What Makes Motorcycle Accidents More Severe Than Car Crashes in Montgomery County? 

Along with the feeling of freedom and fun, riding a motorcycle carries substantial risks. When involved in a motorcycle accident, a rider is likely to suffer significant injuries. 

It goes without saying that a motorcycle provides a rider with less protection than a standard passenger vehicle. Visibility among passenger vehicles on the roads and highways of Montgomery County is poor when it comes to identifying and avoiding motorcyclists, as well. 

With that said, Montgomery County sees more than its fair share of motorcycle accidents. As these accidents occur more frequently, motorcyclists and their passengers must understand why they occur and how to avoid them. 

The Differences Between Motorcycle and Car Accidents

A passenger vehicle driver does not need to be particularly strong or mobile while operating their car or truck. On the other hand, a motorcycle rider must be able to maneuver themselves on the motorcycle itself and have the strength to control their vehicle through turns and other roadway conditions. 

Above all else, the smaller size of a motorcycle makes riding it much more dangerous than riding a passenger vehicle. These larger cars and trucks have a weight, size, and protection advantage over the more nimble yet less protected motorcyclist. 

The property damage suffered by a motorcycle in an accident is typically far more substantial than that of a passenger vehicle. Due to the damage sustained, it is common for insurance adjusters to deem motorcycles a total loss after an accident. 

Negligence of Drivers Leads to Motorcycle Accidents

Above all else, negligence and driver error lead to a substantial number of motorcycle accidents in Montgomery County each year. In this day and age, drivers of trucks, cars, and commercial vehicles simply do not pay enough attention to the road and conditions around them. This can be seen every day as drivers send text messages, check e-mails, and return phone calls- seemingly oblivious to the vehicles they share the road with.

These distractions, and more, contribute significantly to motorcycle accidents in the following circumstances:

• Rear-end collisions, both in traffic and at red lights, occur when drivers are not paying attention and do not see a motorcyclist directly in front of them.
• Lane changes are made without first checking the side mirrors to verify that there are no oncoming motorcycles. Again, motorcycles are smaller and are not as visible- especially when the passenger vehicle is a large SUV or van. 
• Motorcyclists have the right of way when proceeding straight through a lighted intersection. However, when a passenger vehicle fails to yield the right of way and instead turns left in front of a motorcycle, the likelihood of an accident is high.

Speed As a Cause of Motorcycle Accidents

Driving recklessly or speeding is another leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Montgomery County. Old York Road, Easton Road, and especially the Schuylkill Expressway. It is more difficult to control a vehicle that is driving at an excessive speed. As speed increases, the reaction time necessary to stop when avoiding another vehicle decreases.

What Injuries Result From Motorcycle Accidents?

Again, the lack of exterior protection on a motorcycle presents major concerns regarding how serious injuries often become as a result of a motorcycle accident. When someone is injured in a motorcycle accident, it is often one of the following issues that arise:

• Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist slides across pavement or another impervious surface at a high rate of speed. For this reason, many motorcyclists choose to wear long-sleeved clothing and pants when operating their motorcycles. 
• Traumatic Brain Injuries and concussions are all too common injuries suffered by motorcyclists in accidents. Especially when not wearing a helmet, a motorcyclist can suffer head injuries in the traumatic events of an accident. Even wearing a helmet is no guarantee of escaping a motorcycle accident without suffering head-related trauma.
• Fractured bones and organ damage happen in motorcycle accidents as riders hit the ground with extreme force and no protection. Bleeding internally and even ruptured organs can lead to prolonged hospitalizations and the need for surgery. 

What Can a Motorcyclist Do to Avoid Accidents?

A motorcyclist has a number of steps to follow in order to greatly reduce the likelihood of being involved in an accident:

• Choose the right clothing. Long sleeves, a jacket, a helmet, and pants will at least minimize the likelihood of road rash. A helmet alone can be the difference between a motorcyclist suffering an injury and losing their life in an accident. 
• There are enough passenger vehicle drivers who operate their vehicles recklessly or without consideration for those around them. A motorcyclist cannot add to that number. Instead, a motorcyclist must be able to ride safely and defensively, and, above all else, be aware of road conditions.
• Other drivers should easily see a motorcycle. Proper reflectors are a must. Turn signals don’t offer much visibility, but they are helpful in indicating to other motorists where the motorcycle is headed.
• As with a passenger vehicle, a motorcyclist should not follow other vehicles too closely. Depending on the road conditions, the required stopping time may be too long to compensate for tailgating. It bears mentioning that the more closely the motorcycle driver follows the rules of the road, the less likely an accident is. 

Contact a Montgomery County Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? Contact Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C., today for a free case review. An experienced Montgomery County motorcycle accident attorney, our team of legal professionals serves clients who need an advocate who isn’t afraid to work hard and stand up for their rights.