Plymouth Meeting Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Over 400,000 motorcycles are registered in Pennsylvania, with more than 800,000 licensed drivers. While most motorcyclists ride safely, they often face significant risks while on the road. At Bikers Have Rights, we are committed advocates seeking justice and compensation for our injured clients.
What Are Plymouth Meeting’s Most Dangerous Roads for Motorcycles?
Plymouth Meeting and the surrounding areas have several roads that present significant dangers for motorcyclists, such as:
- Blue Route (I-476) is known for heavy traffic and frequent accidents, especially near interchanges and construction zones. Dense traffic patterns and abrupt lane changes can pose severe risks to motorcyclists.
- Germantown Pike sees a high traffic volume, and its frequent intersections and shopping center access points contribute to motorcycle accident risks, often due to drivers entering and exiting businesses, increasing the likelihood of sudden stops and unexpected turns.
- Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), which extends from Philadelphia into Montgomery County, is notorious for its narrow lanes, congestion, and aggressive drivers, making it extremely dangerous for motorcyclists.
Are Motorcycle Helmets Required in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, riders under 21 and those with less than two years’ experience or completion of a state-approved safety course must wear helmets. Other Pennsylvania motorcycle laws include:
- Obtaining a “Class M” motorcycle license.
- Wearing eye protection when riding motorcycles without windscreens.
- Insurance coverage of at least $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 property damage.
- Passengers can only be carried on motorcycles with permanent passenger seats and footrests.
- Motorcycles cannot be driven between traffic lanes but can drive side by side in the same lane.
- All lights must function properly, and headlights are required to be on at all times.
- Motorcycles must have mufflers and not exceed legal noise limits.
What Types of Motorcycle Accidents Are Common?
Motorcycle accidents can happen for numerous reasons; the most common include:
- Head-On Collisions: Over 75 percent of motorcycle fatalities are caused by head-on collisions due to the unequal impact between motorcycles and larger vehicles.
- Rear-End Collisions: These collisions occur when a motorcycle is hit from behind or collides into the rear of another vehicle, often throwing riders off and exposing them to further danger.
- Drunk Driving: Alcohol and drugs can impair a driver’s reaction time and focus, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Sideswipe Accidents: Unsafe lane changes can push motorcyclists into other lanes or off the road.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces distance and can prevent drivers from stopping in time.
- Left-Turn Collisions: These most commonly occur when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Poor Road Conditions: Hazards such as potholes, debris, and slick surfaces pose significant risks to motorcyclists.
What Are Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries due to the rider’s lack of protection. Some common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:
- Abrasions and lacerations
- Amputations
- Broken and crushed bones
- Neck injuries
- Organ damage
- Road rash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
What if the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
In Pennsylvania, if the other driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you chose this option when you purchased your policy. This coverage can help pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Not Wearing a Helmet?
You can still recover damages if you were not wearing a helmet, which may affect your case. If you are over 21 and chose not to wear one, the other party may argue that your injuries were more severe as a result of your actions, potentially reducing the compensation you are awarded.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Motorcycle Accident Case?
The timeline for resolving a motorcycle accident case in Pennsylvania varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether the case is settled or goes to trial. Some cases settle within a few months, while others can take a year or more, especially if there are disputes over liability or the extent and severity of injuries. Working with an experienced attorney can help streamline the process and ensure your case is handled efficiently.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
Gathering evidence after a motorcycle accident is crucial to supporting your injury claim. If possible, you should take the following steps:
- Call the police and report the accident and injuries.
- Photograph the scene, damage, injuries, and anything else related to the accident.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Ask witnesses for contact information and statements.
- Seek immediate medical attention for potentially life-threatening injuries and a doctor’s report documenting your injuries.
- Keep all records related to the accident.
- Consult a seasoned Plymouth Meeting motorcycle accident lawyer with experience negotiating insurance companies for maximum compensation.
How Can a Plymouth Meeting Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Our Plymouth Meeting motorcycle lawyers at Bikers Have Rights have extensive experience representing motorcyclists injured by negligent drivers. Our skilled lawyers can handle the following on your behalf:
- Investigate the accident scene and collect any evidence.
- Review police reports.
- Interview witnesses.
- Establish liability.
- Calculate your full damages.
- Hire accident reconstruction specialists and other experts, if necessary.
- Negotiate with insurance companies for maximum compensation.
- Represent you in court if negotiations fail and your case goes to trial.
With over 30 years of riding and litigating experience, we have earned a top-rated reputation for aggressively protecting clients’ rights and pursuing justice. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients injured by negligent drivers.
Contact the Plymouth Meeting Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Bikers Have Rights Today to Seek Justice for Your Injuries
If you or a loved one have been injured by a negligent driver, contact the skilled Plymouth Meeting motorcycle accident lawyers at Bikers Have Rights. We hold negligent drivers accountable. Call today at 215-525-1616 or 877-333-0300 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
