A serious motorcycle accident in Gorham, Ontario County has left a 27-year-old Naples man fighting for his life at Strong Memorial Hospital. The collision occurred on August 11 at approximately 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of state Route 247 and County Road 18, highlighting the dangerous reality that motorcyclists face on New York roadways every day.
According to Ontario County sheriff's deputies, the motorcyclist was traveling north on state Route 247 when a Honda HRV traveling west on County Road 18 entered his path, resulting in a devastating collision. The rider sustained significant internal and orthopedic injuries requiring emergency surgery and was admitted to the trauma intensive care unit in serious condition. While the three occupants of the Honda HRV were uninjured, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable motorcyclists are in traffic accidents. The crash forced road closures for several hours and remains under investigation by authorities. You can read the original report here.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result from a combination of factors that put riders at serious risk on the road. Understanding these common causes can help raise awareness about motorcycle safety:
- Failure to yield right-of-way - Other drivers failing to see motorcycles or misjudging their speed when making turns or entering intersections
- Left-turn accidents - Vehicles making left turns across a motorcyclist's path, often claiming they "didn't see" the motorcycle
- Lane changes without checking blind spots - Cars changing lanes without properly checking for motorcycles in adjacent lanes
- Following too closely - Other drivers tailgating motorcycles, leaving insufficient stopping distance
- Distracted driving - Drivers texting, talking on phones, or engaging in other distracting activities
- Impaired driving - Drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication
- Poor road conditions - Potholes, debris, wet surfaces, or construction zones that pose greater risks to two-wheeled vehicles
- Speeding and reckless driving - Excessive speed reducing reaction time and increasing crash severity
When negligence on the part of another driver, road maintenance entity, or vehicle manufacturer contributes to a motorcycle accident, injured victims may be entitled to significant legal compensation for their injuries and losses.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims in Ontario County, NY
Motorcycle accidents like the one in Gorham often result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death due to the lack of protection motorcyclists have compared to occupants of enclosed vehicles. When these accidents occur due to someone else's negligence, injured riders and their families may have grounds for personal injury or wrongful death claims. Our firm has successfully handled numerous motorcycle accident cases throughout New York State, securing substantial compensation for our clients.
Potential liable parties in motorcycle accident cases may include negligent drivers who fail to yield right-of-way, municipalities responsible for dangerous road conditions, vehicle manufacturers in cases involving defective parts, and even establishments that over-serve alcohol to impaired drivers. Compensation in these cases can cover extensive medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of financial support. While no amount of money can undo the trauma of a serious accident, pursuing legal action holds negligent parties accountable and provides financial resources necessary for recovery and long-term care.
Damages and Compensation
Understanding the types of damages available in motorcycle accident cases is crucial for injured victims and their families. Compensation typically falls into several categories designed to address both immediate and long-term impacts of the accident.
Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future earning capacity. For severe injuries like those sustained in this Gorham crash, medical expenses alone can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. Non-economic damages address the intangible but very real impacts of the accident, including physical pain, emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement or disability.
In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. The calculation of compensation requires careful documentation of all accident-related expenses and impacts, including testimony from medical experts, economists, and vocational rehabilitation specialists. The purpose of compensation is not just to restore what was lost, but to ensure accountability and provide the financial resources necessary for the best possible recovery. Contact our experienced legal team to discuss the specific damages that may apply to your case.
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, don't wait to seek legal representation. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially in motorcycle cases where bias against riders can affect claim handling. Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side from the beginning can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. For immediate assistance, email us at info@porterlawteam.com or call 833-PORTER9 for a free consultation.
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Why Choose Porter Law Group?
The attorneys at Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing motorcyclists and their families whose lives have been devastated by serious traffic accidents. We understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face, from overcoming bias against riders to dealing with insurance companies that often try to minimize legitimate claims. Our track record speaks for itself - we have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in courts throughout New York State for our injured clients.
We are a state-wide firm that handles complex cases with a hometown feel, providing personalized attention to every client while leveraging the resources necessary to take on major insurance companies. Our seasoned trial lawyers understand that you only get one chance to hire the best legal representation for you and your family. When insurance companies see that Porter Law Group is representing you, they know they're dealing with attorneys who aren't afraid to take cases to trial to secure the compensation our clients deserve.
We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle every aspect of your legal claim, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, presenting your case to a jury.
Contact Porter Law Group for Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere in New York State, don't face the legal system alone. The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Porter Law Group are here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. We serve clients throughout New York and understand the urgent need to preserve evidence and protect your interests from day one.
Call us today at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com for your free, no-obligation consultation. Time is critical in motorcycle accident cases, so don't delay in seeking the experienced legal representation you need. Let us put our knowledge, resources, and dedication to work for you while you focus on what matters most - your recovery.
