A horrific motorcycle accident in New York (the Soho neighborhood of Lower Manhattan) demonstrates the very real danger that riders put themselves in every time they take to the streets. At roughly 4:20 in the afternoon of August 21st, 32-year old Larry Olavarria “hit the throttle” in an apparent attempt to run a red light (according to at least one eyewitness) and slammed into a minivan at the corner of West Houston Street and La Guardia Place.
Though Olavarria, a member of the Lost Boyz motorcycle club, may have been wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, he was pronounced dead at the scene after rescue crews arrived. Witnesses describe a horrific and tragic scene as the victim was thrown from his motorcycle and landed on the pavement below after smashing bodily into the side of the van.
Olavarria was one of the roughly 4,500 unfortunate victims who lose their lives in motorcycle accidents every year. Experts note that one of the reasons so many accidents are occurring now is that the number of motorcycles on the streets has dramatically increased over the past few years. And, unfortunately, data collected by the Governors Highway Safety Association shows a direct correlation between gas prices, the number of bike registrations across the country, and fatal accidents involving motorcyclists.
Citing the cost-effectiveness of riding a motorcycle and the increasing price of gasoline, many bike owners choose to ignore the danger even as friends and family warn them. Indeed, one of Olavarra’s Facebook friends repeated posted links to online articles pertaining to New York motorcycle accidents on his personal page.
Even in non-fatal accidents, the consequences are severe. Safety equipment like helmets and padding can reduce the severity of injuries suffered during a motorcycle accident but victims can be left with long-lasting injuries that essentially destroy their way of life.
If you or a loved one has been a motorcycle accident, you may be legally entitled to collect damages from the party found to be at fault. Your best course of action is to consult with an expert New York motorcycle accident attorney immediately. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.