Motorcyclist Killed in Orange County Head-On Crash

An evening motorcycle ride turned deadly recently when a motorcyclist crashed head-on into another vehicle. The driver apparently failed to negotiate a curve in the Wallkill roadway, veered into oncoming traffic and was struck by a motor vehicle. The biker suffered severe head trauma in the motorcycle accident and died at the scene. Although the accident investigation is ongoing, authorities believe that speed may have been a factor.

An average of 141 motorcyclists is killed each year in New York in fatal crashes (NYS Department of Health). Motorcycles are less visible than other vehicles and have high-performance capabilities. Bikes are less stable as well and, because there is no protection for the rider, motorcyclists are more likely to be injured or killed in an accident.

Severe Injuries Often Occur in Motorcycle Accidents

Because of the relatively small size of motorcycles compared to other cars and trucks, and also because of the unprotected status of the riders, motorcycle accidents tend to produce serious injuries that can lead to disability and death.

Common injuries include:

· Road rash that can result in infections and long-term surface nerve damage

· Facial fractures causing disfigurement

· Burns

· Broken bones

· Spinal cord injuries that can lead to partial or total paralysis

· Brain damage including traumatic brain injury (TBI)

The most severe of these injuries can cause death but can also result in permanent disability. The victim may require long-term or assisted care as well as vehicle and home modifications.

Wearing Helmets Saves Lives

It’s a fact that head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. It’s also a fact that riders without helmets are 3 times more likely to experience a brain injury in a crash than those who wear helmets.

New York state law requires helmet use for both the motorcycle driver and passenger as well as protective eyewear. And for good reason – wearing a motorcycle helmet can save your life and reduce the chance of a traumatic brain injury. A TBI results from a severe blow to the head such as that experienced when a motorcycle rider is ejected from the bike during an accident. The brain can be severely damaged even if there is no penetration of the skull.

TBI symptoms include loss of consciousness, dizziness, headache, nausea, disorientation, visual problems, seizures, vomiting and feelings of depression. Some signs of TBI may not appear right away.

If you or a family member has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is vital to be medically assessed as soon as possible for injuries including TBI.

Let Us Know If You Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident

If you or a family member has been harmed by a car accident, truck accident, construction accident, slip and fall or any other type of personal injury, please contact StolzenbergCortelli, LLC Attorneys at Law immediately. Please call us for a free consultation. Attorneys Howard Stolzenberg and Terrence James Cortelli, personal injury attorneys in White Plains, Nyack and New York City, will fight to secure justice for you and your family. You can reach us at (914) 361 – 4888 or contact us via the website.