A motorcycle accident can be overwhelming for injured riders, especially when facing mounting medical bills and lost income. A Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer can offer guidance, support, and peace of mind throughout the legal process, allowing the injured rider to focus on their recovery.
Whether you were injured or a loved one was hurt or killed, we can help. If your wreck was caused by a driver’s carelessness or another act of negligence, reach out to us. You can contact our team or reach out to us online.
Motorcycle Riders Face Serious Injuries in Vehicle Accidents
Motorcycle accident injuries are often more severe than those sustained in car accidents due to the lack of protection afforded to riders. Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists lack metal frames, airbags, or seat belts to protect them in the event of a collision. As a result, riders are more likely to suffer serious and life-altering injuries.
Some of the most common types of injuries suffered by motorcycle riders in accidents include:
- Head and brain injuries: Even with the use of helmets, motorcyclists are at risk of suffering traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), skull fractures, and other head injuries in a crash. These injuries can lead to cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
- Broken bones: Motorcyclists are prone to fractures in a crash, particularly in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can take a long time to heal, which means long-term medical help, a long time out of work, and a long time without riding.
- Road rash: When riders are thrown from their motorcycles, they may slide across the pavement, resulting in serious abrasions known as road rash. These injuries can be painful, prone to infection, and may require skin grafts or other surgical interventions.
- Internal injuries: The blunt force trauma of a motorcycle accident can cause damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries are often life-threatening and may require emergency surgery.
- Amputation: In some severe cases, motorcyclists may suffer crushing injuries or severe damage to their limbs, necessitating amputation. These injuries are life-altering and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
The severity of motorcycle accident injuries underscores the importance of seeking prompt medical attention and legal guidance after a wreck. A Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney can help injured riders assess the full extent of their damages, gather evidence to support their claim, and fight for the compensation they need to cover their accident-related costs.
Who Is Most Often At Fault In Motorcycle vs. Vehicle Crashes in Philadelphia?
In motorcycle-vehicle crashes in Philadelphia, fault can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each accident. Here are some common scenarios where car drivers are found to be at fault:
- Left-turn accidents: One of the most common types of motorcycle-car crashes occurs when a car makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. In these cases, the car driver often fails to see the motorcycle, resulting in a collision.
- Distracted driving: Car drivers who are distracted by their cell phones, navigation systems, or other devices may fail to notice motorcyclists, leading to accidents.
- Failure to yield: When car drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists at intersections or when merging, crashes can occur.
- Lane changes: Car drivers who change lanes without properly checking their blind spots or signaling may collide with motorcyclists who are harder to see due to their smaller size.
- Rear-end collisions: Motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars, and car drivers who follow too closely or are not paying attention may rear-end motorcyclists.
Determining fault in a motorcycle-car crash often requires a thorough investigation of the accident scene, witness statements, and other evidence. It’s crucial for both car drivers and motorcyclists to exercise caution, follow traffic laws, and remain alert to help prevent these accidents from occurring.
A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia Can Help You Move Forward After a Wreck
A personal injury lawyer can provide assistance to motorcycle riders who have been injured in an accident, helping them navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation they deserve.
We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the motorcycle accident to gather evidence and build the rider’s claim. This may include reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, analyzing medical records, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
In some cases, multiple parties may be liable for a motorcycle accident, such as negligent drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or government entities responsible for road maintenance. A Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can identify all potential liable parties and hold them accountable.
Going to Trial for a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Claim
Most motorcycle accident claims in Philadelphia will not go to trial and will instead settle during negotiations. This is because going to trial can be a lengthy, expensive, and uncertain process for both parties. Insurance companies often prefer to settle claims out of court to avoid the associated legal costs.
But if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, a personal injury lawyer can represent the injured motorcyclist at trial. They will build a strong case, present evidence, and argue on the rider’s behalf to secure a favorable verdict.
It’s important to note that settlement negotiations can still continue throughout the court process. In some cases, the threat of a looming trial date can motivate insurance companies to offer a more substantial settlement to avoid the uncertainty of a verdict. A Philadelphia personal injury lawyer will advise their client on the strength of their case, the likelihood of success at trial, and the potential risks and rewards of going to trial, allowing the injured motorcyclist to make an informed decision about whether to accept a settlement offer or proceed to trial.
Compensation Motorcycle Riders Can Seek in a Philadelphia Accident Claim
When a motorcycle rider is involved in an accident in Philadelphia, they may be entitled to seek various forms of compensation for their losses and injuries. The specific types of compensation available will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of the damages suffered.
Here are some of the main categories of compensation that motorcycle riders can seek in a Philadelphia accident claim:
- Medical expenses: Motorcycle accident victims can seek compensation for medical expenses related to their injuries, including emergency room visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, rehabilitative therapy, and any necessary medical equipment. This also includes future medical expenses for ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages: If the motorcycle rider is unable to work due to their injuries, they can recover compensation for the wages they lost as a result of the accident. This includes not only the time immediately following the accident but also any future lost earning capacity if the injuries have a long-term impact on the rider’s ability to work.
- Pain and suffering: Motorcycle accident victims can get compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress they experienced as a result of the accident. This can include compensation for the actual pain suffered, as well as the mental anguish, and anxiety that may result from the injuries.
- Property damage: If the motorcycle or any other personal property was damaged in the accident, the rider can seek compensation for repairing or replacing the vehicle.
It’s important to note that Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if the motorcycle rider is partially at fault for the accident, their compensation will be reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault. However, as long as the rider is 50% or less at fault, they can still recover damages.
What is the Time Limit to File a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
When it comes to filing a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawsuit, it’s essential to be aware of the time limits set by Pennsylvania law. These time limits, known as the statute of limitations, dictate the deadline by which you must file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including motorcycle accident claims, is two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two years from the day the accident occurred to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
However, there are some exceptions to this general rule that may shorten or extend the time limit:
Discovery Rule
If the injuries from the motorcycle accident are not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may be extended. In such cases, the two-year clock begins when the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
Minors
If the motorcycle accident victim is a minor (under 18 years old) at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until they turn 18. This means that they have until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit.
Government Entities
If the party that caused your motorcycle wreck is a government entity, such as a city, county, or state agency, the time limit for filing your case may be shorter. In Pennsylvania, you generally have just six months to file a written notice of your intent to sue a government entity.
While the statute of limitations provides a deadline for filing a lawsuit, it’s generally advisable to initiate your lawsuit well before this time limit expires. Starting the process early allows your attorney more time to investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Get a Free Consultation With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Philadelphia, work with a legal team to help you navigate the complex claims process. The dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers at Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C. understand the challenges motorcyclists face and work to protect your rights every step of the way.
During your free consultation, we will review your case, answer your questions, and provide guidance to make informed decisions about your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us anything unless we secure compensation for you.
Call us today or reach out to us online to get your free consultation and take the first step toward getting the justice you deserve.
