At Cooper Schall & Levy, our skilled attorneys defend the rights of motorcyclists who have suffered serious personal injuries due to the negligence of other drivers. Any motorcyclist, especially those who are inexperienced, are at greater risk of injury than motorists who have the advantage of being enclosed in the metal frame of a car. And though bikers have an undeserved reputation for recklessness, many of these collisions are caused by the drivers of larger vehicles.
If you have suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, contact us at one of our offices in the Philadelphia area for a free consultation. An experienced lawyer will listen carefully to your account of the accident to determine whether you have a viable claim for damages. If so, once you become our client we will charge you no attorneys’ fees until will get you the significant compensation you need and deserve.
Why An Inexperienced Motorcyclist Is at Greater Risk of Injury
Experience makes tasks easier and more manageable. This is certainly true of all kinds of driving. Riding a motorcycle, however, is much more complicated than driving a car.
Several factors make motorcycles much harder to control than cars, including:
- You must maintain balance and maneuver sharp turns on 2 wheels instead of 4
- Potholes that present inconvenience or a rough ride for drivers can cause a serious, even fatal, motorcycle accident
- Bad weather — heavy rain, strong wind, snow, sleet, or fog — is considerably more challenging to navigate when you’re actually out in it
- Motorcycles are less visible to other drivers under almost all circumstances
- Too many drivers don’t treat bikers with respect and rudeness on the road translates
into danger
Though young and/or inexperienced bikers tend to have more accidents, many of those accidents are the fault of reckless, inattentive, or impaired drivers.
If you have been injured in a traffic accident that is not your fault, you may be afraid that you will be held liable because of your lack of experience. However, with our knowledgeable, capable motorcycle accident attorneys at your side, you needn’t worry. We have the sharp negotiation and litigation skills to defend your rights and hold the responsible party accountable whether that party is another driver, a government agency in charge of road maintenance, or the manufacturer of a defective product.
The Statistics on Inexperienced Motorcyclist Accidents
Even though Pennsylvania law requires that motorcyclists must take and successfully complete a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program as part of fulfilling the 65-hour supervised driving requirement, the statistics about inexperienced motorcyclists are distressing. Several studies have found that motorcyclists are at increased risk of accidents during their first year of riding. Even worse, younger bikers (ages 16 to 24) are at even greater risk.
Safety Tips for New Motorcyclists
Clearly, no matter who is at fault in motorcycle accidents, we should all be doing more to protect our youngest, least experienced motorcyclists. Here are some suggestions to help keep you safe as an inexperienced motorcyclist:
- Give all your attention to the road since hazardous conditions, a fallen tree limb, an animal on the road, debris, or potholes are far more dangerous to you than to motorists.
- Be particularly careful on narrow, winding, or poorly lit roads since your motorcyclist is less visible than larger vehicles.
- Pay close attention to other drivers. Remember that they may not be attentive so it’s important to ride defensively, noticing whether cars on either side of you are preparing to turn, speeding, or driving recklessly. Always leave enough room for a safe stop.
- Choose the right bike so you begin with a motorcycle that is easy to handle rather than more powerful or flashy.
- Always inspect your bike before riding to make sure your tires are properly inflated, you have adequate fuel and fluid levels, and that your brakes, lights, etc. are all in working order.
- Wear appropriate gear. Although Pennsylvania law now only requires helmets for bikers under 21, be smart and make sure to wear one, as well as a reflective vest, motorcycle boots, gloves, and protective eyewear.
- Obey traffic laws, signs, and signals. Don’t speed, don’t weave in and out of traffic, and never ride your motorcycle while impaired — you need your wits about you.
- Practice your riding skills before taking to the open road. The most important safety precaution you can take is practicing your new skills. Taking the time now to practice negotiating turns, stopping short, avoiding hazards, and dealing with rough roads is the best investment you can make in keeping yourself and others safe.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney Regarding An Incident With An Inexperienced Motorcyclist Today!
The talented attorneys at Cooper Schall & Levy are dedicated to keeping Pennsylvania roads safe for motorcyclists, especially inexperienced ones. If you have suffered an injury due to the negligence or recklessness of another, we will fight hard to level the playing field. Our goal, like yours, is to win you the damages you need to recoup your losses for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Contact us so that we can help you recover from your injuries in comfort and security.
