Many Pennsylvania citizens own or ride motorcycles on a regular basis. However, motorcyclists are at more risk of injury than those in regular passenger vehicles. At the Dan Doyle Law Group, we know that motorcycle accident can lead to serious injuries for riders, and we want to help if another person’s negligence caused your crash. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will investigate what happened and work to secure compensation from the at-fault party. You do not have to do this alone.

MOTORCYCLE CRASHES ARE A REGULAR OCCURRENCE

Due to the popularity of motorcycles in Pennsylvania, it is not uncommon for us to encounter crashes involving motorcycles and other vehicles. During the latest reporting year in PA, the Department of Transportation says that there was a total of 2,714 motorcycle accidents. From 2017 to 2018, there was a 15% decrease in total motorcycle accidents. Out of the 2018 incidents, there were:

  • 2,611 total injuries
  • 164 total fatalities

When we look at those statistics, it is clear that most reported motorcycle crashes resulted in some kind of injury or a fatality. Our Allentown motorcycle accident lawyers understand that cyclists are more vulnerable on the roadway than those inside regular passenger vehicles. Even when a motorcyclist is wearing a helmet (and most are not required to do so in PA), there is still a major risk that they will suffer from one of the following injuries in a crash:

 

WHAT CAUSES ALLENTOWN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS?

Many people are quick to blame a motorcyclist in the aftermath of a crash, but the truth is that most motorcyclists operate safely. Many injuries and fatal crashes are caused by the careless or negligent operation of another driver. Many drivers fail to give motorcyclists the space they deserve on the roadway.

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to drivers who:

 

WHY ARE RIDERS MORE LIKELY TO HAVE A FATALITY IN AN ACCIDENT?

Driving and riding on a motorcycle increases your chances of suffering severe injury or death. The reasons are there is less able to break on a motorcycle, there is less to protect the driver or rider in an accident, and there is less able to control the motorcycle.

When it comes to motorcycle braking, they differ from a car or other type of vehicle. Brakes for cars are stronger and work collectively to stop the vehicle safely and efficiently. If you apply pressure on the brakes of a motorcycle, there are times it could cause the bike to spin and you could lose control.

It is obvious that when you drive or ride in a car or other vehicle there are parts that surround you to give you more protection. You also have a seatbelt. For motorcycle riders, there is minimum surrounding protection so if an accident were to occur, the rider will sustain far greater physical injuries. Riders have nothing to prevent them from hitting the ground or other objects around them.

Now, think about how it is more difficult to steer a two-wheeled vehicle as opposed to a vehicle with four wheels. If a motorcycle rider hits any kind of debris or divots on the road they are more inclined to crash.

HOW TO AVOID MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS?

Suggestions our Law Group found to be quite helpful in avoiding and preventing accidents are to wear brighter colors, stay alert, wear a helmet and safety equipment, be mindful of intersections, cut down on speeding or drinking, take a safety course and stay off the roads during bad weather.

Wearing brighter colors helps other drivers see you. By staying alert you are ready to avoid hazards on the road and be alert for distracted drivers. Those who wear a helmet and other safety gear decrease their chances of suffering from a traumatic brain injury. Meanwhile, full-body coverage protection works best at saving your body from other injuries. Keeping a lookout at intersections especially for drivers who turn left, will help prevent accidents.

Speed and drinking are the most notorious reasons for accidents. More than a third of fatal crashes are due to speed. Then, 40% of riders who die in an accident are alcohol-related. Follow the rules of the road and stay sober. Investing some time in a safety course online or in-person is not a bad idea either. This way you ensure you are prepared to handle yourself and better manage your bike on the road. Avoid riding in inclement weather too. Poor driving conditions almost always end in accidents that could have been avoided had the driver stayed off the roads.

Individuals injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the careless actions of another person deserve to be compensated for their troubles. Dan Doyle Law Group is composed of motorcycle enthusiasts who understand the challenges riders face when it comes to staying safe. Let us assist you in taking back charge of your life after a motorcycle accident.

IT IS TIME TO GET YOUR CASE STARTED

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash that was caused by another person’s careless or negligent actions, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Dan Doyle Law Group, we will get to work on your case immediately. Our goal is to establish liability in this case so we can secure the compensation you need, including:

  • All medical expenses related to the motorcycle crash
  • Lost income and benefits if you are unable to work
  • Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life damages
  • Possible punitive damages against the negligent party

We are not afraid to stand up to aggressive insurance companies that may be quick to blame motorcyclists for a crash. When you need an Allentown motorcycle accident attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling 215-987-3730 for a free consultation.