Riding a motorcycle in Philadelphia offers a unique sense of freedom as riders travel through the city's streets and scenic roads. However, this exhilarating experience comes with inherent risks, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the thrill and the potential dangers.
Motorcyclists are not protected by a safety cage like in an automobile. This lack of protective barriers leaves riders vulnerable to the elements and other vehicles. Motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries compared to those involving traditional vehicles, or even wrongful death.
In the event of an accident, having an experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
A skilled Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney from Rothenberg Law Firm can help you seek compensation for your losses through a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit. Contact us today to discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Choose Rothenberg Law Firm for Your Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
Navigating the aftermath of a Philadelphia motorcycle accident can be financially and emotionally challenging. Rothenberg Law Firm provides support and understanding during the legal process.
Our attorneys strive to ease the burden for individuals and families affected by such incidents. You may seek compensation for losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. After a wrongful death claim, our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers can help you get financial relief for funeral and burial expenses.
Our firm has a team of skilled attorneys with extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims. Additionally, our local lawyers have an in-depth understanding of Pennsylvania's laws and regulations to provide effective representation for motorcycle accident victims.
With access to extensive resources, the Rothenberg Law Firm can effectively navigate the complexities of motorcycle accident claims. This includes leveraging our network of experts, investigators, and legal professionals to build compelling cases on your behalf.
Our Philadelphia Office
You can find the Rothenberg Law Firm Philadelphia office at 1420 Walnut Street. We are located at the heart of the city's proud history, just down the street from Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange.
Our attorneys are inspired every day by the memories of those who have gone before us, building our system of laws and jurisprudence. We have successfully represented clients in Philadelphia for over 50 years, securing billions of dollars in compensation on their behalf.
Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the latest statistical report compiled by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania has over 120,000 miles of roads and highways. In the last reporting period, there were 115,938 reportable traffic crashes in Pennsylvania. These crashes claimed the lives of 1,179 people and injured another 67,012 people.
PennDOT notes that there are an average of 318 reportable traffic crashes in Pennsylvania each day or about 13 crashes per hour. Of that number, three people were fatally injured each day, and about 184 people were injured daily in reportable crashes.
The PennDOT report noted there were 3,369 total motorcycle crashes in the state for the last year it collected data. Of that number, there were 213 fatal injury crashes and 217 fatalities. Motorcycle drivers accounted for 95.4 percent of fatalities, with 207 people killed, and motorcycle passengers accounted for 4.6 percent of deaths, with 10 people killed.
Who May Be Eligible to File a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim in Philadelphia?
Embarking on the open road astride a motorcycle is a thrilling experience that captivates a diverse community of riders. From seasoned enthusiasts to daily commuters, the allure of two-wheeled freedom attracts individuals from all walks of life.
However, the exhilaration of motorcycle riding is accompanied by a heightened vulnerability, as riders are exposed to the elements without the protective cocoon of a car.
Let's delve into the spectrum of individuals, from passionate riders to occasional adventurers, who may find themselves susceptible to injuries in the unfortunate event of a motorcycle accident.
- Motorcycle Riders: The primary individuals at risk are the motorcycle riders themselves. They lack the protective enclosure of a car, making them more vulnerable to injuries in the event of a collision.
- Passengers: If a motorcycle has a passenger, they are also at risk of injury during an accident. Passengers, like riders, are exposed to the external environment without the protection offered by a vehicle structure.
- Other Vehicle Occupants: In multi-vehicle accidents involving motorcycles, occupants of other vehicles can sustain injuries. Depending on the circumstances, such injuries may result from the impact with the motorcycle or other vehicles involved.
- Pedestrians and Bicyclists: Pedestrians and bicyclists sharing the road with motorcycles can be at risk in the event of an accident. Collisions involving motorcycles may also impact individuals in the vicinity who are not directly involved in motorized transportation.
What Are Some Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries due to the lack of protective barriers for riders and passengers. Injuries can range from minor to severe, including fractures, head injuries, road rash, and in some cases, fatalities.
Here are some of the injuries most commonly reported from motorcycle crashes:
- Road Rash: Abrasions and lacerations caused by the friction between the skin and the road surface during a slide or fall.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a motorcycle accident can lead to fractures or breaks in various bones, such as the arms, legs, wrists, and ribs.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, or skull fractures can occur if the rider's head makes contact with the ground, another vehicle, or a solid object.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe impacts may result in damage to the spinal cord, potentially leading to paralysis or other long-term neurological effects.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
- Internal Injuries: Injuries to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or lungs, may occur due to the impact or penetration of objects during the accident.
- Burn Injuries: Motorcycle accidents can sometimes result in burns, especially if the motorcycle catches fire or if hot surfaces come into contact with the rider.
- Joint Injuries: Dislocations or injuries to joints, including the shoulders, elbows, knees, and hips, can occur during a motorcycle accident.
- Facial Injuries: Injuries to the face, including fractures, contusions, or lacerations, may result from impact with the motorcycle, the road, or other objects.
- Psychological Trauma: Emotional and psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, can follow a motorcycle accident.
The severity of injuries can vary, and you need immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Even if you don't feel like you have injuries that would require medical attention, seek treatment as soon as possible after a motorcycle crash. Some injuries, like TBI or internal injuries, may not readily appear.
Getting medical help will also create a record that ties your injuries to the crash, which is helpful if you bring a personal injury claim.
