My Accident Involved a Motorcycle: How Does that Affect My Case?

In Pennsylvania, motorcyclists must adhere to regulations that are unique to the state. Being aware of the rules for motorcyclists is important. A Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorney can help determine whether someone was negligent in the event of a crash.

In Pennsylvania, motorcyclists can:

• Utilize a full lane to themselves or share the lane with one other motorcycle.
• Ride with a passenger, but that passenger must be given a permanent seat with footrests and handholds.

They cannot:

• Pass in the same lane as another vehicle.
• Drive in between lanes.
• Carry packages or cargo in one hand while driving.

Motorcycle Accidents versus Regular Vehicle Accidents

The most notable difference between an accident involving two full-size vehicles and one involving a motorcycle is the likelihood of severe injuries. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die as the result of a wreck than those who ride in regular enclosed vehicles.

Liability for an accident is determined by examining whether any of the involved parties were negligent. All drivers must avoid causing harm to others on the road, and if they don’t, and their behavior causes someone else to get hurt, then they could be held accountable. The road may be more dangerous for motorcyclists, but that doesn’t mean they are never negligent.

It’s a smart idea to schedule a consultation with an attorney if you’ve been in any sort of accident, but if you were driving the motorcycle, it’s crucial. Insurance companies are aware that there is a major bias against motorcyclists in the eyes of the general public. Many people view riding a motorcycle as a dangerous activity, so motorcycle drivers tend to be judged as reckless even if they follow every law perfectly. Insurance company defense lawyers will use this to their advantage and attempt to put all the blame on the motorcycle driver.

Luckily, with an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side, you’ll stand a better chance. Lawyers with trial experience will be familiar with the tricks that insurance companies attempt to pull and how to defend against them. Likewise, if you were driving in a regular vehicle and crashed due to the negligent actions of a motorcyclist, you also need an experienced lawyer to help ensure you get the settlement you deserve.

If you were injured as the result of a motorcycle accident, please contact Marcus & Mack today. We’re an experienced legal team with a focus on obtaining maximum recovery for our clients.