Ryan Zavodnick | May 21, 2024 | Motorcycle Accident
All of Pennsylvania seems to be made for driving around on a motorcycle, enjoying the crisp air and the gorgeous views. It’s no surprise, then, that there are 354,866 registered motorcycles and 794,163 licensed motorcyclists in the state.
Unfortunately, motorcyclists in large cities like Philadelphia tend to get into accidents, with bikers bearing the brunt when it comes to injuries and property damage. But are motorcycle accidents that common? Learn more about what you can expect when you ride on Pennsylvania’s roads.
Motorcycle Accidents in Pennsylvania
In 2022, 3,369 motorcycle crashes occurred throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Of these, 19.5% were fatal, and 6% resulted in injuries. Most motorcycle accidents involve passenger vehicles, making up an average of 397 accidents per year. Annually, only around 60 accidents involve two motorcycles.
Approximately 1,497 bikers in Pennsylvania who’ve been in accidents in an average year didn’t wear helmets, making up 39.8% of all bikers.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Philadelphia, PA
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Philadelphia is distracted driving. This is a nationwide problem that has gotten substantially worse now that most people have texting power at their fingertips.
Distractions include anything that takes your mind and eyes from the road or your hands from the wheel. Even speaking with a passenger can make you more distracted. A driver who’s not fully focused on what they’re doing can easily miss seeing a motorcycle or even a stop sign, and this leads to serious accidents.
Intoxicated driving is another concern. Having a single drink can make a driver less coordinated and can slow down their reflexes. They may run through stoplights or even fall asleep at the wheel. Drugs, too, affect the central nervous system, with stimulants making drivers more reckless and depressants working like alcohol to slow down reaction times.
Speeding is another common cause of accidents. In 2022 in Pennsylvania, there were 26,848 traffic crashes in which speeding was a contributing factor. Speeding doesn’t just involve going over the speed limit — it also includes driving too fast for weather and road conditions. A speeding vehicle can send a motorcycle spinning across the road, resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Fatigued drivers also cause accidents in Pennsylvania. Drivers who are sleepy tend to be distracted, making them less likely to notice if there’s a motorcycle near them.
Road conditions are another serious issue that could lead to motorcycle accidents. Potholes and uneven pavement might not cause too much damage to a car, but they can lead a biker to lose control of their motorcycle.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Philadelphia, PA
Motorcycle accidents usually result in serious injuries for the biker, so the first thing you need to do is assess yourself. If you feel severe pain or you’re actively bleeding, you need to avoid moving as much as possible. Call emergency services or have someone do so for you.
You always want to have the paramedics examine you after a motorcycle accident. Even if you think you’re fine, let them perform a full check. Often, people are still reeling from the shock of the accident, and that could dull some of the pain. It’s especially important to have a medical professional assess you if you’ve hit your head.
There’s another reason why you need to engage with emergency services: to start making a record of the injuries you’ve sustained. The sooner you get treatment, the better it is for any claim you file.
You need to contact law enforcement, too. This fulfills your duties as a Pennsylvania resident and also ensures that there’s a police record of the accident. Offer as accurate an account of the accident as you can, but remember not to admit to fault.
Unless you need to be transported to receive medical care, you should exchange information with the other parties involved and begin gathering evidence. This means getting photos of the vehicles, the road conditions, your injuries, and anything else that could help prove your future claim. If there were eyewitnesses, get their information, too.
Let your insurance company know of the accident, but be very cautious when speaking with them. Don’t admit to fault. They can begin guiding you through starting a claim, but you don’t want to go much further into the process without consulting a personal injury lawyer with experience handling motorcycle accident cases.
The Importance of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The claims process is difficult, and it’s not something you want to deal with on your own when you’re struggling with injuries and the trauma of an accident. Pennsylvania is particularly tricky when it comes to getting compensation.
Pennsylvania follows what’s called a choice no-fault system. It’s one of only three states that have this type of law. When you select your insurance, you have the chance to choose between limited tort and full tort coverage. Although limited tort is less expensive, it doesn’t allow you nearly as many compensatory options as full tort coverage.
Whichever type of insurance you have, you need a lawyer to walk you through the intricacies of the system — the other party will be ready to contest your claim and try to pin the fault on you. By hiring a lawyer, you can gather the right type of evidence and put together a claim that has a chance of getting you the help you need.
Dealing with insurance companies is never easy, but a lawyer has experience. They have negotiation skills and are ready to fight for your rights. If the insurance companies don’t cooperate, a lawyer can also give you the chance to take your case to court.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case
If you’ve suffered injuries and other losses because of someone else’s negligence, it’s essential that you contact a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer. With the complexities of Pennsylvania traffic accident laws, you need to have someone by your side who is ready to fight on your behalf.
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.