From Saturday May 18, 2019, to Monday, two separate motorcycle accidents took the life of two people in Bristol Township. At 12:40 Monday, a motorcycle rider was traveling south on Veteran’s Highway when a Chevy S-10 turned left to Ford Road in the path of the motorcycle which then struck the pickup. The bike’s rider was taken to Lower Bucks Hospital where he died.
Then on Saturday, a motorcycle rider and a passenger collided with a tree and a utility pole killing the operator and injuring the passenger. In this crash, police say that it appeared that the operator failed to negotiate a turn and went off the road striking a tree then a utility pole. The operator died at the scene and the passenger was taken to Torresdale Hospital for treatment.
Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle crashes are 25 times more likely to end in death then a car crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 5,000 motorcyclists die every year in the U.S. Motorcycle deaths make up five percent of all in crashes, yet they account for 15 percent of all vehicle accident deaths.
Why are they so dangerous?
There are many reasons, with the primary on being the lack of protection of the motorcycle rider. Motorcycles are less stable, and riders don’t have the protection of the vehicle surrounding them. When in an accident, the rider often directly takes a hit from a vehicle that outweighs the bike by at least 7 times, then the rider hits the pavement or even another object before hitting the ground. These unprotected, multiple impacts can cause serious injuries and even death.
Motorcycle Injuries
Not all motorcycle crashes end in death, but those that don’t can produce serious injuries and much for the same reason. In a motorcycle crash, there are certain common injuries that occur due to the dynamics of the crash. Some of these are:
- Head Injuries: Traumatic Brain Injury, concussion, can happened as the head is especially vulnerable in a crash.
- Facial Injuries/Bones: Wearing a helmet can reduce head injuries, but leave the face open to injury.
- Chest Injury: In a frontal crash, the chest is susceptible to compression injuries from the handle bars.
- Wrists: Riders will grip hard on the handle bars in anticipation of a crash and wrists will suffer breaks.
- Lower limbs: When the rider is ejected—especially over the handle bars—then the lower limbs are at risk for breaks.
Do I need an Attorney?
If you have been injured or your loved one killed in a motorcycle crash or other accident, you should talk to an attorney who knows the laws regarding motorcycle accidents and is experienced working going up against the insurance companies. Don’t talk to their agents or lawyers before you speak to a qualified, experienced Philadelphia Motorcycles Accident Attorney. At the Pearce Law Firm, P.C., you can talk to an attorney in a free consultation where you can learn of your rights and get a case evaluation.
Don’t try to go it alone, rather 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.