The Most Common Motorcycle Accidents
June 25, 2019
Motorcycle Fatalities
Owning a motorcycle is one of the most thrilling adventures you can have in life. This type of transportation is, however, exhilarating and dangerous all at the same time. When you hop on your motorcycle, no matter the time of year, you are putting yourself at risk of suffering a devastating injury. Accidents happen all the time on the roads of Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities and many of these accidents involve motorcycles. These accidents can lead to serious injuries and even death. In 2011, there were 4,612 fatalities from motorcycle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Almost half of all motorcycle accidents that involved fatalities occurred with another vehicle.
Vehicle Turns Left in Front of Motorcycle
One of the leading motorcycle accidents in Pittsburgh and the rest of the country happens when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle. This is almost completely unavoidable for the motorcyclist. Why? There’s not much a motorcycle rider can do when a vehicle approaching it decides to make a left turn at the last minute. The motorcyclist can dump their bike to avoid colliding with the vehicle, but this can cause them to suffer broken bones and even road rash.
Speeding
Speeding is another common cause of motorcycle accidents in Pittsburgh. This can be speeding on the part of the motorcyclist or the other driver involved in the accident. Speed is a serious issue that can cause the death of anyone involved in an accident, but even more so when it involves a motorcycle. Speeding makes it difficult for motorcyclists to judge oncoming vehicles and to maneuver out of the way of the oncoming vehicle. Motorcyclists who speed on their bikes are taking their lives in their own hands. They might have trouble navigating curves, coming to a stop quickly, avoiding animals, maneuvering around road debris and much more.
Road Debris
Road debris is a very serious issue for motorcycle riders in Pennsylvania. Road debris includes potholes, dead animals, debris from previous accidents, car parts, gravel and much more. Debris on the road can cause a motorcycle to spin out of control, tossing the rider into the air, into another vehicle, onto the road and into a ditch. Motorcycle riders need to be on the lookout for road debris at all times in order to avoid a serious accident that can lead to severe injuries and even death.
Limited Visibility
Limited visibility can make for a deadly situation for motorcycle riders. It’s difficult enough for other drivers to see motorcycles on the roads of Pennsylvania. When the visibility is low due to rain, snow, dust or fog, it can be nearly impossible for a driver to spot a motorcycle. It’s best for motorcyclists to avoid riding when visibility is low. If they are already on the road when the visibility changes, it’s best to pull safely off the road until conditions improve.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving affects not only drivers of traditional vehicles, but also motorcycle riders. When a driver is distracted, he or she will not be able to spot motorcycles until it’s too late. Distractions occur when drivers use phones while driving, read the newspaper, eat, drink, get dressed and do anything else that does not involve the operation of the vehicle.
Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Goodrich & Geist represent clients injured because of motorcycle accidents in Pittsburgh and all of the Western Pennsylvania counties. Call 412-837-8426 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3634 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
