The underlying cause of most motorcycle and automobile accidents is driver error. Driver error can encompass a variety of different things; however, perhaps the most common factor is driver distraction.

Drivers are distracted for a myriad of reasons – they may be eating while driving, talking on their cell phones, texting while driving, fiddling with the radio or the GPS, talking to passengers in the car, turning around to discipline the children, or may simply be daydreaming and not watching other drivers around them.

Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Driver Error Drivers have even been known to read, try to unfold and navigate a map, or apply makeup while driving. These distractions can lead to driver error, especially where motorcycles are concerned. Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, they can be more difficult to see by other drivers. When you have a tired or distracted driver, who may only give a minimal glance behind before backing out, or a quick look in the side mirror before changing lanes, accidents can (and do) occur.

How Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

Many motorcycle accidents occur at intersections; the auto driver fails to see an oncoming motorcyclist, making a left-hand turn and causing the motorcyclist to crash head-on into the automobile. Other accidents occur when a driver parallel parks, then opens his/her car door without looking, causing the motorcyclist to crash into the door. Motorcycle riders suffer serious injuries in a large percentage of all motorcycle accidents, and, despite the common stereotype, most accidents are not caused by the motorcyclist speeding, drinking, or driving recklessly.

Driver error can also include aggressive or reckless driving by the automobile driver or the motorcyclist, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Driver fatigue is yet another instance of driver error-too many drivers simply don’t get the necessary sleep before getting behind the wheel, leaving them with slow reflexes.

When Driver Error Leads to Catastrophic Injuries

Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Driver ErrorA motorcycle rider doesn’t have the benefits of steel and glass surrounding-and protecting him/ her like an automobile driver does, meaning that s/he is at much greater risk of serious injury. Following a motorcycle accident, a motorcyclist may suffer fractures and broken bones, neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns and road rash, traumatic brain injury, amputation, and even paralysis or death.

Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent, but can cause serious repercussions later on. Those who have been injured in a motorcycle accident likely have incurred significant medical expenses, and it may be necessary for them to undergo extensive rehabilitation. They may have permanent disabilities or disfigurement, as well as lost wages and the inability to earn future income. Finally, the motorcycle rider may have long term pain and suffering as a result of the motorcycle accident, and his or her quality of life may have been irrevocably altered.

When to Seek Help For A Motorcycle Accident

It is extremely important that you seek legal assistance as soon as possible after your accident, once you have received medical treatment. Motorcycle accident cases can be very complex and you are bound by the time constraints of the statute of limitations. Therefore, finding a personal injury attorney who has a solid background in motorcycle accidents is extremely important. If your accident has an element of product liability involved, you will want the most qualified attorney on your side, advocating on your behalf to get you the compensation you need and deserve. If your injuries are the result of driver error, then you deserve a settlement which will fully compensate you for the other driver’s negligence or inattention. Don’t wait; call an attorney today to get the help you need following your accident.

Contact Our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, the experienced Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyers at McLaughlin & Lauricella, P.C., can help. Our team of lawyers consists of some of the best attorneys in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and we will fight aggressively for you throughout the legal process.

Talk To A Lawyer

The motorcycle accident attorneys at McLaughlin & Lauricella, P.C., have more than 90 years of experience representing injured accident victims and their families across Philadelphia, Berks, Bucks, Dauphin, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Montgomery, and Northampton Counties. We are also proud to serve injured accident victims throughout the State of New Jersey. Contact us today at 215-568-1510 (PA) or 856-380-3999 (NJ), or fill out our confidential contact form to learn more about your legal options.