A motorcyclist was critically injured in a collision with a car in Madison County on Sept. 26. The motorcyclist, who had been wearing a helmet at the time of the incident, was thrown about 30 feet away from the bike as a result of the impact.
The Madison County sheriff’s deputies report that the accident took place on Route 13 between Lewis Point Road and Pine Ridge Road and caused that stretch to be closed for approximately 90 minutes. According to the deputies, a car had been making a left turn onto a driveway when the motorcycle collided into it. The motorcyclist had attempted to pass the car and instead crashed into the driver’s side door.
The motorcyclist was critically injured in the incident and transported to Upstate Hospital in Syracuse for treatment. The driver was also injured, though not seriously, and was also transported to a medical facility for treatment. Police continue to investigate the accident. In this particular situation, it is unclear who is liable for the accident or what exactly caused the collision. In similar car accidents, factors such as speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving and road and weather conditions have played a role.
An injured victim might choose to file a personal injury claim if liability on the part of the driver can be shown. An attorney could possibly use the results of the police investigation as well as any charges brought against a driver in relation to the accident as evidence. In New York, a victim who files a successful claim might receive an award that includes economic and non-economic damages.
Source: UticaOD.com, “Motorcyclist in critical condition after crash“, September 26, 2014