Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in death than those accidents involving trucks and cars. Motorcyclists don’t have the added protection of being surrounded by a metal cabin as drivers and passengers of other vehicles do. Their vehicles have only two wheels, are much smaller than other vehicles, and are less visible to other drivers on the road. Motorcyclists and their passengers are also more vulnerable to the hazards of weather and road conditions.

Because of the risks involved, motorcycle riders are more susceptible to head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and death than drivers and passengers of other vehicles.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), 5,014 motorcyclists died in motorcycle crashes in 2019. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that an estimated 84,000 were injured that year, and that motorcyclist fatalities occurred nearly 29 times more frequently than passenger car occupant fatalities in traffic crashes.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reports that motorcycle fatalities increased from 174 in 2019 to 217 in 2020 in the state.

The personal injury lawyers at Chaffin Luhana represent individuals who are seriously injured in motorcycle accidents and their families. If you or someone you care about is injured in a motorcycle accident in the Ohio Valley area, contact our Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. Call today at 1-888-480-1123.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Pittsburgh

A motorcycle may get into an accident for a wide variety of reasons. Below are some of the most common causes of these accidents.

Alcohol Impairment

The NHTSA reports that in 2019, motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than drivers of any other motor vehicle type (29 percent for motorcycles, 20 percent for passenger cars, 19 percent for light trucks, and 2 percent for large trucks). Forty-two percent of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2019 were alcohol-impaired. 

Likewise, alcohol can be a factor in a vehicle operators negligence in causing a motorcycle crash.

Speed

Riding a motorcycle is thrilling, and can be even more so when traveling at fast speeds. The NHTSA reports that in 2019, 33 percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 19 percent of passenger car drivers. Those 21-to-24 years old had the highest speeding involvement at 49 percent. 

Of course, other drivers often speed as well. The NHTSA states that in 2019, speeding was a contributing factor in 26 percent of all traffic fatalities. 

Inexperience or Recklessness

Surprisingly, the NHTSA states that in 2019, 33 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were riding without valid motorcycle licenses at the time of the crashes. They were also 1.4 times more likely than passenger car drivers to have previous license suspensions or revocations. 

Scientific studies have also indicated that young, inexperienced drivers of motor vehicles are more likely to be involved in traffic crashes than those who are older and more experienced. These drivers can present risks to motorcyclists on the road.

Distracted Driving

Both motorcycle riders and car drivers can be affected by distracted driving. If either one is texting, searching the internet, or otherwise distracted, an accident may result. The NHTSA reports that distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019. According to a 2017 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report, nearly 40 percent of motorcycle accidents involve a distracted or inattentive driver.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Bad weather and dangerous road conditions increase risks for everyone on the road. Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable. Something that a car could recover from could prove fatal for a motorcyclist. Examples include ice on the road, slippery surfaces, uneven pavement, loose gravel, or debris on the road. Because motorcycles are smaller with less stability, they can easily become unbalanced in these conditions and crash.

Cars Making Sudden Changes and Left-Hand Turns

Motorcycles who come across cars making left-hand turns are automatically in danger. The turning car may not see the motorcyclist. Should the rider try to go straight through the intersection, pass the car, or overtake it, and the car suddenly turns left, the rider would be hit. 

Cars often make errors in judgment when making turns and lane changes as well. They may fail to signal or miscalculate the distance of another vehicle from them. They often fail to check their blind spots before making changes, and may mistakenly turn into a passing motorcycle.

Head-On Collisions

Crashes between motorcycles and other vehicles are common. If they meet head-to-head, it can be extremely dangerous and often deadly for the motorcyclist. The motorcycle may be crushed or thrown through the air. These accidents frequently occur at high speeds, increasing the chances of severe injury.

Lane Splitting

Because of their smaller size, motorcycle drivers may choose to drive between two lanes of cars, particularly during traffic jams. This practice can easily cause an accident. The motorcycles are very close to the vehicles and have less maneuvering space. The cars aren’t expecting the motorcycles to pass them, or may not see them approaching. 

Car Doors

When motorcyclists are going down city and town roads, they often ride close to parked vehicles. If someone is in one of those vehicles, they may open the door in the motorcyclist’s path without realizing the cyclist is there.

Sudden Stops

If a vehicle makes a sudden stop, the motorcyclist may run into the back of the car. This can result in serious injury and/or death to the motorcyclist. On the other hand, the driver of another vehicle may follow the motorcyclist too close and then run into the motorcyclist if they have to stop.

Motorists Don’t See Motorcyclists

Perhaps the most common cause of accidents between cars or trucks and motorcycles is the fact that the motorist simply doesn’t see the motorcyclist. Because motorcycles are small and narrow, they are easy to miss. Obstructions on the road, glare from the sun, or a simple lack of focused attention can mean the difference between detecting the motorcyclist and failing to notice them.

Motorcycle Defects

In some cases, the motorcycle may be found to have defects that contributed to the accident. This may include a poor design or a manufacturing flaw that caused the motorcycle to respond abnormally. 

In cases involving serious injuries and fatalities, the Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyers at Chaffin Luhana LLP work with experts to examine the evidence to determine exactly what happened and why. Our Motorcycle attorneys will dig beneath the surface of the accident to figure out who is at fault and will then work tirelessly to expose any wrongdoing.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accident victims rarely walk away from an accident unharmed. Potential injuries sustained may include: 

• Spinal cord damage
• Brain injuries or other head injuries
• Internal organ damage or bleeding
• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Broken bones
• Burns and road rash
• Neck injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Death

How to Select a Motorcycle Attorney in Pittsburgh For Your Motorcycle Accident

If you were in a motorcycle accident, you need someone on your side. There are many lawyers out there. How do you choose? It’s often best to do your research online first, ask for referrals, and gradually narrow your list down to 3-5 firms. Then meet with each one to discuss your case. Most will offer a free initial consultation, so this is an easy way to explore your options. 

Bring any relevant documents, photos, and videos with you to the meeting. Then look for the lawyer who: 

• Has experience with cases like yours, and can talk knowledgeably about how to proceed. Note too their ability to communicate well with you. You want someone who will take the time to listen and speak in language (not jargon) you can understand. 
• Speak with you candidly about your case and your chances for success.
• Answer your questions and offer information about their experience with motorcycle accidents and their case success rate.
• Has trial experience. Though most motorcycle accident cases will end in settlement, it can help to have a legal firm with trial experience as their reputation will encourage insurance companies to offer a fair settlement. 
• Works on a contingency basis. Look for an attorney who works on a contingency basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you win your case. Ask about fee policies so you know exactly what to expect.

What Our Clients Have to Say About Chaffin Luhana

Below is a small sampling of the testimonials we have received from our clients: 

Over $4 Million Recovery

“I was very pleased with the representation that I received for my case. I had a positive experience with this firm and I would recommend your firm to my family and friends.”

– Judy R., Product Liability Injury Client

Automobile Accident Victim

“[The firm has] done right [by] me. You did everything right. Informing me and keeping me up to date. You did a fine job. I appreciate you very much.”

– Roger J., Personal Injury Client

Automobile Accident Victim

“I didn’t know what to expect since I never needed an attorney before. You took care of everything and were there for me.”

– Vicki B., Personal Injury Client

Here are some recent reviews from our clients