Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Scranton
Motorcycle riding is a great way to travel through eastern Pennsylvania and explore all that the state has to offer. It can also be an unsafe method of travel – according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcycle accidents occur over 25 times more often than car accidents per mile traveled.
Motorcycles do not offer the exterior protection of metal that normal cars do, which can make the effects of a crash much more devastating.
What Are the Most Common Injuries for Motorcyclists?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration collects and reports data on motorcycle crashes each year to inform public policy. According to their research, lower extremity wounds are the most common injuries in riders. These include road rash, burns, and crush injuries. The other common types of motorcycle injuries include:
- Head injuries, (both open and closed), concussions, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Head injuries are most common in riders who don’t wear a helmet.
- Abdominal/trunk injuries, which can include internal bleeding, organ bruising, bruised or broken ribs, or severe road rash
- Upper extremity injuries, including torn muscles or ligaments of the shoulder and broken arm bones
Many of these injuries can be minimized by taking appropriate safety precautions – for example, by wearing a helmet and protective clothing. Still, motorcycle riders will incur injuries due to circumstances beyond their control.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Common?
Motorcycles are more prone to accidents than cars, and it’s usually because some drivers don’t pay enough attention to the riders on the road. You can take all the safety precautions necessary, but still be at the mercy of other drivers. Distracted driving and negligence both play a role in motorcycle accidents. Riders also contend with other unique circumstances that lead to injury. These are the most common types of motorcycle accidents:
- Rear-end accidents – While these may be classified as “fender benders” when they involve two cars, a rear-end accident can mean serious injuries for a rider.
- Car door opening – When drivers are parallel parked, they often don’t think to look around before exiting their vehicle. This type of accident often results in extensive injuries for a biker.
- Sideswiping while changing lanes – Motorcycles often fit into a driver’s blind spot. When drivers don’t check their surroundings carefully, the consequences can be devastating.
- Turning left in front of a rider – Sometimes it’s carelessness, or even recklessness that leads a driver to turn left in front of a motorcycle. It can be the result of misjudging speed but this type of accident often leads to serious injuries.
You’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident: Now What?
If you’ve been injured in an accident on your motorcycle, you may be able to collect compensation for your injuries. If the other driver was negligent, you may be able to receive a settlement to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with your rehabilitation and recovery. Pennsylvania is a “choice no-fault” state, meaning you may be able to pursue a claim, even if you elected to purchase no-fault insurance.
The attorneys at Rosenbaum & Associates have been helping families in the Wilkes-Barre & Scranton area for more than 25 years. We want to put our dedication to work for you. Your road to recovery begins with a free initial consultation at our injury firm – contact us today.