Bristol Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Even though passenger vehicles have seen engineering strides that have made them safer in the event of a crash, motorcycles are as dangerous as ever. In 2023, there were over 3,000 motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania, with a total number of 238 fatalities. It is very rare that a motorcyclist would walk away from an accident completely unscathed. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you could be entitled to substantial financial compensation when you were able to prove that the other driver was to blame for the accident.
Motorcycle Laws in Pennsylvania
When we say that “bikers have rights,” it means that you are afforded certain protections as a motorcyclist under Pennsylvania law. You are treated the same as any other motorist on the roadway, with the same rights and obligations. If you are traveling in a lane of traffic, it is yours, and a driver would need to yield the right of way when it is required by law.
You also do not need to wear a motorcycle helmet under all circumstances, although it is recommended that you do so. Riders under the age of 21 have an obligation to wear a helmet at all times. Nonetheless, the failure to wear a helmet while on your bike is not grounds to deny you compensation entirely, although it could lead to a lower settlement check.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
When you are on a motorcycle, it is just you and the bike. A motorcycle does not have the exterior and safety features that a passenger vehicle would have to keep you safe in the event of an accident. Therefore, your injuries could be more serious than those you may have suffered in a car accident.
Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Lacerations and contusions
- Road rash
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is essential that you seek medical treatment immediately.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Bristol?
Drivers are not always concerned with your safety as a motorcyclist on the road. They are more interested in getting where they want in a hurry, and they often take shortcuts and act recklessly. Drivers can cause motorcycle accidents by doing the following:
- Not checking their blind spots before they change lanes.
- Going too fast for the circumstances.
- Making an illegal turn that cuts in front of a biker.
- Not allowing enough distance between them and the motorcyclist.
- Getting behind the wheel when they are under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
- Not looking where they are going on the road because they are on their phones or otherwise distracted.
When Does the Driver Owe Me Money for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
The above examples could be considered negligence in a motorcycle accident case. To receive a settlement check for your injuries, you would need to carry your own burden of proof showing that the driver was negligent. You must show that they did something that the reasonable driver would not have done under the circumstances.
If you do not have evidence that the driver was negligent, you may end up empty-handed when you seek money. Thankfully, when you hire a motorcycle accident attorney, they can perform a complete investigation and gather the evidence you need to prove liability.
How Much Can I Receive in Motorcycle Accident Compensation?
Because motorcycle accident compensation is tied to the severity of the injuries that you have suffered, and you are more likely to have been seriously injured in a bike crash, it follows that your settlement check could be larger. Everything depends on the facts and circumstances of your injuries and the impact that they have had on your life. A motorcycle accident lawyer would work to quantify your damages and fight to get you every dollar you deserve.
In addition, the amount of insurance coverage could also be determinative of the compensation that you get. If the other driver did not have enough insurance coverage to fully pay for your injuries, you could file a claim against your insurance policy. Dealing with two insurance companies can be challenging, but your motorcycle accident attorney is up to the task.
What if the Insurance Company Tries to Blame Me for the Accident?
Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists for their accident injuries. In Pennsylvania, you would not be able to receive compensation for your accident at all if you bear more than 50% of the blame for what happened. Even if your fault is less than that, your compensation would be reduced by the percentage you were to blame. Accordingly, it is vital that you defend yourself if there are any allegations about your conduct in the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Your motorcycle accident attorney would also gather evidence about your actions and what may prove that the driver was at fault. They can push back when the insurance company tries to blame you. If you cannot agree to a settlement because the insurance company is blaming you, a motorcycle accident lawyer would take your case to court, where the jury would decide.
Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
The question is not whether you should hire a motorcycle accident attorney for your case. You need to be concerned about when you would reach out for legal help. Even though you may not file a claim for some time, you would need a motorcycle accident attorney to at least help you prepare and get you in a position to see compensation. The insurance company will not willingly write a large check to you for every dollar you deserve without being pushed.
A motorcycle accident attorney will handle all of the details of your case, from the initial investigation to negotiating the actual settlement agreement. They will be relentless on your behalf when necessary because their mission is to get you top dollar for your motorcycle accident injuries. At Bikers Have Rights, we never stop fighting for our clients until the very end of their cases. We know the ins and outs of motorcycle accidents because we work for our clients every single day.
Contact a Bristol Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Bikers Have Rights
A Bristol motorcycle accident lawyer at Bikers Have Rights can be the aggressive advocate you need when another driver’s actions hurt you. We know how to take on the toughest insurance companies on behalf of our clients. You can schedule a free initial consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer by calling us today at 215-525-1616 or 877-333-0300 or by contacting us online. Our office is in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and we represent injured cyclists throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
