An Allentown Motorcycle Accident Attorney from PhillyLaw Can Help If You Are Injured
When you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in the Lehigh Valley area, having a knowledgeable Allentown motorcycle accident lawyer by your side is invaluable. Our motorcycle accident attorneys at PhillyLaw are deeply familiar with the nuances of personal injury law relevant to motorcycle accidents. They leverage this expertise to advocate effectively for injured motorcyclists. These legal professionals offer comprehensive support by conducting thorough investigations to establish fault, accurately assessing the full extent of your injuries and damages, and engaging in assertive negotiations with at-fault drivers’ insurance companies. Our goal is to ensure that you are fully compensated for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other related costs. With PhillyLaw, you’re not just getting a motorcycle accident lawyer; you’re getting a dedicated ally who understands the impact of your injuries and fights tirelessly for your rights and recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to know the steps to take to protect yourself and your rights. Here’s what you should do immediately following an accident:
Check for Injuries
Safety comes first. Check yourself and others involved to see if anyone is suffering injuries. If anyone has sustained injuries, call 911 immediately.
Move to Safety
If possible, move yourself and your motorcycle to a safe location away from traffic and the crash scene to prevent further motor vehicle accidents.
Call the Police
It’s important to have an official accident report. The police will document the scene and collect statements from those involved and witnesses.
Importance of a Police Report
Following a motorcycle accident, obtaining an official accident report is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a legal document that details the circumstances surrounding the accident, which is essential for establishing what happened from a legal standpoint. This report contains vital information such as the date, time, and location of the accident, along with any contributing factors like adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, it includes statements from the involved parties, witnesses, and the investigating officer’s observations, providing a comprehensive overview of the incident. Having this document is invaluable when filing insurance claims or if your case goes to court, as it offers an objective account that can support your compensation claim. Without an accident report, proving liability and securing the compensation you deserve becomes significantly more challenging.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, your personal injuries, and damages to your motorcycle. These can be crucial for your claim.
Exchange Information
Obtain contact and insurance information from the other parties involved in the accident.
Do Not Admit Fault
It is vital not to admit fault at the scene. The determination of fault should be left to the investigation.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get a thorough medical examination. Injuries from motorcycle accidents might not be immediately apparent and medical treatment soon after the crash is paramount.
Contact an Allentown Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Before dealing with insurance companies, consult with an experienced Allentown motorcycle accident lawyer at PhillyLaw to understand your rights and the best course of action. If you have suffered physical injuries and believe you have a personal injury claim as the result of a motorcycle collision, one of the skilled motorcycle accident lawyers will offer a free consultation for you to learn more about how to seek compensation for your motorcycle injuries.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After ensuring your safety and seeking medical attention, the next crucial step is to contact your insurance company to report the motorcycle accident. It’s important to do this as soon as possible, as most insurance policies have a time frame within which you must report any incidents to be eligible for coverage. Remember, the initial conversation with your insurance company is just the beginning of the motorcycle accident claims process. Therefore, it’s wise to consult with your Allentown motorcycle accident attorney before making any formal statements or accepting any settlements, as they can guide how to proceed in a way that best protects your interests.
Following these steps can significantly impact the outcome of your case and ensure that your rights are protected. If you’re in Allentown and have been involved in a motorcycle accident, the team at PhillyLaw is here to help you through every step of the legal process.
Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Victims of motorcycle collisions can seek various forms of compensation to address the immediate and long-term effects of their injuries. The following are common types of fair compensation that motorcycle crash victims might be entitled to:
Medical Expenses
This includes medical bills for emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical care related to the accident injuries.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If the injury has caused you to miss work or has impaired your ability to earn in the future, you can claim compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Victims are entitled to compensation for the physical pain and mental anguish caused by the motorcycle accident. This includes emotional distress and the loss of enjoyment of life.
Property Damage
Compensation for repairs or the replacement of your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged during the accident.
Loss of Consortium
If the accident impacts your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be able to claim compensation for loss of companionship or support.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the defendant’s actions are found to be particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded as a way to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Specific compensation available can vary based on the circumstances of the accident and the laws in your jurisdiction. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident while you were riding a motorcycle, the experienced Allentown motorcycle accident lawyers from PhillyLaw offer a free consultation to help determine the full range of compensation you are entitled to and work diligently to ensure that your rights are upheld throughout the claims process.
Common Causes for Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can result from a variety of factors, often involving both rider actions and the behavior of other motorists. Some of the common causes include:
Speeding
Excessive speed reduces the time available for riders and other drivers to react to road hazards, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a significant cause of motorcycle accidents, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. This term encompasses a broad range of dangerous behaviors, including aggressive driving, failing to obey traffic signals, unsafe lane changes, and not yielding the right of way.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting, the practice of motorcycles moving between lanes of slower-moving or stopped traffic, is often viewed as a controversial topic. Many argue that lane splitting can be considered reckless driving, as it involves navigating through tight spaces at speeds that may not provide adequate time for reaction in the event of sudden traffic movements. This practice can catch other drivers off guard, potentially leading to accidents.
