Check out 'The Soloff & Zervanos Show' Podcast on WWDB Talk 860 - Click Here!

What Causes Commercial Motorcycle Accidents?

On behalf of greg

Motorcyclists enjoy getting out and experiencing the freedom of the ride. However, they are also at a higher risk of injury from a crash than others on the roadway, particularly from commercial motor vehicles. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., we are here to help if you or a loved one have been injured due to the actions of a commercial driver. Let us investigate what happened so we can secure the compensation you deserve. Call us when you need a Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney.

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating

Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to injuries in a crash than those in other types for vehicles. It is not uncommon for our Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorneys to help motorcyclists with the following:

  • Broken and dislocated bones
  • Severe lacerations
  • Internal organ damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Whiplash injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Concussions

Nearly every motorcycle accident results in an injury or a fatality. During the latest reporting year in PA, there were also 3,194 motorcycle crashes. Out of those, there were:

  • 3,052 motorcyclist injuries
  • 180 motorcyclist fatalities

Commercial motor vehicles

A commercial motor vehicle is defined as any vehicle used to transport goods or fee-paying passengers. We have plenty of commercial vehicles in and around Philadelphia, including buses, semi-trucks, vans, and more. Some of these vehicles can reach tremendous weight, with a fully loaded tractor-trailer weighing as much as 80,000 pounds, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Commercial vehicle drivers must follow all laws and regulations regarding the particular vehicle they are operating. Drivers should never operate while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or while distracted by phones or other devices.

Commercial vehicle companies must ensure that their vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained. The FMCSA has specific inspection requirements in place for large trucks and buses. Failure to properly maintain these vehicles can lead to failure of one or more parts and cause serious accidents.

While we do not have exact statistics on how many commercial vehicles in total were involved in accidents in PA last year, we do know that they create an added element of complexity to the settlement process. In many cases, commercial vehicles carry additional insurance that a victim could be entitled to. However, working with these insurance companies can be difficult.

Let us secure the compensation you deserve

If you or a loved one have been injured due to the careless or negligent actions of a commercial vehicle driver, you should seek legal assistance immediately. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., we are going to investigate all aspects of your case and work to recover the compensation you deserve. This can include:

  • Your medical expenses related to the crash
  • Lost wages and benefits if are unable to work
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Loss of personal enjoyment damages
  • Punitive damages against the commercial driver or company

When you need a Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 866-597-8572.