Pennsylvania is a motorcycling state, and now is the time of year when enthusiasts love to hop on their bike and get out to enjoy a nice ride. Unfortunately, not all of these rides end safely. Even when a biker has worn the proper safety gear, taken a motorcycle course, and remained vigilant on the roads, accidents happen. Most of these are caused by driver negligence. Drivers simply don’t watch for motorcyclists the way they do other vehicles.
When this is the case and a motorcyclist becomes severely injured, they can sue for compensation. Below are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents that lead to a claim.
Left-Hand Turn Accidents
One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents is when a car is turning left in front of a motorcyclist. The motorcyclist may be traveling the opposite way and headed straight through the intersection. The driver, not seeing the motorcyclist, turns and hits the biker.
These crashes also sometimes occur when the motorcyclist and the driver are traveling in the same direction. The driver stops to make a left-hand turn, and the motorcyclist tries to pass the car. It’s very important motorcyclists always use caution at intersections and do not try to overtake a turning vehicle. If they do, the biker could be found partially at fault under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence laws.
Lane-Changing Accidents
Motorcyclists are much smaller than other vehicles. As such, drivers don’t always see bikers, and it’s also easier for bikes to remain in a driver’s blind spot. When either of these are the case and a driver starts to change lanes, they sideswipe the motorcyclist and cause a crash.
It’s important motorcyclists try to remain out of a driver’s blind spots by checking to see if they can see the driver in the other vehicle’s mirrors. If you can’t see them, they also can’t see you and you should move out of their blind spot as quickly as possible.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions can occur for many reasons. Whatever it is that causes a crash though, these are some of the most deadly accidents for motorcyclists. When bikers are hit head-on, they are often crushed by another vehicle, or thrown from their bike, usually into a hard surface. The only way bikers can try to avoid these accidents is to constantly watch the road in front of them, and move out of the way when there are obstacles present such as another car.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a real problem on the roads today. It doesn’t only cause motorcycle accidents, but also accidents between cars and trucks, as well. Distracted drivers are a particular risk to motorcyclists. Drivers already often fail to see bikers on the road and when they’re looking down at the their phones instead of the road, the chances are even less that they will see a motorcyclist.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Call the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Attorneys that can Help
While the above are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we know there are a number of ways motorcyclists can become injured on the road. If you’ve been in a crash and would now like to seek compensation, call us at (215) 486-0123. We are the Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers that stand up for the rights of accident victims, and hold at-fault parties accountable for paying the compensation they need. Call us today to learn more about your legal options.
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