The number of motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents in Pennsylvania and around the country fell by almost 5% in 2018, according to figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but those who take to the roads on two wheels instead of four are still 28 times more likely to die in a crash. Motorcycles represent just 3% of the traffic on American roads, but their riders account for 14% of all traffic accident fatalities.
Motorcyclists can reduce their chances of becoming an accident victim by never getting on their machines after drinking or taking drugs and always wearing head protection when they do ride. When choosing a helmet, motorcyclists should select only products that meet safety standards laid down by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the American National Standards Institute. They should also wear boots, jackets and pants that feature armor designed to prevent road rash injuries.
It is widely believed that most fatal motorcycle accidents are caused by inexperienced riders who ride recklessly and exceed posted speed limits on machines that they cannot control, but this kind of accident is actually quite rare. The most common cause of motorcycle fatalities is cars making left turns directly in front of riders. This usually happens because passenger vehicle drivers either do not see motorcycles or misjudge their speeds.
Motorcyclists are often family breadwinners, and their spouses and children can be left with unmanageable financial situations when they lose their lives due to the reckless actions of motorists. In such a situation, personal injury attorneys with experience in this area could file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent driver or their auto insurance provider. This type of litigation could seek damages to cover the family’s lost income as well as costs they incurred such as funeral bills and health care expenses.