Motorcycle accidents are a serious problem in Pittsburgh, PA. In 2022, there were over 200 motorcycle accidents in the city, resulting in 25 fatalities and 200 injuries. This is a significant increase from 2021, when there were 150 motorcycle accidents.

There are a number of factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents, including:

• Driver error: The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is driver error. This can include distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Inclement weather: Motorcycles are more susceptible to the effects of inclement weather than other vehicles. Rain, snow, and ice can make it difficult for motorcyclists to control their vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Improper lane splitting: Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist passes another vehicle by driving between lanes of traffic. This is illegal in Pennsylvania and can be dangerous for both motorcyclists and other drivers.
• Unprotected left turns: Motorcycles are more vulnerable to being struck by other vehicles when making left turns. This is because they are often hidden from the view of other drivers.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Here are some of the key statistics about motorcycle accidents in Pittsburgh, PA:

• The average age of a motorcyclist involved in an accident is 35.
• Males are more likely to be involved in motorcycle accidents than females.
• Most motorcycle accidents occur during the summer months.
• The most common time of day for motorcycle accidents is between 7am and 7pm.
• The most common type of motorcycle accident is a head-on collision.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to do the following:

• Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor.
• Call the police and file a report. This is important for insurance purposes.
• Get the names and contact information of the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
• Take pictures of the damage to your motorcycle and the scene of the accident.
• Do not admit fault for the accident.
• Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.

The attorneys at Shenderovich Shenderovich & Fishman have over 30 years of experience representing victims of motorcycle accidents. We are dedicated to helping our clients get the justice they deserve.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Pittsburgh, please contact us today for a free consultation. We can be reached at (412) 391-7610.

In early 2021, Pennsylvania passed legislation for an electric scooter pilot program. Pittsburgh officially launched its e-scooter initiative in July with 100 scooters available at mobility hubs across the Northside, Downtown, Strip District, Uptown, and Hill District. The program continues to expand citywide. As the program rolls on, multiple agencies report rises in injuries and deaths related to e-scooters.

As the e-scooters increase in popularity, many see fun modes of transportation, few see the dangers until it impacts them. If you or a loved one has suffered an e-scooter accident, the Pittsburgh e-scooter accident attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman are here to help.

New Studies Show New Dangers in New Transportation

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that an estimated 133,000 have been injured and at least 41 people were killed between 2017 and 2019 in accidents related to e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards.

In the CPSC study, E-scooter accidents accounted for almost 15,000 emergency room visits in 2018, and the number almost doubled in 2019, totaling more than 27,000. Hoverboard injuries treated in emergency rooms usually involved children, 14 years old and younger. More than half (58%) of e-scooter-related injuries involved people 25 years old and older.

The same three-year period also saw 27 fatalities involved in e-scooter accidents. Most of these deaths involved male riders colliding with motor vehicles. Hoverboards accounted for four deaths, and e-bikes accounted for 10. Fatalities also occurred when pedestrians were struck by scooters.

E-scooters have left rental bikes in their dust as the most popular form of shared micro-mobility transportation. According to the National Association of City Transportation Officials, tens of thousands of e-scooters are being rented across the country.

After several deadly accidents, Atlanta and areas in Tennessee banned the nighttime usage of e-scooters. Hoverboard warnings have been coming from the CPSC since 2015, after receiving reports the product was overheating and catching fire or exploding. After the CPSC attributed more than 250 fires to overheating hoverboards, more than 100,000 hoverboards made by 10 companies were recalled.

The reporting is ongoing with injuries and fatality data inspecting to rise as the usage of micro-mobility transportation spreads to in American cities.

CPSC safety measures have been released for micro-mobility usage in the hopes to reduce injuries and fatalities. “Many accidents can be prevented by simply slowing down,” says CPSC representatives. “Always wear a helmet, be aware of your surroundings, and be prepared to stop.”

When should I contact a lawyer?

Micro-mobility products like e-scooters, hoverboards, e-bikes, and Segway are becoming part of Pittsburgh’s landscape as commuters and tourists zip around the city. With these new modes of transportation come new dangers.

Multiple factors are examined when determining liability in micro-mobility accidents. Rental agencies or tour operators may be negligent for not properly supervising, inspecting, or maintaining the machines and accompanying equipment. Sometimes, the responsibility falls on manufacturers because of defective or faulty machines and unclear warnings.

The Pittsburgh e-scooter accident attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman investigate claims, find responsible parties, and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 1-888-988-9467.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles, there were more than 800,000 licensed motorcyclists across the state as of 2020. This means that there is a strong chance that you or someone you love is an avid motorcycle rider.

