Ultimately, it’s your decision whether legal representation will benefit you after a motorcycle crash. You can weigh the pros and cons like you do when contemplating if it’s worth going to a doctor when you’re ill. However, just as a doctor will give you the most informed opinion on diagnosis and treatment, a lawyer will provide the most skilled judgment regarding your motorcycle collision case.
When you are wondering if you should get a lawyer for a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident, call the diligent attorneys at Soloff & Zervanos. Our legal team is trained to spot and address personal injury issues presented by Pennsylvania law. Our lawyers are experienced in counseling clients on motorcycle accident claims, so you don’t have to handle yours alone.
Under 75 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 102, motorcycles are considered motor vehicles, meaning motorcycle operators have the same duty as other drivers to register their vehicles, per § 1301(a). By registering, the motorcycle owner implicitly agrees to maintain coverage that meets the financial responsibility requirement of § 1786(a). Registration also serves as consent to show proof of financial responsibility when requested by police or the Department of Transportation.
Financial responsibility laws ensure that drivers liable for auto wrecks can reimburse those they injure in the form of damages. Minimum coverage satisfying the financial responsibility obligation is set out in § 1702. Thereunder, motorcyclists must maintain, for any single accident, at least $15,000 for harm to one individual, $30,000 for injuries to two or more individuals, and $5,000 for property damage.
To comply with the financial responsibility rules, you can buy either a Limited Tort or Full Tort policy containing the minimum coverage dictated by § 1702. Additionally, these policies offer different levels of protection for yourself in a crash.
Limited Tort policies, as described in § 1705, restrict the policyholder’s ability to take other motorists to court for certain damages. Motorcyclists carrying Limited Tort insurance may pursue compensation for medical costs and some out-of-pocket expenses, such as lost wages, however you may not recover for nonecomonic damages like pain and suffering, except under very limited circumstances.
Your Limited Tort policy may specify certain exceptions, but these policies are attractive due to their lower price. Deviations from, or additions to, a basic Limited Tort template could increase how much you pay for your insurance.
If you opt for § 1705’s pricier alternative, the Full Tort policy does not diminish your right to sue another driver following a motorcycle wreck. Under a Full Tort policy, you can bring suit for monetary and noneconomic damages, including pain and suffering.
When you have been injured in a motorcycle collision, the last thing you need is to figure out the complexities of Pennsylvania’s auto insurance law on your own. Soloff & Zervanos has a team of lawyers who will work to maximize your recovery.
Let our experienced legal team advocate for you when you are wondering if you should get a lawyer for a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident. Call our firm today to schedule a consultation with a diligent attorney.