Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle accidents and resulting deaths increased in Pennsylvania in 2008 for the second year in a row, according to figures published by the state's Department of Transportation.

A report titled Pennsylvania Crash Facts & Statistics included five-year-trend figures that showed a decrease from 2005 to 2006, but increases in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, 237 motorcycle occupants died in crashes, compared to 225 in 2007, 187 in 2006, 205 in 2005, and 158 in 2004.

Fatal Rates High for Motorcycle Crashes

Detailed figures for 2008 show that motorcycles were involved in 4,193 crashes, 3.4 percent of all vehicle crashes for the year. Categorized by severity, motorcycles were involved in 231 (17 percent) fatal crashes, 3,746 (5.9 percent) non-fatal injury crashes, and 216 (0.4 percent) property-damage-only crashes.

The report shows that motorcycle crash fatalities were nearly evenly divided between occupants wearing protective helmets and those not wearing them. Pennsylvania requires helmets be worn by all motorcycle occupants under the age of 21, but allows those over 21 to avoid helmet use if they have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years or have taken a motorcycle safety course approved by the state or by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Many Accidents Caused by Lack of Awareness

The Pennsylvania report does not assign fault in motorcycle crashes, but previous studies show that a significant number occur because drivers of automobiles, trucks, and buses are not aware of motorcycles until it's too late to avoid an accident.

Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle crash, there will be medical bills, repair bills, and loss of income. Sadly, many people prejudge motorcycle riders in a negative light, making it difficult to receive impartial justice. Your best chance to receive the financial compensation you deserve is to enlist the aid of a personal injury attorney experienced in the issues that are unique to these special vehicles.

The motorcycle accident lawyers of Proner & Proner have experience helping victims of Pennsylvania motorcycle accidents.