Some motorcyclists like the long straightaways, but roads must intersect at some point. There are plenty of crossroads around Philadelphia bringing together traffic from several directions at once.
Good drivers and careless drivers all must navigate these intersections and that can lead to poor decisions and the dangerous accidents that often follow. The risk is even higher for riders who may get overlooked by distracted drivers and forced into a dangerous spot at an intersection.
Help for Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Victims
A driver’s error in judgment at an intersection can leave you with no time to avoid a scary collision. The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can leave you with serious injuries and an extended hospital stay.
At this point, there may be time to consider just what happened and what lies ahead. A careless driver caused your painful injuries and will likely leave you with a mountain of medical bills. If you think the financial burden of your recovery shouldn’t be left in your lap, we agree.
An attorney with The Pearce Law Firm in Philadelphia would like to discuss your options with you. We make sure at-fault drivers and their insurance agents in these cases can’t ignore an innocent driver’s right to compensation. Contact us for a free consultation on your case.
Intersection Motorcycle Accident Dangers in Philadelphia
Busy intersections can turn a careless driver into a dangerous hazard when they hesitate and are unsure of where to go. It’s a common issue for motorcyclists who often get ignored by distracted drivers even while on the straight, non-stop lanes of an interstate. When drivers are worried about a turn against oncoming traffic, they tend to miss spotting someone on a motorcycle at an even higher rate.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that around half of all motorcycle accidents occur at intersections.
It may be no surprise that two intersections along Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia are some of the best (or worst?) examples of the dangers of intersections. Roosevelt’s crossing of Grant Avenue and also with Red Lion Road sees some of the most accidents in the city. In fact, a State Farm study found that these two intersections were among the top three most dangerous intersections in America.
Age and Intersection Accidents
The Pennsylvania DOT finds that younger and older drivers create the most hazards when navigating an intersection. Their numbers for 2019 find an astonishing correlation between the age of drivers and their problems at intersections.
- All drivers: Intersection Accidents made up about 38% of all reported collisions in Pennsylvania in 2019.
- Young drivers: Accidents for age 16-21 drivers involve intersections around 41.5% of the time.
- 65-74-Yr-Old Drivers: 48.9% of accidents with drivers from this age group involve intersections.
- 75+ Drivers: 52% of accidents with drivers 75-yrs-old or older involve intersections.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Philadelphia
Motorcyclists are at risk any time they enter an intersection, no matter who is behind the wheel of the other vehicles. Distracted drivers who were barely keeping their cars on the straight and narrow are now asked to interpret turning lanes, traffic lights, and crossing traffic. It can be enough to cause them to miss seeing an oncoming rider and turn right in front of them.
Intersection traffic can come from four or more directions meaning a motorcyclist can get struck from any angle, even from behind. The injuries can be severe for a defenseless rider and mean a long time in a hospital bed and months off from a motorcycle.
Here are some of the most common injuries riders endure in Pennsylvania roadway collisions:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (severe concussions)
- Wrist Fractures
- Broken Arms/Legs
- Chest Compressions
- Internal Injuries/Bleeding
- Severe Road Rash
Contact a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Attorney
You may be recovering from a devastating motorcycle collision and wondering if the driver who caused your accident will escape the consequences of what he or she did to your life. At The Pearce Law Firm, we specialize in protecting riders as they heal. We want to ensure that the at-fault driver and his or her insurance pay for the best medical care possible to get you back on your bike as soon as possible. We also want to make sure any time missed at work and even the emotional trauma you’ve suffered are fully compensated.
After an accident involving a serious injury, contact a highly rated Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer such as Edith Pearce. Unlike the huge firms with dozens of attorneys and many different attorneys handling different aspects of your case, Edith Pearce is personally involved in every case that we handle. She genuinely cares about her clients and you will not be treated like just another case or file.