Motorcycle Accident Overview and Statistics – Practiced Attorneys Serving Clients in Pennsylvania
Although riding a motorcycle offers a number of benefits, it is also extremely risky. Consider the following motorcycle accident statistics: in Pennsylvania, motorcycle accident fatalities comprised 12 percent of all motor vehicle accident fatalities in 2006*.
Given figures like these, it is crucial that motorcyclists understand their rights in the event of an accident. Proner & Proner’s motorcycle accident attorneys can help. Serving clients throughout Pennsylvania, we are committed to seeking damages for our clients while helping them understand how the law impacts their potential cases. When you enlist our team’s services, you can rest assured that you are receiving the outstanding legal counsel you deserve.
Motorcycle Accident Law
Generally speaking, motorcycle accident law includes statutes pertaining to liability, the filing of a lawsuit, personal injury, wrongful death, and additional matters. The law allows motorcyclists who are injured because of other parties’ actions of negligence to press charges against the responsible parties. A number of parties can be held liable for an accident, including the motorcycle designer, manufacturer, or retailer (per product liability law); other parties involved in the collision; the entity responsible for maintaining safe road conditions; and even the motorcyclist himself or herself. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, state motorcycle accident laws, and additional factors, motorcyclists may be able to obtain compensation for their injuries, pain, and suffering.
Types of Injuries
A motorcycle accident injury is likely to be catastrophic, due to motorcycles’ lack of crashworthiness; injuries typically include back, burn, spinal cord, and brain injury, and even motorcycle accident death. However, even victims who suffer relatively minor injuries should seek legal counsel, since they may still be entitled to damages.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation
An injured motorcyclist may be able to obtain a motorcycle accident settlement, which compensates the victim for financial losses incurred because of the accident. The settlement may include recompense for the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, decreased earning potential, and the costs of maintaining his or her household during recovery.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
If you are considering filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit, you need an attorney. Attorneys with experience handling motorcycle accident claims are best equipped to navigate the often complex body of laws that will affect your potential case.
Proner & Proner is a motorcycle accident law firm recognized nationwide for its track record of successful case resolutions. If you have been injured in a crash, contact our firm to schedule a free case review with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys. We serve clients throughout Pennsylvania.
Learn more about Pennsylvania motorcycle accident laws.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The following motorcycle accident statistics reflect accident trends in Pennsylvania and throughout the U.S. since 1998*:
- In 1999, there were 2,472 motorcyclist fatalities in the U.S. and an additional 50,000 motorcycle accident injuries. These numbers reflected an 8 percent increase in deaths, and a 2 percent increase in injuries, from 1998.
- Between 2004 and 2006, the number of motorcycle fatalities in Pennsylvania increased (from 158 to 188), as did the number of total motor vehicle deaths (which increased from 1,490 in 2004 to 1,525 in 2006).
- In 2005, motorcycle accident deaths in Pennsylvania comprised 13 percent of all motor vehicle accident deaths, and 5 percent of motorcycle registrations, in the state that year.
- Of the 1,616 highway traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania in 2005, 35 percent (559 deaths) involved driver impairment. Of these fatalities, 205 were motorcyclists – 54 percent of whom were helmeted, 71 of whom had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .01 or higher, and 134 of whom had no BAC.
- In 2007, there were 210 motorcyclist deaths in Pennsylvania. Of these victims, 46 percent were wearing helmets, 34 percent were driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, and 43 percent of which had a BAC of 0.01 or higher.
- Pennsylvania is one of 18 states with a motorcycle safety program that has been assessed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one travels by motorcycle, it is crucial that you know your rights. In the event of an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering. Contact Proner & Proner to schedule a consultation or learn more about motorcycle accident statistics. Our attorneys serve clients throughout Pennsylvania.
*Motorcycle accident statistic references: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and Governors Highway Safety Association websites.
We serve motorcycle accident victims throughout Pennsylvania, including the following cities:
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- Allentown
- Erie
- Reading
- Scranton
- Bethlehem
- Lancaster
- Levittown
- Harrisburg
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