A motorcycle accident in upstate New York proved to be a deadly one, after a pair of motorcycles collided and stuck together. One of the riders was thrown from the wreckage, and later died in the hospital. The other rider was uninjured, but has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI).
Two Motorcycles Collide
The accident happened at around 11:45pm on Thursday, October 6, 2016, near the town of Mumford, New York, and about 20 miles southwest of the city of Rochester, New York.
A motorcycle driven by 62-year-old Albert Bullwinkel, was approaching a left-hand turn onto McGinnis Road. Slowing to make the turn safely, Bullwinkel was hit from behind by 69-year-old Robert Miller. The accident caused the motorcycles to get stuck together and spin out of control on the roadway. Miller was thrown off his bike and into the darkness. On landing, he hit his head and sustained a significant head injury. He was airlifted to the Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, where he remained for a few hours before succumbing to his injuries.
Bullwinkel was injured in the accident, but was tested on the scene of the accident for alcohol intoxication and arrested for DUI after he tested positive.
Motorcycle Accidents Far More Dangerous Than Car Accidents
Motorcyclists have very little protection when they are involved in an accident. Unlike cars, which encase their drivers in nearly a ton of metal and plastic, and have extensive safety mechanisms like seatbelts and airbags, motorcycles offer very little in the way of protective measures.
Because of this, the fatality rate for accidents involving motorcycles is significantly higher than it is for cars or trucks. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the number of people who die while riding a motorcycle on the roads of America is 27 times higher than the number of drivers who die while driving a car, per mile traveled.
Because of these dangers, it is imperative that motorcycle riders take every precaution possible while riding a motorcycle. Wearing a helmet has been found to be 37 percent effective in preventing a motorcycle crash from turning fatal. This is why 19 states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia have laws requiring motorcycle riders to wear one. New York is one of these states, but it is unclear whether Miller was abiding by it when the accident occurred.
Motorcycle Crash Attorney in Cobb County
When motorcycles are involved in accidents on the road, the injuries are often serious.
If you were riding your motorcycle and got into a crash, these injuries can be life-altering. This can be especially disappointing if you were not the one who caused the accident. If this is the case, then you need to get a personal injury attorney who handles motorbike accidents to help you get the compensation that you need and deserve from those who were at fault. Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter today for the legal representation that you need.
