As a motorcyclist, you know the risks you face every time you hit the road. You’ve seen how drivers roll their eyes as you pass and how people seem to not even see you when they turn left directly in front of you and force you to stop. Your riding group probably has its share of frightening crash stories. When a crash affects you, what do you do? How do you protect yourself? After a Mount Lebanon motorcycle crash, it’s time to talk to the team at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman. Call us at 866-565-4949 to set up a consultation with our motorcycle accident attorneys now. When you look at the statistics, it’s clear that motorcyclists are at much greater risk than people in enclosed vehicles in a collision. According to 2022 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics, motorcycles are involved in 2.9% of all collisions. However, they are involved in nearly 20% of all fatal collisions and 6% of all injury-causing collisions. While motorcycles don’t make up a huge chunk of traffic accidents, they are disproportionately represented in fatal and injury-causing collisions. A number of factors contribute to these statistics. To start, people in enclosed vehicles have built-in protection. Their vehicles’ crumple zones are designed to absorb the force of the crash and protect them from serious injuries. Motorcyclists have no such protection, and in fact, they often bear the brunt of the crash force. The only protection they get comes from their helmets and riding gear. Additionally, motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles on the road. They are harder to see and are at risk of serious damage in collisions. Drivers often don’t even see motorcycles in their blind spot. It’s not uncommon for car occupants to walk away from motorcycle accidents without a scratch, even as the motorcyclist is left fighting serious injuries. A handful of accident types make up the majority of Mount Lebanon motorcycle crashes. Common types of collisions include: Injuries vary widely, depending on the type of collision, the speeds of both vehicles and the protective gear used by the motorcyclist. However, as a general rule, motorcyclists tend to suffer more severe injuries than car occupants. Traumatic brain injuries are relatively common in motorcycle accidents. They vary a lot in severity, from minor TBIs that pass after a day or two without any intervention to severe TBIs that leave patients comatose for the rest of their lives. Severe TBIs can also rob a victim of their ability to speak, walk independently, regulate their emotions, and earn a living. The potentially severe outcomes of a TBI highlight the importance of wearing a helmet. Although Pennsylvania only requires helmet usage for those who are younger than 21, it is recommended that all riders wear helmets. Spinal cord injuries can also occur in motorcycle collisions. Each part of the spinal cord allows a different part of the body to communicate with the brain. When part of the spinal cord is damaged, that part of the body—as well as all the parts controlled by the spinal cord below that point—can no longer communicate effectively with the brain. Outcomes depend on whether the injury is a complete or incomplete injury. A complete injury severs the spinal cord entirely, while an incomplete one leaves it partially intact. Many riders experience broken bones in a crash. Lower body bone breaks are particularly common when a rider gets trapped under their bike or is thrown from it. Don’t forget road rash. People often assume this is a minor injury, but road rash can cut through multiple layers of skin, kill underlying nerve endings, and leave you at risk of infection. Choosing the right attorney is essential when you’re involved in a motorcycle accident. At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, we know what you’re up against. We know that insurance companies are all too quick to blame accidents on motorcyclists, even when it’s clear that a negligent driver is to blame. You have a lot to overcome on the way to a favorable verdict or settlement, and we’re here to help you get there. From investigating your accident and building your case to advocating for you during negotiations, we are here to fight for the compensation you deserve. The sooner you reach out to the team at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, the sooner our Mount Lebanon attorneys can begin investigating your claim. Give us a call at 866-565-4949 or reach out online to schedule a consultation right away.Mount Lebanon, PA Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcyclists Are More Vulnerable in Collisions
Most Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
How Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman Can Help You
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20 Stanwix Street, Suite 700
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-391-9860
Toll Free: 866-565-4949
Fax: 412-391-7453