Autumn a Deadly Time for Tri-State Motorcycle Accidents
The next several months will be the most dangerous time of year for motorcycle accidents in the Tri-State area of West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
CBS Channel 5 reports fatal motorcycle accidents account for more than 10 percent of West Virginia road deaths each year, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Jim Satterfield, the owner of The Twisted Spoke bike shop in Clarksburg, discusses the primary cause of motorcycle crashes, "Route 50 is 50mph through town and everybody does 70."
Tri-State Riders Proactive About Safety
Our motorcycle accident lawyers see many motorcycle accidents caused by inattentive or careless driving. From Weirton to Pittsburgh to Steubenville and New Philadelphia, riders will be out enjoying the mild temperatures, cool breezes and autumn foliage in the coming months, and motorists must use due care in preventing accidents.
Williamson Daily News reports riders taking the Basic Ridercourse through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are learning how to avoid many of the common road risks. The majority of motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles are the fault of the vehicles' drivers. But learning to ride defensively and developing situational awareness are two of the best things riders can do to stay safe on the road.
The truth is most riders understand and accept the risks of riding and do whatever they can to ride safely and reduce the risks of being involved in a motorcycle accident. Motorists, too, need to do their part to avoid causing a collision. There is no such thing as a minor motorcycle accident, as most result in very serious or fatal injuries to riders.
Motorist Liability for Motorcycle Accidents
When a motorcycle accidents occurs, the at-fault driver and his or her insurance carrier are likely to be held responsible for the injured rider's medical bills, lost wages and cost of recovery. In many cases, an at-fault driver may lack enough insurance coverage to cover a rider's losses and may be held personally responsible for additional damages.
Staying alert throughout the autumn riding season can make a real difference when it comes to riding safety and your chances of being injured in an accident. Pay particular attention at intersections and, if in doubt, always yield the right of way to oncoming riders. Motorists frequently underestimate a motorcycle rider's speed and distance (often blaming a rider for speeding when, in fact, a motorcycle was much closer than they assumed). Consequently, failure to yield and turning left in front of an oncoming rider are the leading causes of fatal motorcycle accidents.
In the event that you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle crash, don't hesitate to speak to an attorney at Recht Law Offices.