Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries for those involved. Put quite simply, the human body does not have much protection from the force of a vehicle slamming into it, which is why motorcyclists are much more vulnerable on the roadway than most others. Motorcycle accidents are not uncommon throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Here, we want to look at the top five causes of motorcycle accidents across PA, something we need to be mindful of in 2021 as our country begins to return to some sense of normalcy as more and more places reopen.
Motorcycle Accidents Occur Regularly in Pennsylvania
When we turn to information available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, we can see that there were nearly 3,000 total motorcycle collisions during the latest reporting year. Out of these incidents, there were 174 fatalities and 2,860 injuries. We know that motorcycle accidents are not uncommon throughout the Commonwealth. As we begin to reopen and ramp up normal activity after the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to be on the lookout for these main causes of motorcycle accidents.
1. Left-Hand Turn Accidents
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is when a vehicle turns left in front of the motorcyclist. When a motorcycle is just traveling through an intersection, a driver may not see the motorcyclist when they turn, thereby causing the motorcyclist to strike the side of the vehicle.
2. Lane-Changing Accidents
Motorcyclists take up much less space on the roadway, and they fit more easily into drivers’ blind spots. It is not uncommon for drivers to fail to check their blind spots when they make lane changes. If a driver fails to check their blind spot before changing lanes, this could result in them striking a motorcyclist, causing the motorcyclist to run off the road, or causing the motorcyclist to run into other vehicles on the roadway.
3. Rear-End Accidents
Drivers in vehicles often fail to give motorcyclists the space they deserve on the roadway. Unfortunately, this regularly means that they follow motorcyclists too closely. This can result in disastrous consequences in the event a motorcyclist has to come to a fairly abrupt stop. Drivers must give motorcyclists an adequate amount of space.
4. Speeding
It does not matter what type of vehicle you are operating; the reality is that speeding is unsafe and is the leading cause of accidents in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the higher the rate of speed, the more likely it is for a motorcyclist to sustain an injury in the event a collision occurs.
5. Distracted/Drunk Driving
If the driver of a vehicle is operating while distracted or impaired, they are much more likely to cause a severe accident. Drivers who focus on their phones or other objects inside the vehicle are likely to take their eyes off the roadway or their hands off the wheel. Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs are a leading cause of roadway fatalities. Distracted and impaired drivers present significant challenges to motorcyclists on Pennsylvania roadways.
Work With an Attorney
If you or somebody you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the actions of another driver, please speak to an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can use their resources to fully investigate every aspect of your case and help determine how much money you should receive from insurance carriers. Additionally, an attorney will handle all negotiations with the parties involved so you can focus on healing from your injuries and spending time with your family.