While some personal injury cases are more straightforward than others, if the facts are uncertain or the situation is unclear that accident case becomes very challenging. When it comes to motorcycle accidents, claims are demanding since riders tend to have a reckless reputation. In Philadelphia, motorcycle accident lawyers are aware of the obstacles victims face in the negotiation process.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The common causes of Philadelphia motorcycle accidents are:
- Failing to yield making a left hand turn
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Less ability to brake on a motorcycle
- Motorcyclists have less protection
- Motorcycles are difficult to control
We see that many motorcycle accidents occur when another driver makes a left hand turn but fails to yield to oncoming traffic. The vehicle operator turns into the intersection and strikes the motorcycle traveling through at the same time. Other times this type of accident occurs is whenever a driver is trying to pass or overtake another vehicle. Accidents are essentially inevitable.
Distracted Driving is Deadly
Distracted driving happens more often then it should with not only motorcycle riders but other drivers too. More accidents nowadays are a result of distracted driving, or the driver not paying attention to the road. Texting and eating shifts a driver’s focus elsewhere when attention should strictly be on the road. Due to this, drivers tend to drift between lanes, miss traffic signals or are unaware of changing traffic conditions. A motorcycle is relatively small compared to other vehicles so the slightest distraction could cause a driver to not see the rider.
Speeding
Speeding, changing lanes improperly, tailgating or any type of engagement in reckless conduct increases the probability of an accident. For example, tailgating will result in a rear-end collision with another car and the result is usually some physical damages or minor injuries. If, however, a car rear-ends a motorcycle the ride sustains far more severe or fatal injuries.
Vehicle Systems
If you think about a car when the brakes are slammed, expectations are that the car will stop quickly. This is a valid assumption because the braking systems in cars are efficient and powerful. With motorcycles though, it is different. Should a situation arise when a motorcyclist has to quickly apply the brakes, they will lose control of their bike.
There are plenty of safety features you might notice in cars or trucks. These vehicles offer drivers and passengers safety devices to mitigate injuries in the event of an accident. Seat belts and airbags will take the brunt of the impact but the purposes serve as a means to save lives. The construction of the vehicle overall is a protective frame. Compared to a motorcycle, which offers none of the above-mentioned safety features, there is little protecting a rider from other vehicles and road conditions.
Operating the Motorcycle
It is a deceiving notion that people tend to believe that motorcycles respond quickly to a rider’s desires. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. In reality, motorcycles are not easy to steer and require constant balance. Two wheels do not offer the same stability as four wheels. Meanwhile, poor road conditions, which typically don’t bother other drivers, for motorcyclists these can be serious hazards.
Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorney
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to prove liability in Philadelphia. In order for a victim to be awarded compensation for damages, the injured rider must be able to prove the other party was liable for the accident. Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorneys are trained professionals who work with other experts to investigate the accident. The main objective is to identify who is responsible. For quality service and representation consult a Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney now. Call Kwarlter Manus at 267-457-5570 to schedule a consultation today.