Sudden Stops
Rear-end collisions can occur when a vehicle abruptly stops, and a following motorcyclist does not have sufficient time to react.
Inexperienced Riders
Lack of experience on the part of the motorcycle rider can lead to poor judgment and higher-risk maneuvers, increasing the likelihood of accidents
Left Turn Accidents
These occur frequently when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle, often due to misjudging the motorcycle’s speed or not noticing it at all.
Impaired Driving
Operating a motorcycle or another vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs dramatically raises the chance of causing an accident.
Road Conditions
Potholes, slick road surfaces, loose gravel, and other poor road conditions are more hazardous for motorcycles than for cars, often leading to accidents.
Defective Parts
Mechanical failures or defects in the motorcycle itself can lead to loss of control and accidents.
Understanding these common causes can help riders and drivers alike to adopt safer practices on the road, potentially reducing the number of motorcycle-related accidents.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often lead to more severe injuries than car accidents due to the exposed and vulnerable position of the rider. Some of the common injuries sustained in these accidents include:
Head Injuries
Even while wearing helmets, riders can suffer from concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-lasting impacts.
Road Rash
Road rash is a common motorcycle injury. When a rider is thrown from the bike and skids across the pavement, it can result in road rash, which may require extensive treatment to prevent infection and scarring.
Broken Bones
The force of impact or being pinned by the motorcycle can lead to fractures. These serious injuries often require surgery and lengthy periods of rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, altering the victim’s life forever.
Internal Injuries
The force of impact can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, which might not be immediately apparent but are life-threatening injuries.
Limb Amputations
In severe cases, an arm or leg may be so badly damaged that amputation is necessary.
Neck Injuries
Whiplash or more severe neck injuries can occur, leading to chronic pain or disability.
Wrongful Death from Motorcycle Accidents
A tragic consequence of some motorcycle accidents is wrongful death, where the accident directly results in the fatality of the motorcyclist or a passenger. Wrongful death claims arise when the accident is caused by the negligence or wrongful act of another party, be it another motorist, a manufacturer of defective motorcycle parts, or the entity responsible for maintaining safe road conditions. These personal injury claims seek to provide financial compensation for the survivors’ loss, covering aspects such as funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and support, and loss of companionship.
Pursuing a wrongful death claim can be a complex and emotionally draining process, necessitating the guidance of an experienced attorney who can ensure that families receive the justice and compensation they deserve. The untimely loss of a loved one in a motorcycle accident is a devastating event, and while no amount of compensation can replace the lost life, holding the responsible parties accountable can provide a sense of closure and financial security for the bereaved family.
These injuries not only cause immediate physical pain and suffering but can also lead to significant financial burdens due to medical bills, lost wages, and the need for long-term care or rehabilitation. Consulting with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure that victims receive the compensation necessary to support their recovery and manage these financial challenges.
Ways to Prevent Motorcycle Crashes
To enhance safety and reduce the likelihood of motorcycle collisions, motorcycle riders and drivers alike can take several proactive measures. Here are essential strategies for preventing motorcycle accidents:
Wear Proper Safety Gear
Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, gloves, protective jacket, and pants. This gear and wearing helmets can dramatically reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a motorcycle crash.
Observe Speed Limits
Adhering to speed limits and adjusting your speed according to road conditions can significantly decrease the risk of motorcycle accidents.
Stay Visible
Use reflective gear and keep your headlights on to increase your visibility to other road users. Avoid riding in blind spots of other vehicles, and always signal before making turns or lane changes.
Practice Defensive Riding
Anticipate the actions of other drivers and prepare for the unexpected. Keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead and remain vigilant of the road conditions and traffic around you.
Avoid Distractions
Never ride while distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Stay focused on the road and the environment.
Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
Consider taking a motorcycle safety course to refine your riding skills, learn advanced defensive riding techniques, and understand the best practices for safe riding.
Regular Motorcycle Maintenance
Keep your motorcycle in optimal condition with regular maintenance. Check the brakes, tires, lights, and fluid levels before each ride to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Be Cautious at Intersections
Many accidents occur at intersections. Always look out for vehicles that may suddenly turn in front of you and be prepared to stop or take evasive action.
Communicate With Other Drivers
Use hand signals and your motorcycle’s signals to communicate your intentions to other drivers, especially in situations where they may not expect your actions.
By implementing these strategies, motorcycle riders can significantly reduce their risk of accidents and injuries on the road, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable riding experience for everyone involved.
The Allentown Motorcycle Accident Lawyers are Committed to Motorcycle Accident Victims
The attorneys at PhillyLaw are highly experienced in motorcycle accident cases and are dedicated to helping injury victims recover the compensation they deserve. Understanding the unique challenges that motorcycle accident victims face, our team employs a thorough and compassionate approach to each motorcycle injury case. We work tirelessly to investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, ensuring that all aspects, from the cause of the accident to the extent of your injuries, are meticulously documented and presented. Our goal is to relieve you of the burden of dealing with insurance companies and legal procedures, allowing you to focus on your recovery. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, the legal team at PhillyLaw is here to provide the support and expertise you need to secure a just outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation.