Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Although riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, it can also be a hazardous one. When an automobile driver strikes a motorcyclist while driving, it can have life-changing or even fatal consequences for the biker.
If you suffered an injury on your motorcycle because a negligent driver caused a wreck you could not avoid, your best move after seeking medical attention could be contacting a personal injury attorney. A Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer could work hard to help you pursue the compensation they deserve. En Español.
How Negligent Behavior Can Cause a Wreck
Some common causes of motorcycle accident also pertain to automobile accidents, while others are motorcycle-specific. Frequent causes of motorcycle accidents that stem from recklessness or carelessness by at least one party include:
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Careless turns or lane changes
- Speeding
All these actions could serve as evidence of legal negligence that a Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney could use to pursue a case, but it is important to note that other factors can contribute to motorcycle crashes as well. For example, while motorcycle accidents may occur at any time, riders often face greater danger when they are on the road at night.
Likewise, adverse road conditions pose a particularly significant danger to motorcyclists. A car hitting a pothole or a patch of ice may occasionally lead to an accident, but the same circumstances may have a very different effect on a motorcycle and its riders. Depending on the circumstances, the entity in charge of road maintenance may be liable in such cases.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Damages
Motorcycle accident injuries are often catastrophic in nature, especially when a larger, enclosed vehicle strikes a much smaller, open vehicle. Common injuries that may give rise to a personal injury claim include:
- Amputation
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Disfigurement
- Internal organ damage
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
Those suffering a severe motorcycle injury because of the negligent or reckless actions of another driver may be able to pursue compensation for various associated damages, such as:
- Medical expenses, current and future
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
In the worst cases, injured motorcyclists may never again have the ability to care for themselves or go back to work, and they may require intense rehabilitative therapy along with specialized equipment and accommodations. Because most motorcycle crash victims are under the age of 35, the lifetime costs associated with a wreck can be extreme. The assistance of a motorcycle accident lawyer in Philadelphia could be key to recovering appropriate compensation for both short-term and long-term losses.
What If a Motorcyclist Is Partially Liable?
Under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §7102, a percentage of fault may be assigned for every party involved in an accident by the court overseeing a case. Under the state’s modified comparative negligence system, a motorcyclist would be unable to recover any compensation if they are deemed more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. Any percentage of fault equal to or less than 50 percent on the part of a motorcycle crash plaintiff would result in a proportional reduction in their recoverable damages.
Speak with a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Attorney About Legal Options
If you or a loved one suffered serious injury in a motorcycle accident, getting in touch with an experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer should be your first priority after seeking medical treatment. Once retained, a dedicated attorney could thoroughly investigate all aspects of the accident, determine a fair settlement value for your injuries and ongoing care, and pursue your claim all the way to trial if necessary. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, call today.
