Bad weather accidents always carry risks, but when bad weather accidents involve motorcycles that risk factor greatly increases. If you are a motorcyclist who has been seriously injured in a bad weather motorcycle accident caused by the negligent or reckless behavior of another, the knowledgeable bad weather motorcycle accident attorneys at Cooper Schall & Levy in Philadelphia are here to help. We have extensive experience and sharp legal skills and are committed to defending your right to share the road safely with motorists and to be compensated for your losses.
Why Bad Weather Increases The Chance of A Motorcycle Accident
Driving in bad weather is no fun for anyone, but for motorcyclists, it makes the ride considerably more dangerous. Heavy rain, sleet, or snow can put bikers in danger by:
- Making the road more slippery
- Creating potholes or making existing potholes or debris less visible
- Distracting them because, unlike motorists, bikers are directly impacted by precipitation, temperature, and wind
While drivers whose cars skid are still enclosed by a solid metal cage and are balanced on four wheels, motorcyclists whose bikes skid are likely to fall over with nothing to protect them (except possibly a helmet) if they collide with another vehicle or the road surface.
What Our Skilled Bad Weather Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Do for You
This is not our first rodeo. We have an in-depth understanding of Pennsylvania law and the unique challenges bad weather presents to motorcyclists. We are not only used to navigating negotiations and litigations, but we are also adept at preparing for them by:
- Drafting, filing, and/or reviewing all documents in a timely fashion
- Investigating the site of your accident and any available surveillance footage
- Examining police records and medical reports
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Interviewing witnesses
- Investigating the defendant’s history of any similar negligence or misconduct
- Subpoenaing smartphone records if the defendant is accused of texting while driving
- Consulting with experts in pertinent fields who may testify on your behalf
Above all, our motorcycle accident lawyers will be persuasive in overcoming any lingering prejudice against bikers that casts them (and you) as reckless. While the vast majority of motorcyclists are law-abiding and conscientious, many remain to be more vulnerable to accidents during inclement weather.
How Motorcyclists Can Prepare Themselves from Bad Weather Accidents
The easiest and best way to protect yourself from a bad weather motorcycle accident is to avoid riding in hazardous weather. If riding is absolutely unavoidable, it makes sense to wear a helmet (although not required in Pennsylvania unless you are under the age of 21) and other protective gear and to lower your speed and proceed cautiously.
Checking your motorcycle before venturing out in inclement weather is also essential to keeping you safe. Make certain that your tires, brakes, fluid levels, shocks, etc. are all in good shape.
For a trip in bad weather, you should also be prepared by having a visor coated with anti-fog and water repellant, a rain suit, motorcycle boots, and gloves.
How Motorcyclists Keep Safe When Riding in Bad Weather
If your trip in bad weather cannot be postponed or you are surprised by an unexpected storm, it is crucial to quickly adapt to the situation. Sheltering in place or nearby (e.g. under an overpass, at a rest stop) may be your best bet, but if you have no choice but to keep going, we advise:
- Not riding through moving or standing water (it may be much deeper than it looks)
- Driving much more slowly than you ordinarily would
- Not braking or accelerating suddenly
- Not leaning heavily to avoid losing your balance
- Not speeding to prevent hydroplaning
- Assuming that all downed power lines are live
- Recognizing that there is likely to be more debris on the road than usual
- Being particularly cautious when riding after dark in bad weather since visibility will be even worse
Of course, no matter how cautious you are, if you are riding a motorcycle in bad weather, you may be injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. If you have been harmed by a driver, a failure in road maintenance for which a government agency is responsible, or by a manufacturer who has sold a vehicle with a defective part, our bad weather motorcycle attorneys are ready to fight vigorously to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. We won’t charge you a penny until we recover damages for you.
What To Look Out For in Various Types of Bad Weather
It’s important to remember that “being careful” takes different forms depending on what type of bad weather you’re dealing with. Here are some examples:
- When riding in heavy rain, your goal should be maintaining smooth control. Therefore, you should avoid braking or accelerating harshly, especially on curves. You should come
to a slow stop at intersections and railroad tracks, and remain alert for potholes, manhole covers, oil or other spills, as well as cars that are speeding or drivers who
are reckless or seem inattentive or impaired. - When riding in strong winds, it is important to lean into crosswinds in order to keep yourself balanced, but it is critical to quickly respond if the winds change. If you decide to keep parallel with a larger vehicle to block crosswinds, be keenly aware of how you are positioned and stay out of the other driver’s blind spot.
- When riding in cold weather, check your tire pressure, particularly if you haven’t ridden your bike for a while. Wear layers of clothing to prevent frostbite (especially in your fingers, toes, and face) and hypothermia
- When riding in extreme heat, make sure to stay hydrated. Take sufficient water along for the ride and take frequent water breaks. Be sensible about what you wear. Though you want to be cool, you must also make sure that your body is protected from severe road rash if you fall and from serious sunburn. Know the signs of heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion, any of which could make you lose control of your bike.
Contact Our Experienced Bad Weather Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today!
At Cooper Schall & Levy, we support your right as a motorcyclist to enjoy the freedom of the open road. We are also ready to defend your right to fair compensation if another party causes you injury in a bad weather accident. Contact us now so we can begin strategizing how best to assist you in obtaining maximum damages for medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering.
