Upper Darby, situated just west of Philadelphia, is a vibrant township known for its diverse population and rich history. Yet, like many places across the U.S., it’s not exempt from the issue of motorcycle accidents.
Nationally, motorcycle accidents account for a significant portion of road fatalities, despite motorcycles making up just 3% of all registered vehicles. Given its bustling streets and connectivity to major roadways, understanding the patterns and implications of motorcycle accidents in Upper Darby isn’t just crucial for its residents, but can also offer insights into broader trends and solutions that can benefit the entire nation.
If you or your loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, call the Munley Law motorcycle accident lawyers today. During your free consultation, you will speak with one of our experienced accident attorneys who will guide you through the claims process and offer you all our legal services available.
$32 Million Wrongful Death
$26 Million Truck Accident
$17.5 Million Car Accident
$12 Million Product Liability
$9 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$7.5 Million Auto Accident
$6.9 Million Garbage Truck Accident
$6.5 Million Traumatic Brain Injury
$5 Million Medical Malpractice
$5 Million Bus Accidents
Motorcycle accident statistics in Pennsylvania
In 2022, there were almost 800,000 licensed motorcyclists in Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 3,475 motorcycle accidents in 2022. 217 of these accidents ended in fatalities.
A major incident in 2019 made headlines when a multi-motorcycle collision resulted in three fatalities, drawing attention to the pressing issue of road safety in the region. The tragic event sparked debates about infrastructure improvements and stricter enforcement of traffic rules.
What causes a motorcycle accident?
Motorcycle accidents in Upper Darby, much like other regions, can be caused by a number of factors. These accidents often happen because of a mix of environmental, driver-related, and motorcyclist behavior issues. The most common causes of a motorcycle accident are:
Infrastructure-related issues
- Road Conditions: Uneven surfaces, potholes, and sudden changes in road texture can be perilous for motorcyclists. Given the smaller size and less stability of motorcycles compared to cars, they’re more susceptible to accidents due to poor road conditions.
- Intersections: Many motorcycle accidents occur at intersections, especially those with unclear markings or those that are poorly lit. The complexity of navigating multiple lanes often puts motorcyclists at higher risk.
- Signage: Inadequate or unclear road signs can lead to confusion. Missing warning signs for sharp turns or merging lanes can be especially hazardous for motorcyclists.
Driver-related issues
- Distracted Driving: With the rise of smartphones and in-car entertainment systems, distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents. A momentary lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic outcomes, especially for vulnerable motorcyclists.
- DUIs: Driving under the influence remains a significant problem. Impaired judgment and slowed reaction times due to alcohol or drugs often lead to severe collisions.
- Speeding: Over-speeding reduces the reaction time available for both motorcyclists and vehicle drivers, making accidents more likely and potentially more deadly.
Weather conditions specific to the region
- The varied climate of Upper Darby, with its wet springs and icy winters, poses challenges. Slippery roads during rain or ice can be treacherous for motorcyclists, requiring extra caution.
Behavior of motorcycle riders
- Lane Splitting: While it can be efficient, lane splitting (riding between lanes) is risky, especially in heavy traffic or at higher speeds.
- Not Wearing Helmets: Despite the proven safety benefits, some riders choose to forgo helmets, increasing the risk of severe head injuries in the event of a crash.
The common thread to many of these causes is negligence. At Munley Law, we firmly believe you should not foot the bill for another person’s negligence. If your motorcycle accident was caused by a reason listed above, call an Upper Darby motorcycle accident lawyer today. We will make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and property damage.
What are the consequences of a motorcycle accident?
The aftermath of motorcycle accidents extends far beyond the immediate scene of the crash, with repercussions lingering in the lives of the injured victims for years to come. In personal injury law, our motorcycle accident lawyers tend to break down the consequences into three separate categories: physical, psychological, and economic. Each is extremely important to the injured parties and needs to be addressed in their injury case.
