Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
In 2,017, there were 3,194 motorcycle crashes in Pennsylvania. One hundred eighty-five people lost their lives in these crashes, and almost all of the fatalities were the motorcyclists and not the drivers of the other vehicles. Helmets were worn in the majority of crashes, but even with helmets, motorcycle riders face the risk of serious injury when struck by a motor vehicle. Chestnut Hill personal injury attorney Christine G. Benedum of Benedum Law helps Philadelphia motorcycle accident victims recover compensation for their injuries when they are hit by negligent or distracted drivers. Learn more about Pennsylvania motorcycle accidents below, and call 215-LAWSUITS for assistance from a motorcycle accident lawyer if you or a loved one suffered a serious personal injury in a Philadelphia motorcycle accident.
Distracted drivers don’t see motorcycles in time
Distracted driving is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents, and this trend is growing due to the proliferation of smart phones, social media and in-vehicle infotainment systems. Motorists are not accustomed to seeing motorcycles on the road; safe, attentive driving re quires constant scanning of the road ahead for changes in traffic patterns or slowdowns, objects in the road, and smaller vehicles such as motorcycles. Drivers who only occasionally glance up from their phones are likely to miss seeing a motorcyclist in time to avoid a collision.
In addition to negligent or distracted driving in general, common causes of Philadelphia motorcycle accidents include:
- Making a left turn across the path of an approaching motorcycle
- Failing to signal before making a turn or lane change
- Failing to check blind spots before turning or changing lanes
- Crowding a motorcyclist out of the lane
Safe riding can avoid some motorcycle accidents, but not all
Motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable to serious injury or death in a crash with larger, heavier car or truck. Motorcycles offer little to no protection to the rider in the event of an impact. Experienced riders know their bike’s handling and limitations and can often react quickly in response to an unexpected or risky maneuver by another vehicle driver. In addition, taking the following steps can help avoid accidents or serious injury in the case of an impact:
- Wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times
- Wear protective gloves and clothing such as riding leathers
- Ride with headlamp on at all times
- Signal intentions before making traffic maneuvers
- Drive defensively; leave space between you and other drivers
Unfortunately, the most careful riding in the world can’t always protect you from another driver’s reckless, aggressive, negligent or distracted driving. In the event of an accident, insurance companies and jurors are often quick to blame the biker for riding irresponsibly. An experienced personal injury attorney at Benedum Law can help you build a strong case that clearly shows the facts of the accident and the other driver’s negligence. It is extremely important not to allow the insurance company to pin any of the blame unfairly on you. Not only does this act reduce the amount of compensation you can receive, it can keep you from obtaining any compensation at all if you are found to be more at fault than the other driver.
Call Our Experienced and Effective Motorcycle Accident Attorney
For strong, effective help after a Philadelphia motorcycle accident, call the Chestnut Hill law office of Benedum Law at 215-LAWSUIT for a no-cost, confidential consultation with an experienced and successful Philadelphia personal injury attorney.
