A man was riding his 2019 Honda Grom Mini Motorcycle on Spruce Street when he was struck by a taxicab and thrown from his bike. The man was taken to Jefferson University Hospital and later pronounced dead. According to police, the accident happened Saturday, March 23, 2019, in the afternoon as the motorcycle was traveling westbound on Spruce Street near its intersection with Fifth Street.
The taxicab turned right onto Fifth Street hitting the rider and knocking him off his bike causing the man to suffer injuries to his face and head. The driver of the taxicab cooperated with police, and It’s unknown at this time if any charges will be filed.
Taxicabs and Motorcycle Accidents
Taxicabs and ride-sharing vehicles are a vital part of any big city life and provide vital transportation to those living and working in the city. This puts a fair amount of vehicles on the streets that are darting in and out of traffic picking up and dropping off fares.
Many riders choose to ride their motorcycle because of their size, maneuverability, and lower costs, however, sometimes the small size of the motorcycle can be a liability. The bike involved in the above accident is a 125 cc mini bike that can be ridden off and on the streets.
The disadvantage of the smaller bikes is that they are often hard to see and can easily get lost in the larger vehicle’s blind spots. Though we don’t know what happened in the case above, the smaller size of he bike often temps its operators to travel in areas that a car can’t go. This is called lane-splitting when there are lines of traffic in multiple lane roads.
Other times a bike rider can squeeze between a car and the curb which wouldn’t be large enough for a car or truck. This puts the motorcyclist at risk for a “right hook” which happens when a bicycle, moped or a mini bike slips alongside a vehicle which then take a right turn into the path of the rider.
Injuries Common to Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders are exposed compared to occupants of passenger vehicles, and in almost every motorcycle accident, the rider is knocked off the motorcycle and strikes the pavement. There are common injuries that motorcycle accident victims endure, they are:
- Traumatic Brain Injury: The head often hits the pavement or the other vehicle which puts the rider at risk for serious head injuries—even if wearing a helmet.
- Facial Injuries: Many times, the face is unprotected when the rider is wearing a helmet and can sustain serious injuries.
- Broken wrists: Riders often grip their handles tight in anticipation of the crash causing a severe break.
- Chest/Rib Injuries: Riders are often thrown into their handlebars which can cause severe compression injuries to the chest including broken ribs and lung puncture.
- Road Rash: This happens when exposes skin comes into contact with the pavement and can be similar to burn injuries.
- Deep Bruises: Many times, the double impact (first impact and then with the road) can cause deep and severe bruising.
Do I need an Attorney?
If you or a loved one is involved in a motorcycle accident and are seriously injured, you need to at least talk to an attorney. The cost to speak with a qualified car accident lawyer at our law firm is free. You don’t have to hire one to make a claim, but before you do anything, talk to someone who can advise you of the law and your rights and knows how to handle the insurance company and their lawyers.
You need to talk to someone who is experienced in helping injured motorcycle. You need a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer. Call the Pearce Law Firm, P.C. at (215) 557-8686 or text at (215) 880 6164. You can also send them a message online by clicking here. They have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you.