Physical injuries
Motorcycle injuries are often the most visible consequence. They can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more severe injuries like broken bones, spinal cord or other back injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. Unfortunately, some accidents result in fatalities, forever changing the lives of the victim’s loved ones.
Psychological effects
Beyond the physical injuries, the scars of an accident can also be psychological. Injured victims might grapple with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), recurring nightmares of the event, or a deep-seated fear of getting back on the road. Anxiety and depression can also manifest, stemming from the memory of the accident or the struggles of coping with newfound physical limitations.
Economic impact
The economic impact of this type of motor vehicle accident is another crucial facet, often burdening victims and their families. Immediate medical bills, which might involve surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care, can be exorbitant. For many, the aftermath of an auto accident also means an inability to return to work promptly, leading to lost wages. This financial strain is further compounded when considering the hike in your insurance rates post-accident. Moreover, there’s the matter of property damage; repairs or replacements for the motorcycle can be costly.
The impact an automobile accident can have on you and your family is the main reason you should get the help of the motorcycle accident lawyers at Munley Law. We will take on the stress of the claim and work tirelessly to secure maximum compensation. Call today to speak with an Upper Darby PA personal injury lawyer who can help you secure your financial future after what you’ve suffered.
Situations where a motorcycle collides with a commercial truck
Like many Pennsylvania towns, Upper Darby has major trucking highways that run through the municipality, including Interstate 3. Being involved in an auto accident, especially when it’s between a motorcycle and a tractor trailer, can have devastating consequences for the motorcycle rider.
Given the sheer size and weight disparity between a motorcycle and a commercial truck, the motorcyclist is at a far greater risk of severe injury or fatality. Commercial trucks, given their bulk, possess blind spots that can easily conceal a motorcycle. The truck’s slower reaction time means they can’t stop or maneuver as swiftly as smaller vehicles. In an impact, the motorcyclist, lacking the protective shell a car provides, faces direct exposure to the force.
When a a motorcyclist is involved in an auto accident with a tractor trailer, they are far more likely to suffer serious injuries, like spinal cord injuries that lead to paralysis or traumatic brain injuries that can put the rider in a coma.
The Munley law office has extensive experience in truck accidents throughout the state of Pennsylvania. In fact, we have been specializing in representing truck accident victims since we started practicing law over 60 years ago. Call today for a free consultation with our accident lawyers to discuss your legal options.
Building a motorcycle accident case
Building a strong motorcycle accident case requires attention to detail, thorough investigation, and a comprehensive understanding of the law. A skilled personal injury lawyer will begin by collecting evidence from the accident scene. This could include photographs, videos, witness statements, and police reports, all of which can provide a clear picture of the events leading up to the accident.
The lawyer will then evaluate the client’s medical records to determine the extent of the victim’s injuries. Based on those records, they will calculate future medical expenses, often consulting with medical professionals to gain deeper insights.
Beyond this, the personal injury lawyer may work with accident reconstruction experts to establish the precise sequence of events and pinpoint liability. Reviewing the driving histories of all involved parties and checking for any violations or past incidents can also be instrumental in building a case.
As part of building a strong foundation, the lawyer will typically identify potential sources of insurance coverage, negotiate with the insurance company, and if necessary, prepare the case for trial. Throughout this process, the attorney’s primary aim remains to protect the victim’s rights and secure the the highest compensation possible, reflecting the physical, emotional, and economic toll of the accident.
Call a licensed attorney at Munley Law today
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, seeking the legal expertise from the personal injury lawyers at Munley Law will be pivotal in ensuring your legal rights are protected. Our dedicated accident lawyers have the financial resources to handle your case until the very end, even if that means going to trial.
Our law firm operates on a contingency basis. That means you won’t owe any fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery and let us deal with the claims process. Our law offices are available to our clients around the clock. You will be able to access your attorney any time you need an update on the case. Call today for your no obligation consultation so we can get started on recovering a fair settlement for your personal injury case.
