High-speed motorcycle accidents, sports bike wrecks, low-speed street bike accidents, and motorcycle head-on collisions are all examples of bad bike crashes you want to avoid. Unfortunately, preventing the worst motorcycle crashes is not always within your control. The majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers who fail to recognize motorcyclists in their path.
Motorcycles are one of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. They’re fast, powerful, and often require special skills to operate safely. But despite these risks, motorcycle riders still enjoy riding motorcycles.
What Are Common Dangers Motorcyclists Face?
Motorcycle accidents are one of the leading causes of death among young people.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle crashes are responsible for about 1,500 deaths each year. The majority of these fatalities occur among motorcyclists between the ages of 20 and 29.
In fact, motorcyclist injuries account for almost half of all nonfatal traffic crash injuries.
So what are the most common dangers for motorcyclists? Here are five dangerous situations that could lead to serious injury or death:
1. Riding Without Proper Gear
Riding without proper gear can cause serious injury or death.
For example, riding without a helmet can result in head trauma, broken bones, and even death. Helmets protect against skull fractures and prevent concussions. They also provide protection against facial lacerations and cuts.
Helmets are required by law for riders under 18 years old. Riders over 18 must wear helmets that meet federal safety standards.
2. Driving While Impaired
Driving while impaired can lead to serious injury or even death.
Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reflexes. This makes driving difficult and puts drivers at greater risk of crashing. Impaired drivers may also fail to see hazards such as pedestrians, bicyclists, animals, and vehicles.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol use is responsible for about 30 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes.
Younger riders are particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. The CDC reports that teens aged 15 to 20 are four times more likely than adults to die in motorcycle crashes involving alcohol.
3. Speeding
Speeding can lead to serious injury and even death. Speed limits vary depending on where you live. However, speeding is illegal everywhere.
Speeding can increase the risk of an accident. It can also increase the severity of injuries sustained in an accident.
4. Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions can lead to serious injury. For example, potholes and loose gravel can damage tires and wheels. Roads with poor pavement quality pose a danger to motorcyclists. Pavement cracks and holes can trap a rider’s foot and leg.
5. Distracted Drivers
Distracted drivers can lead to serious injury, including death.
Distracted drivers include people texting, talking on cell phones, eating, drinking, grooming, applying makeup, adjusting seat belts, and using GPS systems.
Distracted drivers often do not notice hazards like cyclists, pedestrians, and animals. They also fail to react quickly enough to avoid collisions.
The bottom line is this: If you’re going to ride a motorcycle, then you need to take precautions to ensure your safety. Make sure you always wear a helmet, use good brakes, drive safely, and obey the rules of the road.
Where Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Pennsylvania for Motorcyclists?
Some of the most dangerous places to ride a motorcycle in Pennsylvania are listed below. If you’re looking for some tips on riding safely, check out these tips.
- Pennsylvania has many hills, making it difficult to see where you’re going.
- There are many curves and sharp turns along roads in Pennsylvania.
- Pennsylvania has very narrow lanes on highways.
- Pennsylvania has many bridges and tunnels that make it difficult to see if there are cars coming at you.
- Pennsylvania has lots of traffic lights, which means that drivers may not always stop for you.
A new study shows that data from the past four years highlights local motorcycle accident hotspots. The list includes:
- All of East Carson Street
- Route 910
- Saw Mill Run Boulevard
- The connection of Penn, Fifth Avenue, and Washington Boulevard
- Ohio River Boulevard
- The intersection of Route 8 and Hardies in Gibsonia
- Liberty Avenue at 16th and 31st Street
These locations are often either flooded with traffic or heavily used by large vehicles and trucks. This makes drivers worry less about motorcycles and more about making room for dump trucks or tractor-trailers. When motorcycles enter these spaces, they are sometimes completely unseen before it’s too late.
What Are Some Common Injuries Motorcyclists Sustain?
Motorcycles are very popular vehicles today, but there are some places where motorcyclists should avoid riding. These areas include highways, freeways, and busy streets. If you’re going to ride on these roads, make sure you wear protective gear such as helmets, gloves, boots, and eye protection.
- Head injuries are one of the most common injuries sustained by motorcycle riders.
- Wearing protective gear can prevent head injuries.
- Riders who wear helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 80%.
- Riding without wearing protective gear can increase the risk of head injury.
- A helmet alone cannot protect against all types of head injuries.
Why Do People Ride Motorcycles When It’s So Dangerous?
Many reasons exist for why riding a motorcycle on the open road is so enticing. After all, the freedom of riding in the open air with the wind in your face is thrilling. However, statistics demonstrate that the dangers of riding a motorcycle can be fatal. So, why do people ride motorcycles when they know it’s dangerous?
Some riders will claim that they continue to ride because it is exciting and fun.
