Key Takeaways:
- Look for a lawyer who handles motorcycle cases regularly, not just car crashes.
- Ask about trial history, caseload, and who will manage the file.
- Get the “contingency fee” terms in writing.
- Most Pennsylvania injury claims must be filed within two years.
The best motorcycle accident lawyer in Pennsylvania understands how bikes handle, how insurers treat riders, and how to counter the bias many jurors bring to these cases. Choosing well means comparing focus, track record, communication, and fees before signing anything. A free consultation offers a no-risk way to evaluate each option.
What Makes a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Different From a Car Accident Lawyer?
Motorcycle crashes raise issues that car cases rarely do. Riders have little physical protection, so injuries tend to be more severe and more expensive to treat. Insurers also tend to blame the rider, often by claiming speeding or risky riding. A lawyer who focuses on motorcycle cases knows how to answer those arguments with crash reconstruction, bike damage patterns, and witness accounts.
Insurance works differently, too. Pennsylvania’s insurance rules treat motorcycles differently from cars in some respects, including medical benefits coverage. A motorcycle lawyer knows which policies may pay and in what order.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a PA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
An initial meeting is a chance to interview the lawyer. Useful questions include:
- How many motorcycle cases does the firm handle each year?
- Has the lawyer taken motorcycle cases to trial?
- Who will handle the case day-to-day?
- How often will the client receive updates?
- What challenges does the lawyer see in the claim?
Strong answers are specific and honest. A lawyer who promises a certain dollar amount at the first meeting is a warning sign, since no one can predict a result that early.
How Do “Contingency Fees” Work in Pennsylvania Motorcycle Cases?
Most injury lawyers work on a “contingency fee.” The client pays no lawyers’ fee unless the lawyer recovers money, and the fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict. Pennsylvania’s Rules of Professional Conduct require contingent fee agreements to be “in writing” and to explain how the fee will be calculated.
Riders should ask whether the percentage increases if the case goes to trial. They should also ask whether case costs, such as filing fees and witness fees, come out before or after the fee is calculated. That detail can change how much money the client keeps.
Why a Lawyer Who Rides Understands Your Case Better
A lawyer who rides knows how gravel, potholes, and uneven pavement affect a bike. That lawyer also knows how quickly a left-turning car can cut across a rider’s path. Firsthand knowledge helps explain to adjusters and juries why a crash was not the rider’s fault.
Rider-lawyers also recognize common bias. Under Pennsylvania’s “helmet law,” riders who are at least 21 and have two years of licensed riding or an approved safety course may ride without a helmet. Insurers may still raise helmet use to shift blame, and a lawyer who rides understands how to push back.
When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Crash?
The best time is soon after receiving medical care. Early contact allows a lawyer to preserve the motorcycle, damaged gear, photos, and video before they are lost or repaired. It also helps a rider avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer before understanding the claim.
“Deadlines” matter! Most Pennsylvania personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash. Claims involving a government vehicle or a dangerous road condition may require “written notice” within six months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can a passenger on the motorcycle file a claim?
Yes. A passenger may pursue any at-fault driver, including the rider.
Does switching lawyers mean paying two fees?
Usually not. The fee is often divided between firms.
What if the crash happened in New Jersey?
A firm that serves both states can handle claims on either side of the river.
Talk With an Experienced Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Bikers Have Rights About Your Legal Rights and the Rules of the Road
When you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer, work with a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyer at Bikers Have Rights who understands the road from the saddle. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call today at 877-333-0300. Located in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.