Motorcycle safety is a priority in Pennsylvania

On Behalf of | Jul 7, 2021 | Personal Injury

Most motorcyclists are very safe riders who follow the laws and make safety a priority.  In Pennsylvania, there are almost 850,000 individuals licensed to drive motorcycles. Even though they’re driving safely, these motorcyclists are at great risk of suffering from injuries in a crash.

Everyone who’s riding a motorcycle is highly dependent upon other drivers to help keep them safe. All motorists should watch carefully for motorcycles, which can be hard to spot due to their small profile. 

Motorcyclists have rights

Some people think that motorcycles don’t deserve their appropriate right of way simply because they’re smaller than other vehicles. This isn’t the case. Motorcyclists have the same right of way as any other vehicle on the road, including being able to use the entire lane. 

Motorists should allow motorcycles to have a little extra room on the road. Ideally, they will leave four extra seconds of space between their vehicle and the motorcycle. The space should be even longer if the road conditions aren’t ideal. 

Intersections are a huge hazard for motorcyclists, as they are where the majority of crashes with other vehicles occur. Objects near the intersection, including vehicles parked on the side of the road, can block motorists from being able to clearly see motorcycles — and tragedy can result when a driver in a larger vehicle isn’t paying attention or being cautious.

Getting help after a motorcycle wreck

Any motorcyclist who’s been struck by another vehicle should ensure that they get the medical care they need to address their injuries. They may decide that they’re going to file a claim for compensation to help them cover the costs associated with their injuries. This can include the medical bills, but may also involve things like missed wages. Filing this claim should happen quickly since Pennsylvania law sets time limits for this. 

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