While many people ride motorcycles recreationally, there are still many others who use them for transportation. These individuals may be required to drive to work every day and, therefore, must take precautions to avoid motor vehicle accidents.
It’s challenging to think of anything else when riding a motorcycle because it necessitates continual focus and monitoring. All other daily worries fade away when you’re focused on the road, other drivers, lane positions, and speed. Bicycling necessitates concentration. And it’s possible that the sustained popularity of motorcycles is due to this tranquility.
What Are the Basic Tips For Motorcycle Safety?
There are some places where you should never ride a motorcycle. These dangerous areas include highways, freeways, bridges, tunnels, and railroad tracks. If you’re going to ride a motorcycle, make sure you follow these safety tips.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Never drink alcohol while driving a motorcycle.
- Keep your hands on the handlebars at all times.
- Avoid riding at night.
- Be careful around construction sites.
What Should a Motorcyclist Do If Hit By a Car?
Motorcycle accidents are common occurrences. They happen every day, everywhere. Motorcycles are fast, powerful machines, and accidents often result in serious injuries.
In fact, during 2016, there were 191 fatal motorcycle accidents reported by the Governors Highway Safety Association or GHSA. Accidents involving motorcycles can cause severe damage to the rider’s head, neck, back, arms, legs, and torso. A motorcycle accident can lead to paralysis, permanent disability, and death.
Here are some steps to take after a motorcycle crash:
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Seek medical care immediately after a motorcycle accident. The sooner you seek treatment, the better chance you have of avoiding permanent injury.
Make sure you tell emergency personnel where you were injured. This information may be needed later to determine whether you should receive compensation for your injuries.
Get Professional Legal Advice
After seeking medical attention, contact a personal injury attorney right away. File a claim with your personal injury lawyer once you’ve obtained the necessary documentation and information.
Your lawyer can help you collect evidence and gather witness statements that support your case. He or she can also negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company to get you the best settlement possible.
File a Claim With Your Insurance Company
The driver who caused the accident may have insurance coverage. Ask the police officer who responded to the accident what type of insurance coverage the other driver has.
If the other party did not have insurance coverage, contact your own insurance company to see if you qualify for uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) benefits. UM benefits pay for medical expenses and other damages caused by an at-fault driver who does not have enough insurance coverage to compensate you fully for your injuries.
File a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. An insurance adjuster will investigate the accident and decide whether to pay your claims. Insurance companies usually require proof of financial losses before they will compensate you.
Document All Damages
Document all damages caused by the accident. Include any property damage, lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses.
Take pictures of the scene and document all damaged property and injuries. If you were involved in a collision with another vehicle, take pictures of the vehicles involved.
Take photographs of the accident site, including skid marks left behind by the motorcycle. Take pictures of the area where the accident occurred, including traffic signs, street lights, and other objects that could contribute to the cause of the accident.
Document the condition of the roadway before and after the accident. Photographs of the roadway taken before and after the accident can show whether there was anything wrong with the road surface that contributed to the accident.
Should I Hire a Motorcycle Attorney After My Crash?
Motorcycles are fast and exciting, but they can also be dangerous. Injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident can be serious and expensive.
When a motorcycle rider is injured in a motorcycle accident, he or she may file a personal injury lawsuit against the person responsible for causing the accident. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help the injured motorcyclist pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Hiring an attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for any injuries you sustain.
Get Compensation for Medical Bills
Medical bills pile up quickly after a motorcycle accident. They can easily exceed $10,000.
A personal injury attorney can help cover medical expenses. They can negotiate with insurance companies to pay for your medical treatment.
Make Sure Your Insurance Company Will Pay
After a motorcycle accident, your first priority should be making sure your insurance company pays for your medical care.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure that your insurance company covers your medical bills.
File a Lawsuit Against the Motorcyclist Who Caused Your Accident
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another motorcyclist, you may be entitled to compensation.
A personal injury lawyer can file a lawsuit against the negligent party. This can include filing a claim against the motorcyclist’s insurance company or the other driver.
You may want to consider filing a complaint against the other driver. You should only do this if you feel that the other driver was negligent in causing the accident. Filing a complaint against the other party could affect how much money you receive in a settlement. It might also prevent the other party from being able to drive again.
Ensure That You Are Compensated for Lost Wages
In addition to medical bills, you may incur lost wages due to an accident. If this happens, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
A personal injury law firm can assist you in obtaining these benefits.
Help You Recover From Your Injuries
Even if you don’t suffer any permanent damage, you may still experience pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages for your pain and suffering.
For example, he or she may be able to obtain compensation for your emotional distress.
Get the Justice You Deserve After a Motorcycle Crash Injury
We can help you recover money for your injuries and losses. Our lawyers at the Schuster Law law firm in Pennsylvania are dedicated to helping people who have been injured in motorcycle accidents get the compensation they deserve.
