Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Riding a motorcycle comes with inherent dangers not experienced in other motorized vehicles, a motorcycle accident lawyer Philadelphia trusts knows well. Motorcycles are smaller and weigh considerably less than a car. There isn’t anything to protect the motorcyclist in the event of an impact or accident and therefore the injury risks and the chance of dying are extremely higher when a crash does occur. If you are considering purchasing a motorcycle or just need a refresher course on the risks of operating a motorcycle, read on.
What are the major risks when riding a motorcycle?
- You are less visible to cars and trucks, especially around intersections
- Any abnormalities in and on the road can be hazardous and can cause motorcycles to crash. Examples include potholes, uneven pavement, wet or slippery roads, debris on the road
- There is no protection between the motorcycle rider and the pavement. Unlike a car, which surrounds its passengers in metal and airbags, you are unprotected while on a motorcycle. Wearing a helmet can help, and studies show that riders who do not wear a helmet are more apt to perish in an accident than someone who wears one.
- Because a motorcycle only has two wheels it is understandably less stable than a four-wheeled vehicle. Accidents can happen if the front wheel of the motorcycle becomes wobbly, which can happen at high speeds.
- Riding a motorcycle requires a separate license and additional hours of education in most states. It takes more skill to ride a motorcycle than it does to drive a car. A large number of motorcycle accidents occur because the rider does not have the appropriate license and skill to ride the motorcycle.
- Powerful and lighter motorcycles sometimes encourage more risky behavior on the road such as speeding and accelerating fast.
What are some liability issues concerning motorcycle accidents?
Like most court cases, liability is controlled by proving negligence. When a person acts in a careless or thoughtless way causing injury to some else, they are said to be negligent. A driver must do what they can to avoid accidents and hurting other drivers, passengers or anyone they may come in contact with who may be on the road. This is called reasonable care. If the driver does not practice reasonable care on the road and as a result, someone gets injured, that driver is responsible, or liable, for hurting the victim of the accident.
Many times in an accident involving a motorcycle, the negligence occurs on the part of the car or truck driver. The other driver’s driving could be considered negligent if they run a red light or not use directionals when turning, for example.
However, there are times when the negligence falls to the motorcyclist. The rider may have been drinking and could not control his bike and cut in front of an automobile, resulting in the car crash. In this case, the motorcyclist would probably be liable for any injuries inflicted upon the occupants of the car.
All motorcyclists must be correctly licensed and trained to ride a motorcycle. There are too many risks associated with riding a motorcycle to not be fully prepared when on the road.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Wieand Law Firm, LLC for their insight into personal injury claims and the risks you take when riding a motorcycle.