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Whether your vehicle has two wheels, four wheels, or more, you have a legal duty of care to act responsibly and lawfully during every second you spend on public roads. Unfortunately, not all drivers in the Keystone State are as responsible as they are legally required to be, and their negligence can sometimes have devastating consequences for motorcyclists near them.
Many of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Philadelphia can be traced directly back to a single reckless or careless driver. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can help you build a strong civil claim to get the restitution you deserve after suffering injuries in a wreck. We may also be able to help you seek compensation from third parties who indirectly contributed to your accident, ensuring all negligent parties are held responsible for the harm you suffered.
Motorcycle Crashes Caused by Another Driver’s Misconduct
Broadly speaking, there are three ways in which Philadelphia drivers commonly cause motorcyclists harm in preventable traffic accidents through:
- Moving violations
- Overtly illegal acts while driving
- Simple carelessness
Moving violations, particularly speeding, failure to signal turns or lane changes, and failure to yield, are often fairly straightforward grounds for legal action, especially if a police accident report notes that the driver involved in the wreck was cited for the traffic offense.
Criminal acts such as driving while drunk or driving while high likewise qualify as possible grounds for legal action. These actions violate the duty of care all drivers owe to other people around them and are also often noted in police reports.
However, when it comes to wrecks caused by momentary bad decisions, such as failing to check blind spots or briefly glancing away from the road, it is important to seek help from a knowledgeable legal professional to establish exactly how the wreck transpired and determine who specifically is at fault.
How Else Can Negligence Lead to a Motorcycle Wreck?
Sometimes, the primary cause of a motorcycle crash in Philadelphia is misconduct by someone who was not present at the accident scene at all. For instance, if a motorcyclist wrecks during a ride because they hit a pothole that they had no advance warning of, partial or even primary fault for their ensuing injuries might lie with the local government entity that was responsible for repairing the pothole and keeping public roads safe.
Likewise, if a wreck occurs because a motorcyclist’s brakes fail without warning, civil fault might lie with the mechanic who failed to identify and replace the faulty brakes during regular service. Alternatively, it may be possible to hold the manufacturer of a defective motorcycle liable for selling an inherently dangerous machine.
Learn More From a Philadelphia Attorney About Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
All of these common causes of motorcycle accidents in Philadelphia qualify as legally actionable negligence because they all constitute a breach of a duty of care. However, even with a clear understanding of how your wreck occurred and a solid grasp of negligence theory, effectively applying that knowledge and securing the necessary restitution can be challenging to manage alone.
Fortunately, that is where our seasoned motorcycle injury attorneys here at Lowenthal & Abrams can help. Call today to set up a free consultation.
