For many people, riding a motorcycle is a great experience. It provides an unmatchable sense of freedom. Riders experience the wind in their hair as they roll down the freeway. Not to mention it is also an eco-friendly option as compared to cars and larger vehicles.
But there is one downside of riding a motorcycle: the comparative lack of safety.
A motorcycle does not provide riders with the protection a car affords. Its smaller size makes it likely to fall into blind spots. If an accident occurs, riders can become seriously injured.
It is up to everyone on the road to make sure motorcyclists are safe. If you are involved in an accident that was caused by a driver’s reckless or negligent behavior, you deserve compensation. Luschas, Naparsteck & Crane, LLP will see to it that your rights are protected.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycle accidents are all too common, especially in a busy state like Pennsylvania. Here are some 2020 statistics to be aware of.
- Motorcycle accidents resulted in 2611 injuries and 164 deaths
- 90.5% of motorcycle accidents resulted in injury or death
- Of the 2714 motorcycle crashes that occurred, 159 were fatal
- Motorcycle accidents accounted for 10% of collisions in the state
- Motorcycle accidents accounted for 14% of fatal collisions in the state
- 40% of riders who died in accidents were wearing a helmet when the collision occurred.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are many reasons a motorcycle accident can occur. Here are the most common.
Unsafe Lane Changes: Unsafe lane changes are one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. It is easy for a motorcycle to get caught in a driver’s blind spot. If a driver does not take a good look to their side before getting over, they can run a motorcyclist off the road.
Road Debris: A motorcycle’s small size makes them for vulnerable to debris and bumps in the road. If the debris is caused by nearby construction, the city or a contractor may be responsible for damages.
Weaving in and Out of Lanes: Motorcycle riders can be responsible for accidents as well. Riders often weave in and out of lanes to get to where they are going faster. This type of activity is illegal in most states as it is likely to result in an accident.
Car Doors: Drivers may park their car and open their doors without looking for oncoming traffic. Motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles may collide with these doors resulting in serious injuries.
Manufacturing Defects: Accidents may occur if the motorcycle or another vehicle involved experiences some sort of equipment failure. If this is the case, the manufacturer or a mechanic may be liable for damages.
Other Illegal Behavior: Any type of reckless or negligent behavior on the road can cause an accident. This includes passing through traffic signs and lights, driving fatigued, driving intoxicated, speeding, and more.
Common Motorcycle Injuries
A motorcycle simply does not offer riders the protection of a car. Therefore, riders may incur serious injuries if they are involved in an accident. Here are some examples:
- Burns including road burn
- Amputations
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Wrongful death
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Laws
It is common to think that drivers are to blame for a motorcycle accident. After all, they are larger vehicles that need to be looking out for motorcycles that may fall in their blind sides.
But if a motorcycle rider is not following the rules of the road, he or she may be at fault or partially at fault for the accident.
In addition to obeying traffic signs, not speeding, and not driving distracted or intoxicated, riders must obey helmet laws.
In the state of Pennsylvania, all riders under 21 must wear a helmet. Those who have two years of riding experience or have completed a PennDOT of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation approved course may be excused.
The helmets worn must meet U.S. Department of Transportation standards. They must bear a DOT sticker and must be labeled with the following information:
- Manufacturer identification
- Model Identification
- Size
- Month and year of manufacture
Riders must also wear eyewear to protect their eyes from flying objects.
Although wearing a helmet is not necessary for older riders, it is highly recommended. Statistically, riders are 39% more likely to die in accident if they are not wearing a helmet.
In addition to wearing a helmet and protective eyewear, riders should be properly licensed. A rider that does not have the right licensing may be a hazard on the road.
To get your license, you must first take a basic motorcycle safety test and apply for a Class M permit. Riders under 18 must carry the permit for 6 months and have at least 65 hours of supervised driving before they can take a skills test.
Once riders pass the skills test, they will be granted a license.
What Damages Can I Be Compensated for in a Motorcycle Accident?
Riders who are injured in a motorcycle accident may be eligible to receive economic and noneconomic compensation.
Economic compensation will cover any lost wages due to time taken off to recover, as well as medical expenses.
Noneconomic compensation covers emotional and physical pain and suffering. It is not easy to put a monetary value on these nontangible damages, but your lawyer will use their years of experience to come up with a number that is fair.
Why Luschas, Naparsteck & Crane, LLP is the Best Choice for Your Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident can have devastating consequences. The right lawyer will see to it that you get the compensation you deserve.
Luschas, Naparsteck & Crane, LLP is a team of Montour County, PA lawyers with years of experience in motorcycle accident and personal injury law. We are known for our excellent customer service, our affordable rates and our winning results. We will stop at nothing to see to it that justice is served.
Do not let reckless drivers get away with reducing your quality of life. Call Luschas, Naparsteck & Crane, LLP to schedule a free consultation. We will make at fault parties pay for their actions.
