Motorcycle accidents result in more significant injuries than car accidents and require more extensive medical care. This is a result of the exposure a biker has compared to the passenger of a car. The increased injuries and medical care result in more significant losses for the rider. When you or a family member suffers an injury from a motorcycle crash, contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
Our team of skilled Allentown motorcycle accident lawyers understands the unique challenges facing an injured person and their family. We put our knowledge to work for you, protect your rights, and allow you the time you need to recover.
Motorcycle riders face many of the same causes of accidents affecting everyone on the road. The most common causes of accidents include distracted and impaired driving, weather, road conditions, and people simply disobeying traffic laws. Riders also face the additional peril of automobile drivers not seeing the motorcycle rider.
The most common injuries a rider may face after a motorcycle crash include traumatic brain injury, broken bones, organ damage, damage to the spinal cord, neck and back injuries, soft tissue damage, and concussions. Unfortunately, many of these injuries may not be immediately noticeable after the crash. Instead, it may take several weeks for some symptoms to appear. An Allentown lawyer could account for the cost of all injuries in a motorcycle crash claim.
In the aftermath of a severe motorcycle crash, a person often feels confused and uncertain about the next steps. The most important thing is to seek immediate medical attention if needed. Other helpful measures include the following:
Typically, the insurance company representing the person at fault for the wreck will try to reach a quick settlement for far less than the case may be worth. There is no reason to take a fast payment that fails to provide full compensation. The insurer is looking out for their best interest.
A stigma against motorcycle riders permeates the insurance world. Riders generally do not have the protection of airbags, seatbelts, or crash-tested frames to protect the driver. In addition, state law does not require most motorcyclists to wear a helmet. These factors all lead to more significant injuries and higher costs for insurance companies.
A person injured in a motorcycle collision should speak with an Allentown attorney to understand the full extent of potential compensation. The attorney could assist the victim in determining how to proceed in settlement negotiations or to pursue reimbursement in court.
State law allows a person injured in a motorcycle accident to seek compensatory damages in court. Compensatory damages include economic and non-economic damages. Typical compensation includes reimbursement for property damage, lost wages, medical bills, future earnings, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
A court may award punitive damages to punish the person responsible for the accident. Courts reserve punitive damages to punish extreme and reckless conduct by the person who caused the collision. These damages are rare but significant when awarded.
Typically, a person will have two years to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle crash. However, this time may increase or decrease depending on the specific facts of the case. A lawyer in Reading understands the applicable deadlines and possible extensions for a motorcycle wreck claim.
An experienced Allentown motorcycle accident lawyer understands the uncertainty you and your family experience after a motorcycle accident. Our lawyers will fight to protect your rights and make you whole. Call us today to schedule an initial consultation.