Every spring across Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, and the Lehigh Valley, we see a rise in motorcycle crashes and the number of motorcycle accident lawsuits that follow them.

As temperatures warm up, more riders return to Pennsylvania roads. At the same time, drivers who haven’t shared the road with motorcycles for months often fail to notice them. That combination leads to more collisions, more serious injuries, and more legal claims.

At Applebaum & Associates, our attorneys have represented motorcycle accident victims throughout Bensalem, Doylestown, Allentown, Quakertown, and Philadelphia for decades. Every year, we see the same pattern: the beginning of riding season brings a surge in accidents, many of which could have been prevented.

Understanding why these accidents increase and knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident helps riders protect their safety and their legal rights.

Summary: Why Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits Spike in Spring

Motorcycle accident lawsuits increase in Pennsylvania every spring because:

• More motorcycles return to the road after winter
• Drivers are less aware of motorcycles early in the season
• Winter road damage and spring weather create hazards for riders
• Traffic increases in cities like Philadelphia and Allentown
• Riders may be adjusting back to riding after months off

These conditions lead to more motorcycle accident injuries, insurance disputes, and legal claims for motorcycle accident compensation.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Increase in Spring in Pennsylvania

Spring is the unofficial start of riding season throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. As warmer weather arrives, thousands of motorcycles return to highways, suburban roads, and city streets.

From our experience handling cases across Bucks County, Montgomery County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Philadelphia, several factors consistently contribute to higher motorcycle accident rates during this time of year.

1. Drivers Are Not Used to Seeing Motorcycles

One of the most common causes of car vs. motorcycle accident cases is simple driver inattention.

During winter, motorcycles largely disappear from the road. When spring arrives, drivers are slower to adjust to their presence again. This leads to situations where drivers:

• Turn left in front of motorcycles
• Change lanes without checking blind spots
• Misjudge the speed of approaching riders

These visibility problems are one of the leading motorcycle accident causes we see in legal cases throughout Pennsylvania.

2. Spring Traffic Increases Across Local Roads

When the weather improves, overall traffic increases. More commuters, construction projects, and recreational travel create busier roadways.

Motorcyclists often face heavier congestion than during the winter months. More vehicles on the road increase the likelihood of collisions.

3. Winter Road Damage Creates Dangerous Riding Conditions

Pennsylvania winters leave behind significant road damage. For drivers of passenger vehicles, potholes may be a nuisance. For motorcyclists, they can be extremely dangerous.

Common spring hazards include:

• Potholes
• Loose gravel from winter maintenance
• Cracked pavement
• Debris along road shoulders

These hazards frequently contribute to motorcycle crashes early in the riding season.

4. Riders May Be Rusty After Winter

Even experienced riders may need time to readjust after months away from riding. We often see accidents involving riders who are:

• Getting comfortable with their motorcycle again
• Adjusting to traffic conditions
• Rebuilding reaction times after winter

This adjustment period contributes to motorcycle accident statistics every spring.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics Show Higher Risk for Riders

According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, motorcycles make up a small percentage of vehicles on Pennsylvania roads, but riders face a disproportionately high risk of severe injury. 

Motorcycle accident statistics consistently show:

• Motorcycle riders are five times more likely to suffer serious injuries than occupants of passenger vehicles
• A significant percentage of crashes involve other drivers failing to yield
• A large share of fatal motorcycle accidents occur during peak riding months

Because motorcycles lack the protective structure of a car, even relatively minor crashes can result in devastating injuries.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

When riders are struck by larger vehicles, the injuries can be life-changing. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken arms or legs
• Road rash and severe abrasions
• Internal bleeding
• Neck and back injuries

These motorcycle accident injuries often require surgery, long recovery periods, and extensive rehabilitation. For many victims, filing a motorcycle accident claim becomes necessary to recover compensation for medical expenses and lost income.

Why Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits Are Increasing

Increased accident numbers lead to more motorcycle accident lawsuits. But another major factor is insurance disputes.

Insurance companies frequently attempt to blame motorcyclists for crashes, even when the driver was clearly responsible. Riders may be accused of reckless driving or speeding, despite evidence showing otherwise.

That’s why victims often need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. Compensation in these cases may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future medical care
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability costs

Our firm has recovered over $75 million in verdicts and settlements for injured clients throughout Pennsylvania.

How to Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident

One of the most important legal questions after a crash is how to prove fault in a motorcycle accident. Proving fault is critical to obtaining fair motorcycle accident compensation.

Applebaum & Associates conducts detailed investigations to determine exactly what happened. Evidence may include:

• Police accident reports
• Witness statements
• Traffic camera footage
• Vehicle damage analysis
• Accident reconstruction experts

This evidence helps establish whether the driver:

• Failed to yield
• Was distracted while driving
• Changed lanes improperly
• Violated traffic laws

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Pennsylvania

If you are involved in a motorcycle or car crash anywhere in Philadelphia, Bucks County, or the Lehigh Valley, the steps you take afterward can significantly affect your health and your legal case.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Some injuries may not appear right away. A medical evaluation protects both your health and your documentation.

Call the Police

A police report provides an official record of the accident and often includes preliminary fault determinations.

Gather Evidence

If possible, document the scene by taking photos of:

• Vehicle damage
• Road conditions
• Traffic signals
• Visible injuries

Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Alone

Insurance companies often attempt to limit payouts. Statements made early can sometimes be used against you.

Contact a Motorcycle Injury Lawyer

Speaking with a motorcycle injury lawyer early helps ensure that evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.

Why Experience Matters After a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle accident cases are often more complex than typical car accident claims. Insurance companies may challenge:

• Injury severity
• Fault determination
• Medical costs

An experienced motorcycle crash lawyer understands these tactics and knows how to counter them effectively. At Applebaum & Associates:

• We have over 50 years of experience representing clients
• Our personal law attorneys are nationally recognized trial lawyers
• Our firm has served Pennsylvania communities for generations

Our approach is simple: we fight tirelessly for our clients and never stop fighting for the best possible outcome.

FAQs

Injured in an Accident? Get a Free Motorcycle Accident Case Evaluation!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Philadelphia, Bensalem, Doylestown, Allentown, or Quakertown, you do not have to face the legal process alone. The attorneys at Applebaum & Associates are available 24/7 to review your case. 

We offer free case evaluations, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Get justice—call today to speak directly with a nationally recognized motorcycle accident attorney!