Sadly, motorcyclists are at an increased risk of suffering severe injuries when involved in vehicle collisions. In fact, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says that there were 3,227 motorcycle accident injuries with 217 fatalities in 2020 alone. This accounts for just over 20% of the total number of fatal motor vehicle accident injuries across the state.

If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be unsure of how to get justice for your suffering. Here are three ways that you can take action and recover maximum compensation for what you have been through.

1. Figure Out Who Is At Fault

The first thing you need to do if you are going to get just us after a motorcycle accident is figure out who was at fault. There are many different parties who may share fault for motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities.

For example, in late October an Irwin motorcyclist lost her life after a utility van crossed the center line along McKeesport Road in Elizabeth Township. In cases like these, it would be easy to assume that the driver of the utility van was at fault for causing the accident, as they were likely driving recklessly. But there may be other parties who may also share fault for your accident, such as:

• Government agencies
• Vehicle parts designers
• Vehicle parts distributors and manufacturers
• Safety inspectors
• Dealerships
• Other third parties

2. File a Claim With the Insurance Company

Once your attorney figures out who is responsible for causing your motorcycle accident, you will need to file a claim with the insurance company.

Since Pennsylvania is a no-fault state for car insurance purposes, you will need to file a claim with your own insurance provider, no matter who is at fault for causing the accident. But the insurance company may not fully compensate you for your suffering. If you hope to get the most out of your case, you may need to pursue a civil motorcycle accident claim.

3. Take Action in Civil Court

Since the insurance company may not compensate you for every single loss, you need to be prepared to bring your motorcycle accident case to court. Here, you have the right to be repaid for every single way your life has been affected by your motorcycle accident injuries. Some of the losses that you could recover include:

• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Healthcare expenses
• Loss of household services
• Lost wages
• Lots of future potential earnings
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life
• Lots of companionship and love
• Reputational damage

Contact a Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Help

If you or someone you love has suffered devastating injuries in a motorcycle accident and you are unsure of where to turn for help, reach out to an experienced Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyer at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman.

Our firm offers free, no-obligation consultations to motorcycle accident victims in Pittsburgh and surrounding cities. Claim yours when you complete our online contact form or call our office at 412-391-7610.

Motorcycle accidents occur regularly anywhere in Pittsburgh or the rest of the nation. The numerous possible obstacles, such as other vehicles or driving in certain lanes, can easily cause a collision to happen. However, it is important to be aware of tips that could further reduce the risk of a motorcycle accident from occurring. As a result, Pittsburgh motorcycle accident attorneys with Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman P.C. would like to provide a few suggestions to increase the safety of motorcyclists in Pittsburgh.

What Can Be Done To Avoid Motorcycle Accidents?

According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, motorcycle accidents have had a significant effect on the motorcyclists of the Commonwealth. Within the latest reporting year, there were more than 128,000 traffic crashes, in which motorcycles were a significant factor. The data also shows that these accidents have resulted in the following during the latest reporting year:

• 2,611 motorcyclist injuries
• 164 motorcyclist fatalities

From this information, it can be seen that motorcycle accidents pose a significant risk to riders. As a result of this elevated risk, motorcyclists must exercise greater caution when driving a motorcycle. There are several safety suggestions that could help avoid any chances of an accident, which would include tips such as:

• Wear the proper safety gear when driving to reduce any chances of severe injury
• Drive at reasonable speeds. Greater speeds lead to less time to noticing potential hazards on the road, such as other vehicles
• Be aware of vehicles behind you in the event of you stopping at an intersection, which is a situation that can cause motorcyclists to be rear-ended
• Do not ride in between parked vehicles and active traffic (lane splitting), in order to avoid a car pulling out or a driver opening their door in front of you
• Ensure regular maintenance of your motorcycle to reduce the risks of a crash
• Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which can impair judgment or prolong your reaction to obstacles
• Learn methods in dealing with road obstacles that can commonly occur before riding, such as taking motorcycle riding courses
• Do not share lanes with another vehicle (aside from another motorcyclist), which can cause a collision if the other driver does not notice you when changing lanes
• Pay close attention to your surroundings so you will notice any potential hazards on the road around you

Let Us Secure The Compensation You Deserve

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a motorcyclist crash due to the negligent or careless actions of another driver, contact an attorney as soon as possible. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our experienced and knowledgeable team is prepared to help by thoroughly investigating the entirety of your case and working on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to. This can include:

• Medical expenses related to the crash
• Lost wages or benefits from an inability to work while recovering
• Loss of personal enjoyment damages
• Pain and suffering damages
• Punitive damages against those responsible

If you need a Pittsburgh motorcycle accident attorney, contact us today for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling us at 888-988-9467.