Various factors influence the most common motorcycle accidents in Pittsburgh. In big cities like Pittsburgh, where there are many cars, busy streets, and drivers who might not pay attention, riding a motorcycle can be more dangerous. The roads are often crowded, making it hard for drivers to see motorcycles, and sometimes people are distracted by phones or other things while driving.
After a motorcycle accident in the Steel City, you will need the assistance of a Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyer to help you with your claim. Contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.
What Are the Most Common Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accidents?
The most common Pittsburgh motorcycle accidents include the following:
- Intersection Collisions: Pittsburgh, like pretty much all urban areas, has numerous intersections where vehicles of all types converge. Motorcycles can be especially at risk at these intersections because they might be harder for drivers of bigger vehicles to see. Accidents happen when drivers don't see motorcycles coming, don't realize how fast they're going, or don't give them the right of way.
- Lane Changes and Merging: Changing lanes and merging can be tricky for motorcyclists, especially on busy streets and highways in Pittsburgh. Sometimes, drivers don't check their blind spots well enough, or they misjudge how fast a motorcycle is going or how far away it is when they're changing lanes or merging. This can result in sideswiping or rear-end collisions involving motorcycles.
- Dooring Accidents: In urban areas with parallel parking, such as Pittsburgh, “dooring” accidents pose a significant risk to motorcyclists. These accidents occur when a driver or passenger of a parked car opens a door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle, leaving the rider with insufficient time to react or maneuver safely to avoid a collision.
- Unsafe Left Turns: In cities like Pittsburgh, accidents involving left turns frequently cause motorcycle crashes. Sometimes, drivers making left turns don't give the right of way to motorcycles approaching them, or they don't realize how fast the bike is going. This can lead to collisions right in the middle of an intersection.
- Speeding and Loss of Control: Going too fast is a big reason why motorcycle accidents happen often in Pittsburgh. When riders speed, they can't react as quickly to dangers, and when they do crash, it can be severe. Especially in busy places like Philadelphia, where traffic jams are common, speeding can make it easy to lose control and crash into other cars or things on the road.
- Distracted Driving: Both motorcyclists and drivers of other vehicles can get distracted by different things, like checking their phones, using GPS, or talking to passengers. When drivers allow distractions to divert their attention, whether from their phones, conversations, or other sources, their awareness of the road diminishes. This means they're less likely to notice important cues, such as approaching motorcycles or sudden changes in traffic patterns. As a result, their reaction times become slower, making it harder to respond effectively if a dangerous situation arises. When drivers are distracted and slow to react, the chances of accidents involving motorcycles increase — and motorcycles are already at higher risk due to their smaller size and lower visibility on the road.
What Are the Most Common Injuries to Pittsburgh Motorcyclists?
Motorcycle riders are vulnerable to various injuries due to the lack of protection compared to occupants of enclosed vehicles. Unlike drivers and passengers in enclosed vehicles such as cars or trucks, who are surrounded by a metal frame, airbags, and other safety features, motorcycle riders are exposed to the elements and have minimal protection in the event of a crash.
Some of the most common injuries sustained by a rider in a motorcycle crash include:
Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe injuries, even with helmet use. These injuries can range from concussions to more severe brain trauma, leading to long-term cognitive impairments or even death.
Even in cases where a rider survives a TBI, the long-term effects can be severe. Persistent cognitive impairments can make it hard for the person to do their job, manage daily tasks, and maintain relationships. This means the person might need ongoing support and ways to manage their issues.
Road Rash
When riders are thrown from their motorcycle and skids along the road surface, they can suffer road rash, including scrapes, cuts, and bruises. Road rash can range from mild to severe depending on the crash speed and the protective gear worn. If a road rash becomes infected, serious medical issues can arise.
Soft Tissue Injuries
In addition to road rash, motorcycle accidents can result in soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries can be painful and may require rehabilitation to regain full function.
Fractures and Dislocations
Crashes involving motorcycles often lead to fractures and dislocations, especially in the limbs like arms, legs, hands, and feet. These injuries range from minor breaks to more serious injuries that may need surgery.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or loss of feeling and movement below the injury site. These injuries can deeply affect mobility, independence, and overall quality of life, often persisting for a lifetime.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma from a motorcycle accident can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or injuries to the chest or abdomen. These injuries may not always be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
Facial Injuries
Riders involved in motorcycle accidents may sustain facial injuries, including fractures to the jaw, nose, cheekbones, or eye sockets. These injuries can have cosmetic and functional implications, requiring surgical intervention and long-term rehabilitation.
What Type of Compensation Might Be Available to You?
The answer to this question truly depends on the extent of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and jurisdictional laws in Pittsburgh. However, common types of compensation in motorcycle accident cases may include:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for current and future medical bills related to your injuries, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to missed work during your recovery period. This may also include compensation for diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work at the same capacity as before the accident.
- Property Damage: Coverage for repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other damaged property, such as protective gear or personal belongings.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the accident and your injuries. This is hard to measure and may vary depending on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the loss of ability to engage in activities and hobbies you enjoyed before the accident due to your injuries.
- Disfigurement or Permanent Disability: Additional compensation for scarring, disfigurement, or permanent disabilities resulting from the accident.
- Punitive Damages: In extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by the at-fault party, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Why Do You Need a Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Facing the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be tough, but having a skilled Pittsburgh motorcycle accident attorney on your side can make a world of difference. These lawyers are dedicated to ensuring you get the justice and compensation you deserve. They know all the ins and outs of the legal system and will stop at nothing to make sure you're treated fairly and get the financial support you need to recover from your injuries and rebuild your life.
From dealing with insurance companies to taking your case to court if necessary, a good lawyer will safeguard your case every step of the way. With a motorcycle accident attorney on your side, you can confidently face the future, knowing that someone is fighting relentlessly for your rights and best interests.
How Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help
If you find yourself in the situation of being in a motorcycle accident, our Pittsburgh motorcycle accident attorneys at Munley Law have years of experience and the proper training to handle these claims. We specialize in cases just like yours, and with our experience and dedication, we know how to fight for your rights and get you the fair compensation you deserve.
You can trust us to handle all the legal complexities while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Don't wait—reach out to Munley Law today for a free consultation, and let us help you through this tough time.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
510 Third Avenue
2nd Floor,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
+14125345133
