Motorcycle Accidents
By Douglas N. Engelman
Motorcycles are the transportation choice of many people. From the thrill of the ride and the community of riders, to the practicality of the fuel efficiency and low emissions, motorcycles have legions of devoted fans.
Of course, there are serious risks involved in riding a motorcycle. While all drivers need to remain aware of their surroundings, motorcycle riders face more threats than other drivers. Here are some recent statistics of motorcycle accidents.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, in 2014 there were 3,368 motorcycle accidents, resulting in 186 fatalities. Of those deaths, 53.2% of riders were not wearing helmets. While overall accidents decreased from 2013 to 2014, motorcycle fatalities increased by 5.1% in 2014.
Pennsylvania has a Motorcycle Helmet Law that requires that any person who operates or rides a motorcycle (including an autocycle) must wear protective headgear unless he or she is over 21 years of age and has either two years of riding experience or has completed a motorcycle safety course approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. While wearing a helmet is not mandatory for who meet the criteria above, the use of helmets has been proven to save lives.
When other motorists don’t share the road with motorcyclists, accidents can happen, leaving lasting injuries that can change your life: you may experience a permanent disability, be unable to work, or suffer from emotional distress.
If you are involved in an accident, document as much as possible. Take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and any injuries you sustain. Of course, collect the other driver’s insurance information, driver’s license information, and license plate number. Contact the police department to ensure that an official record is made of the accident.
How We Can Help
Two of the three partners at Lepley, Engelman, Yaw & Wilk, LLC have motorcycle licenses and are riders. We understand and appreciate the dangers that motorcyclists are facing. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us today. You may be able to receive financial compensation for medical costs, lost wages, property loss, and pain and suffering due to another party’s negligence.