Who May You Hold Liable for a Motorcycle Crash?
Determining liability in a Philadelphia motorcycle accident involves assessing various factors and circumstances surrounding the incident. Several parties may be held liable, depending on the specific details of the accident.
Drivers of other vehicles on the road may be found liable if their negligence, such as reckless driving, distracted driving, or failure to yield, contributes to the motorcycle accident.
Poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or faulty traffic signals may lead to accidents, and government entities responsible for road maintenance may be held liable for negligence in such cases.
If a motorcycle component, such as brakes, tires, or other parts, fails due to a manufacturing defect, the motorcycle manufacturer or parts manufacturer may be held liable. Likewise, if a motorcycle was recently serviced, and a mechanical failure or error in repair contributes to the accident, the repair shop may be held liable.
If the accident occurs on private property, the property owner may be liable if hazardous conditions on the premises contribute to the accident.
You may hold individuals or entities not directly involved in the accident but whose actions contributed to the circumstances liable, such as a construction company creating road hazards.
Determining liability is a complex process, and investigations often involve gathering evidence, witness statements, police reports, and expert opinions. Consult an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to handle the complexities of your motorcycle accident case and identify the parties who may be held liable for your medical bills and other losses.
How Can a Lawyer Help With a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Claim?
A lawyer can play a crucial role in assisting individuals with motorcycle accident claims, addressing both personal injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits.
A lawyer, especially one familiar with Philadelphia, can provide essential help. Lawyers can conduct thorough investigations into the circumstances of the motorcycle accident. They gather evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to build a strong case.
Your lawyer understands the specific regulations in Pennsylvania, ensuring that claims are filed correctly and within the statute of limitations.
Liability, Negotiation, and Litigation
Lawyers assess the factors contributing to the accident to determine liability. This includes evaluating the actions of other motorists, potential defects in the motorcycle, or negligence by third parties.
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Lawyers handle communication with insurers. Lawyers negotiate with insurance companies or other parties involved to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. They strive to maximize the settlement amount.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, lawyers are prepared to represent clients in court. They build a compelling case, present evidence, and advocate for their clients during trial proceedings.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
In cases of fatal motorcycle accidents, lawyers can assist surviving family members in filing wrongful death lawsuits. They pursue compensation for the financial and emotional losses incurred due to the untimely death of a loved one.
What is the Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit as a result of a motorcycle accident is generally two years from the date of the collision. After the statute of limitations expires, the court will typically not accept the filing.
There are several exceptions to this rule, and injury victims who seek justice through the courts are advised to speak with a qualified attorney to determine their legal standing for filing a lawsuit.
Exceptions to the Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations
Certain limited exceptions delay the two-year statute of limitations. If the victim was younger than 18 at the time of the motorcycle accident, the two-year deadline is delayed until the individual turns 18. They then have until their 20th birthday to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Another possible exception occurs if the person responsible for the accident leaves Pennsylvania for at least four months between the accident date and the filing of the lawsuit. In this case, the window of time to file a lawsuit extends accordingly.
It also extends if the at-fault person tries to hide within the state by using a false name. In this scenario, the time they were trying to conceal their identity does not count as part of the two years.
Exceptions for Government Entities
If a public entity is a possible defendant or the driver responsible for the crash was behind the wheel of a publicly owned vehicle, a different and much shorter statute of limitations applies. For instance, if a public school bus strikes a motorcyclist, this shorter statute of limitations would apply.
A Notice of Claim requires filing with the public entity within six months of the accident. Claims against the state are filed with the Office of the Attorney General. However, if the injured party is too disabled from the accident to file a claim, an additional 90 days is granted.
If the accident victim dies from their motorcycle accident injuries, the family must file a Notice of Claim within six months of the date of death.
Regulations for filing personal injury lawsuits against government entities are complicated. That is why you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. There is also the possibility that you may not realize that a public entity is a possible defendant. By waiting too long to contact a personal injury lawyer, you could be deprived of your ability to sue.
Advantages of Hiring a Local Philadelphia Lawyer
A local lawyer in Philadelphia is familiar with the local court systems, judges, and specific legal procedures. This local knowledge can be advantageous in navigating the legal landscape efficiently.
Also, knowing the local traffic patterns and road conditions allows a local lawyer to better understand how they may have contributed to the accident, strengthening the case.
Having a lawyer nearby allows for easier and more frequent face-to-face consultations, fostering better communication and understanding between the attorney and the client.
Engaging a local Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer for your claim helps ensure that your legal representation is tailored to the specific laws and dynamics of the area, ultimately increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome for motorcycle accident victims.
Contact a Trusted Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Attorney from Rothenberg Law Firm LLP Today
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in Philadelphia? Have you lost a loved one as a result of a motorcycle collision? If so, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from the Rothenberg Law Firm LLP can guide you through the complicated process of seeking compensation for your losses.
Our team of personal injury attorneys in Philadelphia can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our firm has successfully represented clients in Philadelphia for over 50 years.
Call our Philadelphia office at (800) 624-8888 or through our online form for a FREE consultation. We'll evaluate your case and determine if you are entitled to damages.
Our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That's another way of saying we won't charge you any legal fees unless we succeed in securing the compensation you deserve. Your rights matter, and we are here to fight for them.
The Rothenberg Law Firm Accident and Injury Lawyers - Philadelphia Office
1420 Walnut StPhiladelphia, PA 19102
Ph: (215) 330-6551