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All motor vehicle drivers on public highways in the Commonwealth owe a duty of care to everyone else on the road. This duty requires them to follow the law and pay close attention to their surroundings while driving. If you prove that another driver violated this duty of care and directly caused your motorcycle wreck, you can hold that person civilly liable for both economic and non-economic losses tied to the crash and your resulting injuries.
Any experienced motorcycle injury attorney will tell you that preventing accidents is far better than pursuing civil restitution after one. With that in mind, here are some recommendations for safety measures to prevent motorcycle accidents in Philadelphia, based on our years of experience helping crash victims file civil suits against negligent drivers.
Practice Defensive Riding
Even though every driver should watch for motorcyclists and give them enough space, many people act recklessly or carelessly around riders. In urban areas like Philadelphia, where traffic density increases risk, adopting proactive motorcycle safety protocols is essential. Take a moment to check that no one plans to make an irresponsible move before you enter an intersection, change lanes, or merge onto a highway.
That quick pause can make the difference between arriving home safely and suffering a life-altering wreck.
Make Yourself as Visible as Possible
Another effective way to lower your risk of a motorcycle crash in Philadelphia is to ensure drivers cannot overlook you. Wear bright-colored clothing, place reflective strips on your motorcycle or your outerwear, and ride during clear daylight hours. These steps make it easier for even inattentive drivers to notice you and avoid swerving into your path.
Check Your Motorcycle Before Every Ride
Drivers in enclosed vehicles can coast to a stop if they suffer a tire blowout or a brake failure, but motorcyclists cannot. To reduce risks, take a few minutes before each ride to check your brakes, lights, and tires. Confirming that your motorcycle’s critical components are in good condition is one of the precautionary steps to prevent motorcycle collisions in Philadelphia.
Wear a Helmet and Other Appropriate Equipment
Wearing a helmet will not prevent a crash from occurring, but it will protect you from severe or life-threatening injuries if one occurs. According to the Centers for Disease Control, helmets can reduce your risk of head injuries in motorcycle accidents by up to 69 percent. Wearing other protective gear is another safety precaution to help minimize the harm of an unexpected collision in Philadelphia.
Contact a Philadelphia Attorney To Learn More About Security Procedures To Mitigate Motorcycle Wrecks
Following these safety measures to prevent motorcycle accidents in Philadelphia can make your rides safer and more comfortable. That said, even the safest and most responsible motorcyclists can still suffer severe injuries in wrecks they did not cause, and our team can help in those situations.
By working with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney from Lowenthal & Abrams, you gain access to hands-on experience with cases like yours and a proven record of successful civil recovery. Call today to discuss your legal options.
