Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Laws

Understanding Pennsylvania’s motorcycle laws is important for protecting your rights as a rider. Some key rules include:

• Helmet Requirements: All riders under age 21 must wear a helmet. Riders over 21 may ride without a helmet if they have two years of riding experience or have completed a motorcycle safety course.
• Eye Protection: Eye protection is required for all riders unless the motorcycle has a windshield.
• Licensing: Riders must have a Class M license or motorcycle learner’s permit.
• Insurance: Pennsylvania requires motorcycle insurance with minimum liability coverage, but this often falls short after a serious crash.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

A motorcycle accident refers to any incident involving a motorcycle that results in harm or damage to the rider, passenger, or the bike itself. These accidents can vary widely in severity, ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to life-threatening injuries or fatalities.

Several common causes of motorcycle accidents involving other motor vehicles include:

• Failure to See Motorcycles
• Unsafe Lane Changes
• Speeding and Reckless Driving
• Left-Turn Accidents
• Dooring Accidents
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Distracted Driving
• Failure to Yield Right of Way
• Road Conditions
• Inexperienced Drivers

How to Get Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Pittsburgh, you may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Pain and Suffering
• Property Damage
• Loss of Consortium
• Wrongful Death

We will build a strong case using accident reports, medical records, witness statements, expert opinions, and more. Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists or offer lowball settlements—we won’t let that happen.

To be eligible for compensation for a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania, the injured person must prove that the other driver was at fault. This can be established by demonstrating that the other driver acted negligently while operating their vehicle. 

If you can prove that a driver's negligence directly caused your accident, they may be liable for personal injury damages caused by the incident, including medical bills and lost wages. 

In many cases, personal injuries you or a loved one incurred in a motorcycle accident can be severe, making the medical costs of recuperating from injuries very expensive. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident due to someone else's negligence and are seeking compensation for your injuries, there are some steps you should take.

In order to make a strong case for compensation, an injured person must provide evidence showing that: 

• The other driver owed them a duty of care.
• The other driver breached this duty of care through their negligent actions. 
• Their breach of duty caused the accident. 
• The injured party suffered damages as a result. 

It is important to note that Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative 51% bar rule, which means that even if the injured party was partially responsible for the accident, they might still be able to receive compensation if they are found to be less than 51% responsible for the accident; however, their award would be reduced according to their degree of responsibility for the accident. For example, if someone were found 20% at fault for an accident resulting in $10,000 worth of damages, they would only receive $8,000 from their settlement - 80% of total injuries ($10k). 

Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents frequently result in serious injuries because of the lack of protection. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Fractures and Broken Bones
• Road Rash
• Internal Injuries
• Amputations

These injuries can lead to long hospital stays, surgeries, and months—or years—of recovery. Our attorneys fight to ensure you receive compensation that fully addresses the scope of your losses.

Common Legal Challenges of a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Motorcycle accidents present several legal challenges, both for the rider and other parties involved. These challenges can stem from various factors:

• Liability Determination: Establishing fault or liability can be complex in motorcycle accidents. Contributory or comparative negligence may come into play, where both parties share a degree of fault. Gathering evidence, witness testimonies, and expert opinions become crucial in determining liability.
• Serious Injuries: Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protective barriers around riders. This leads to higher medical expenses, potential long-term rehabilitation, and significant impacts on the victim's life. Calculating compensation for these injuries, including pain and suffering, becomes a legal challenge.
• Insurance Issues: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Some policies may not adequately cover motorcycle accidents or may have specific clauses that complicate the claims process. Disputes over coverage or the extent of coverage can arise.
• Bias Against Motorcyclists: There might be a bias or stereotype against motorcyclists in the legal system. Juries or insurance adjusters might unfairly assume that the rider is more at fault due to perceived risks associated with motorcycles.
• Multiple Parties and Claims: In some cases, multiple parties might be involved, such as the motorcyclist, the driver of another vehicle, and possibly even the government if poor road conditions contributed. Coordinating claims and negotiations with multiple parties can be challenging.
• Disputes Over Damages: Disagreements over the extent of damages, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and future earning capacity, can arise between the parties involved, leading to legal disputes.

Navigating these legal challenges typically requires the expertise of a skilled attorney specializing in motorcycle accidents. Our Pittsburg motorcycle accident lawyers at Friday & Cox can help gather evidence, assess the situation, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent the injured party in legal proceedings, aiming to secure fair compensation and protect their rights.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

What should I do after a motorcycle accident in Pittsburgh?

First, get medical help immediately—even if you feel fine. Then, report the accident to the police, take photos of the scene and your injuries if possible, collect contact information from witnesses, and avoid making statements to the other driver’s insurance company. Finally, contact a qualified Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyer.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Yes, you may still recover damages. However, your lack of a helmet could impact your claim if it contributed to your injuries. We’ll help you understand how Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law applies to your case.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Pennsylvania?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s important to act quickly before evidence disappears and deadlines pass.

What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim through your own insurance policy if you have UM/UIM coverage.

How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?

Every case is different, and the value depends on the severity of your injuries, liability, insurance coverage, and how the crash affects your life. We’ll evaluate your case and pursue the maximum compensation available.