How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, motorcycle accidents are unfortunately quite common. As a motorcycle rider, you should be aware that motorcycle crashes often result in severe consequences. In Pennsylvania, motorcycle accidents make up less than 3 percent of crashes in the Commonwealth but over 17 percent of total motorcycle fatalities. Many of these accidents lead to fatal injuries or catastrophic injuries, which can have long-lasting effects on your life and well-being. One major cause of these accidents is the blind spots of other vehicles, where drivers may not see you until it’s too late.

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident anywhere in Pennsylvania, Munley Law is here to help. Contact our motorcycle accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.

The Most Common Type of Motorcycle Accident: Left Hand Turns

Left turns by motorcyclists are the most common type of motorcycle accident, as they are 70 percent of attributed causes of crashes and fatalities. As a motorcycle driver, you must be especially cautious in these situations. Many drivers making these turns often misjudge the speed of oncoming motorcycles or fail to see them altogether due to blind spots. This can lead to sudden stops or unsafe lane changes, putting you at significant risk. Even if you follow the speed limit and obey all traffic laws, these accidents can still happen unexpectedly.

When a vehicle turns left in front of you, it can lead to severe injury, including traumatic brain injuries and other undesirable consequences. In such cases, consulting a motorcycle accident lawyer can be essential. They can help you navigate the legal process, ensuring you receive the support and compensation you need after such a traumatic event.

What Other Common Motorcycle Accidents Are There?

Lane Switching

Lane switches are a significant cause of motorcycle accidents, and as an experienced rider, you need to be aware of this danger. When a motor vehicle driver changes lanes without adequately checking their blind spots, they can easily miss seeing you on your motorcycle. This sudden move can lead to a collision at an intersection, causing various types of injuries. Even by following the best motorcycle safety practices, these situations can still arise, making protective clothing essential to help reduce the severity of injuries.

In many cases, the driver responsible for the lane switch might not even realize the life-threatening danger they’ve caused until it’s too late. This worsens matters, as their lack of awareness can result in more severe car accidents. Despite being an experienced rider and taking all necessary precautions, you must remain aware and anticipate these unsafe lane changes to protect yourself on the road.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on motorcycle collisions are one of the deadliest types of motorcycle accidents, and as a motorist, you need to be especially cautious of them. These collisions occur when a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction crashes directly into your motorcycle. Significant contributors to head-on collisions include drivers not paying attention, speeding, or crossing into your lane.

When riding larger motorcycles, the impact from a head-on collision can be even more severe. These accidents often lead to fatal motorcycle accidents. Even if you survive a head-on motorcycle crash, you might suffer from serious internal injuries, broken bones, and road rash.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting, where you, as a motorcycle rider, maneuver between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. This can be dangerous because car drivers might not see you, leading to sudden lane changes that result in a motorcycle crash. Uneven road surfaces and abrupt stops at traffic signals add to the risk, making it harder to maintain control.

These accidents often result in serious motorcycle accident injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and road rash, which might require extensive physical therapy. In some cases, these crashes can even lead to fatal accidents. Despite the potential benefits of lane splitting for reducing traffic congestion, the risks involved highlight the need for caution and adherence to safety measures.

Drunk Driving

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. Being impaired while driving a motorcycle is especially dangerous because there is no outside protection when your motor skills and reflexes are weakened due to the substance. There are too many outside variables that can heavily affect the driving experience of someone who has been drinking. Dangerous road conditions, excessive speeding, and overall reckless driving are all common motorcycle accident scenarios for a drunk driver.

What is the Primary Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?

Speeding is one of the primary causes of motorcycle accidents because it greatly increases the risk and severity of crashes. When bikers ride at high speeds, their reaction time is significantly reduced, making it harder to respond to sudden changes in traffic, obstacles, or road conditions. The influence of speed means that even minor mistakes can lead to fatal crashes. Inexperienced drivers are particularly vulnerable, as they might not yet have the skills to handle the motorcycle safely at high speeds, leading to a higher crash rate.

High-speed motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries. The types of accidents caused by speeding can include collisions with other vehicles, losing control, or running off the road. The force of these crashes can lead to serious injuries such as head injuries, spinal injuries, and nerve damage, which often require long-term medical attention, care, and rehabilitation. Aggressive driving and speeding increase the likelihood of an accident and the severity of the injuries.

Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney After Your Accident?

Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney after your accident is crucial because they can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, especially when facing high medical bills, emotional distress, and possible permanent disabilities. An experienced injury lawyer knows personal injury law and can handle all aspects of your claim, such as negotiating with insurance companies, gathering necessary evidence, and building a strong case on your behalf. This legal expertise can ensure you receive fair compensation to cover your medical expenses and any future care you may need.

Motorcycle deaths and severe injuries often lead to significant emotional and financial stress. Experienced attorneys can help alleviate some of this burden by managing the legal aspects of your or a loved one’s case, allowing a focus on recovery. They can guide you through the legal action required to seek damages for your injuries, lost wages, and other related costs.

Hiring a skilled motorcycle accident attorney increases your chances of achieving a favorable outcome and securing the financial support needed to move forward after such a traumatic event. Look no further and contact a personal injury lawyer at Munley Law for a free consultation and guidance for motorcycle accident victims.