. They should always wear helmets and other protective gear, including jackets, pants, and gloves, to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident. They should also be aware of their surroundings and drive defensively, anticipating the actions of other drivers and staying alert for potential hazards. Motorcyclists should also be aware of their own limitations, and should avoid riding at speeds that are beyond their abilities or the limits of their bikes.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident Occurs

• Document conditions of the Scene
• Seek Medical Care
• Don’t Post on Social Media
• Don’t Speak with the OTHER Insurance Company
• Set Up a Claim with YOUR Insurance Company
• Call Us