Common reasons Pittsburgh motorcyclists recover compensation for accidental injury.

Pennsylvania – August 18, 2022

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has developed guidelines and safety standards to protect motorcycle riders and reduce crashes overall. The Federal Motor Vehicle Standard 218 regarding helmet use, in concert with requirements for protective gear, proper licensing, impaired riding education, rider training, conspicuity, and motorist awareness should be included in Pennsylvania State programming.  Injured riders and surviving loved ones of a fatal motorcycle accident may wonder: “Where can I find attorneys near me?” to assist with guidance and necessary actions to file insurance claims to access timely payment for costs related to medical expenses, property replacement and unexpected funeral/burial expenses when fatal injury occurs.

Pittsburgh landscape adds to danger.

 The Pittsburgh area has many winding roads, heavy traffic filled with tractor trailers whose size is of significant danger to a motorcyclist, and the possibility of travel on uneven roadways after extreme winter weather causes extensive potholes and asphalt damage. Bikers suffer the constant threat of other drivers’ negligent actions and are vulnerable to fatal injury because bikes do not  offer the same safety features as a car or truck.  It is imperative that Pittsburgh motorcyclists are aware of common causes of risk to them including:

• Speeding or reckless driver. Speeding and reckless drivers may lose control of their vehicles because of their wanton disregard for other travelers. When a car is speeding it is harder to avoid hitting a motorcyclist.
• Inattentive driver. Drivers are expected to look out for motorcyclists since they are smaller and harder to view. Riders can wear reflective clothes that may call attention to their existence and alert a vehicle driver to be careful and should always use signals in advance of turns.
• Distracted driver. It is common for motor vehicle operators to pull in front of a motorcycle, rear-end them at a traffic signal or inadvertently run the off a roadway because a cell phone, radio, small child, GPS, or lively passenger interaction distracts them.
• Large vehicle Size discrepancy and the blind spots that plague tractor trailer drivers are something a motorcyclist must pay attention to and keep in their line of vision to avoid being crushed  or pushed of a busy roadway.
• Misperceptions regarding distance. It is sometimes difficult for cars and trucks to judge speed and distances of small objects such as motorcycles causing them to pull out in front of them and cause an accident

Shifting blame.

Accident parties often blame motorcyclists and claim they did not see a biker because they were driving erratically, but motorcycle accidents happen when other drivers are distracted and cannot avoid a crash with a motorcyclist.  When a car, or truck makes impact with a motorcyclist, the likelihood of significant bodily harm and fatal injury increases, as riders are likely to hit the ground, be ejected into the air before landing, or absorb the impact of the accident in full force on their body with no protection from a metal framework. Many injuries can be catastrophic, varying by severity, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, loss of limbs, severe burns, and lacerations.  Motorcycle accident victims should contact an experienced accident attorney soon after a motorcycle crash for guidance and support through the legal process.

Hire a Lawyer.

If an insurance settlement claim is necessary to recover damage compensation after a motorcycle accident, victims will need to seek the advice of an experienced lawyer at the Law Offices of Scanlon & Wojton to determine their options.

Scanlon & Wojton, Attorneys at Law

The Mitchell Building
304 Ross Street, Second Floor
Pittsburgh, Pa 15219

Phone: (412) 918-1241

Fax: (412) 235-7275

Sources.

1. eCFR :: 49 CFR 571.218 — Standard No. 218; Motorcycle helmets.
2. Section 7102 – Title 42 – JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE (state.pa.us)
3. Section 5524 – Title 42 – JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE (state.pa.us)