Ironically, the very reason riding a motorcycle can be so exhilarating is also the reason motorcycle accidents can be so disastrous. It is your freedom from a car’s “cage” that makes you so vulnerable in a motorcycle accident.
However, the fact remains that you should be free to ride a motorcycle if you choose without fearing that a careless driver will strike and potentially injure you.
At the same time, if you have indeed experienced a motorcycle crash and need someone to fight for your right to recover restitution for your injuries, trust a Moran Law Group motorcycle accident lawyer in Scranton, PA.
How Motorcycle Accidents Happen
According to studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 75% of all motorcycle accidents, and 50% of fatal accidents, involve two vehicles. The second is usually a car, and the motorcyclist almost always fares worse.
The most common factors in motorcycle accidents include:
- Inexperienced riders or drivers
- Speeding
- Alcohol & drugs
- Distractions (texting, talking on a cell phone, eating)
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Not using a turn signal
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Tailgating
- Lane splitting
- Poor weather conditions
- Unexpected obstacles
- Under-cornering
- Over braking
- Vehicle defects
- Road defects (potholes, broken asphalt)
- Harassment and road rage
- Failing to wear protective gear (helmet, leather)
The High Cost of Motorcycle Accidents
You should know that if you are riding a motorcycle and get into a car crash in Scranton, PA, it is usually the front of the motorcycle that gets hit. This is also the point of impact that results in the most incapacitating and fatal injuries. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you may already have a good idea of its cost, including physical and emotional pain, expensive medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Identifying every potential factor in an accident is important in determining who is at fault (or what percent each person is at fault) and financially responsible.
“Fault” can be a complex issue on which you, the other driver, police and emergency responders, and insurance companies do not agree. It is even further complicated if there were equipment failures, poor road conditions, public vehicles, commercial trucks, or obstacles involved.
A Moran Law Group attorney can help prepare your strongest arguments and may even retain a private investigator to help build your case. But you must act quickly. The insurance companies will want to settle as quickly as they can. They will not want to wait to discover that you have long-term medical and disability issues.
To them, it’s just business. To you, it is your future. Do not agree to any settlement without talking to an attorney.
Seek Help from a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Scranton, PA
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Scranton, PA, can help you:
- Understand your legal options
- Investigate the accident
- Challenge the police report’s findings
- Help prevent insurance companies from settling too soon
- Ensure that your long-term medical, psychological, and financial needs are identified
- Fight for compensation
Frequently Asked Legal Questions About Motorcycle Accidents:
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, your first priority should be to ensure your safety and the safety of others. If you’re able to move and it’s safe, get off the road to avoid further danger. Check for injuries and call 911 to report the accident and request medical help if necessary. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Exchange information with the other driver, including contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration numbers. Take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any skid marks, road conditions, and street signs, which can be valuable evidence. Notify your insurance company about the accident but refrain from admitting fault or discussing details until you’ve consulted with a lawyer.
How is fault determined in motorcycle accidents?
Determining fault in motorcycle accidents typically involves investigating whether any party violated traffic laws, engaged in reckless driving, or was negligent. Police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the accident scene play crucial roles in establishing liability. In some cases, traffic cameras or dashcam footage can also provide clear proof of fault. Additionally, in jurisdictions with comparative negligence laws, fault may be shared among drivers according to their degree of responsibility for the accident. It’s beneficial to hire an attorney experienced in motorcycle accident claims, as they can help gather the necessary evidence and expert testimonies to build a strong case for your claim.
What types of compensation can I claim after a motorcycle accident?
After a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for various types of compensation. These can include medical expenses for both immediate and ongoing treatment, lost wages if you’re unable to work due to your injuries, and compensation for pain and suffering. If you’ve suffered severe injuries that lead to long-term effects or disabilities, claims can also be made for future medical care, rehabilitation costs, and loss of future earnings. Additionally, you might receive compensation for repairs or replacement of your motorcycle and any damaged personal property. In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages might be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior. An attorney can guide you through the types of compensation you might be entitled to based on the specifics of your case.
What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents and how can they affect my claim?
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield, which can significantly affect the dynamics of your claim. Accidents caused by road hazards like potholes, poor road design, or inadequate signage can also lead to claims against governmental entities responsible for road maintenance. Weather conditions and mechanical failures are other contributing factors. The cause of the accident not only determines who is liable but also influences the strategy your lawyer might adopt in pursuing your claim. Understanding the cause is critical in building a strong case for compensation and in negotiations with insurance companies.
How long do I have to file a claim after a motorcycle accident, and what can affect this timeline?
Similar to automobile accidents, the statute of limitations for filing a claim after a motorcycle accident varies by state, typically ranging from one to three years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney soon after your accident to ensure compliance with these deadlines. Certain factors, such as accidents involving government vehicles or property, might require filing a notice of claim much sooner, sometimes within a few months. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from filing a claim altogether. Additionally, the timeline for filing can be influenced by ongoing medical treatments, as it might be advisable to understand the full extent of injuries before finalizing a claim. An experienced attorney can help navigate these complexities and ensure all deadlines are met.
Recovering from a motorcycle accident can be a long, hard road. The extent of your injuries in a motorcycle accident will be determined by what kind of crash you experienced.
A large truck going up against a motorcycle will likely not end well. Additionally, with commercial interstate trucks, the laws become more complicated regarding liability and insurance, so you’d need an expert Scranton truck accident lawyer to help you work through the details.
Whatever the extent of your injuries, you should not have to travel down that road to recovery alone if someone else’s carelessness caused your accident. If another driver caused your motorcycle accident and subsequent pain and suffering, we want to talk to you. We will defend your rights as a victim and ensure that you are not burdened with bills you are not rightly responsible for.
Contact the Moran Law Group now for a free consultation, and let’s work together to get you the compensation you are owed.