Motorcyclists face a variety of dangers when they are out on the road. The lack of protection for motorcyclists typically means that even a low-speed accident could result in serious injuries. Therefore, motorcycle riders should be extra cautious when they are operating their motorcycles on the road. If you or a family member was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you should consult with an experienced Lehigh County motorcycle accident lawyer.
The injury lawyers at the Reiff Law Firm have over 40 years of experience dealing with several types of accident cases. We are dedicated to providing you with legal representation that is tailored to your unique needs. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
5 Common Causes of Motorcycle Collisions
A motorcycle accident can have many causes, but there are some events that are more common than others. A motorcyclist should be aware of these common causes to decrease the risk of being involved in a collision. The following is a list of common causes of motorcycle accidents:
Opening Car Doors
One common cause of motorcycle accidents occurs when a motorist quickly and unexpectedly opens their car door. This type of accident is common in large cities where motorists may have to navigate tight and crowded streets. This type of accident could result in a motorcyclist suffering a serious head injury due to striking their head on the car door.
Left Turn Accidents
One of the downfalls of operating a motorcycle is that other motorists may not notice when you are in their blind spot. Many motorists do not think to check their side mirror when making a left-hand turn because they do not expect anyone to be in that area. This will result in accidents that may have been easily avoidable.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, road construction, road debris, and many other poor road conditions have a much greater impact on motorcycle riders than on people in cars. If a motorcyclist does not spot a particular hazard in time to maneuver around it, they can crash and end up striking the pavement or another vehicle.
Driving Under the Influence
Every motorist who engages in the use of alcohol or drugs before or while driving is a risk to every person on the road with them. Alcohol or drugs will decrease a driver’s ability to react to events on the road, which will likely cause an accident.
Sudden Vehicle Stops
If a vehicle on the road makes a sudden stop, a motorcyclist that is too close to that vehicle runs the risk of colliding into that vehicle. Vehicles that do not have operating brake lights could make it easier for motorcyclists to crash into them. This type of accident is a frequent cause of serious or fatal motorcycle accidents.
To learn more about the causes of motorcycle accidents, you should speak with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer.
Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Crashes
The lack of protection that motorcycle riders have means that they are susceptible to many serious or even fatal injuries in a crash. One common injury that a motorcyclist may sustain in a crash is a head injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI typically occurs when an individual suffers external trauma to his or head after striking a hard surface. For a motorcyclist, this can occur if they fall off their bike, hit another car, strike a stationary object, or strike against something else. Brain injuries can cause serious symptoms like memory loss or partial paralysis. If you think you have a traumatic brain injury, you should get immediate medical attention.
Another injury that may occur in a motorcycle accident is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when a person’s head rapidly swings forward and back into place. This injury usually occurs when a motorcyclist is involved in a rear-end car accident. Whiplash often causes a person to lose range of motion in their neck.
Other common motorcycle injuries include:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Serious back or spinal injuries
- Loss of limbs or fingers, or injuries that may require amputation
- Crushing injuries due to the bike landing on the cyclist
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Burn injuries caused by ignited gasoline
- “Degloving” injuries
- Eye injuries that could lead to blindness
- Skin abrasions (“road rash”)
Contact a Lehigh County Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you were the victim of a serious motorcycle crash, you should contact an experienced Lehigh County personal injury attorney today. At the Reiff Law Firm, we can help you determine the best course of action in your claim against a negligent driver. To schedule a free legal consultation and discuss your claim, contact us at (215) 709-6940.
