Published on behalf of Drivers often have difficulty seeing, much less reacting to motorcycles. Whether it’s due to their inherently smaller size or lack of familiarity with motorcycles, in a split second, a car-motorcycle accident can occur.
Below are two common car-motorcycle accident scenarios:
1. Following Too Closely
Many motorcycle accidents occur because a driver was following a motorcycle too closely. Under Pennsylvania motor vehicle traffic law, drivers must not follow other cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc. too closely. 75 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3310 [Following too closely], section (a) provides:
General rule.–The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.
What is reasonable will depend on the circumstances and not only depend on the traffic conditions, but the weather conditions, as well as time of day. Drivers tend to have a difficult time seeing motorcycles on the roadway and therefore, drivers can come into contact with a motorcycle, essentially striking a motorcycle from behind. Even a rear end accident can cause significant injuries to a motorcyclist.
2. Overtaking or Passing on the Right
Another common motorcycle accident scenario involves a situation in which one car passes another car on the right. Because drivers generally do not anticipate or see motorcycles, overtaking a car on the right can cause the driver to strike a motorcycle. For instance, a motorcycle may be turning left and gets hit by a car which is overtaking another car. This diagram shows how such an accident would occur.
Related:
- Car-Motorcycle Accidents in PA – A Look at Liability
- Car-Motorcycle Accidents in Pennsylvania – A Look at Liability Part 2
- Three Common Motorcycle Accident Scenarios
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
The lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman represent those injured in car and motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. If you’d like a NO-COST review by our Pennsylvania and New Jersey car-motorcycle accident lawyers, call 215.925.4451. Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation.
The lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman handle cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
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