No one can control other drivers’ behavior in traffic, and collisions are especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Motorcycle crashes are far more likely to end in fatalities for riders than for auto drivers.
Careless drivers often fail to notice motorcycles. The worst can happen in seconds, without a chance for the paramedics to arrive. Motorcyclists may take unfair blame for accidents, even when they did not survive. The families of those lost in fatal motorcycle accidents in Allentown deserve understanding and support, and our dedicated attorneys are here to provide this.
The famous “Start Seeing Motorcycles” bumper sticker campaign shows just how much trouble motorcyclists can have with drivers who do not see them. Motorcycle accidents with multiple vehicles often involve a driver’s error, either in avoiding the crash or in failing to see the motorcycle at all. Left turns are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, as is running off the road.
Motorcyclists do not have the same protection as auto drivers. Chest and spinal injuries are the top causes of death among riders who do not wear helmets. Head injuries appear in many Allentown fatal motorcycle wrecks.
The grief and shock are hard enough for the family of the deceased, but the costs associated can be relentless. Families often face medical costs, funeral expenses, and the incalculable losses of their family member’s presence and support.
Sadly, the family of the motorcyclist is often in a tougher situation than the family of an auto driver would be after a fatal accident in Allentown. Pennsylvania law does not mandate medical coverage for motorcyclists as it does for auto drivers. Without it, a rider must rely on any personal health insurance they have.
Pennsylvania drivers must carry liability insurance, but with minimum coverage, they might have as little as $15,000 available for a single person’s death. Even so, the driver’s insurance company will typically try to avoid paying any more than it must. The situation can become more complicated when the driver lacks any insurance.
When someone involved in a crash has liability insurance, their company’s adjuster reviews and analyzes the accident. They prepare a report that states the percentages of liability for every party involved. This report has another purpose, which is to make the company’s case that they owe the crash victim as little as possible, and ideally, nothing at all.
Our Allentown lawyers understand fatal motorcycle accidents and know how to manage this situation. We could work closely with families, reviewing the evidence and investigating witness statements to develop a strong counterargument to the insurance company’s report. Insurers take injury attorneys seriously, and they are often willing to negotiate a settlement. If they will not, our attorneys are ready to represent the family in court. A spouse, child, or parent can seek recovery through a wrongful death action against a driver or another party involved.
At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., we work to get crash victims the help they need. We know that for those left behind after fatal motorcycle accidents in Allentown, there is no simple way to move forward. Let us help you secure your loved one’s rights and begin your recovery. Call us today to set up your appointment.
