Johnstown Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcyclists face a higher risk of injury than motor vehicle drivers when they get into a motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists have fewer safety protections, such as doors, side panels, and seat belts, and often sustain more serious injuries in a collision. Additionally, motorcycles have low visibility, and a rushed driver may not see a motorcyclist in time to avoid a collision.

If you were riding a motorcycle and suffered injuries due to another person’s negligence, a Johnstown motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to assist in pursuing the compensation you deserve. With help from a dedicated personal injury attorney from Marcus & Mack, you may be able to recover financial damages for all your injuries and losses. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.

Why You Should Choose Marcus & Mack to Handle Your Johnstown Motorcycle Accident Claim

When selecting a law firm to handle your Johnstown motorcycle accident claim, you want to choose the right firm for you.

Here are some reasons why you might consider us for your Johnstown motorcycle accident claim:

• Proven Track Record: Marcus & Mack has a history of successfully handling motorcycle accident claims in Johnstown, including a $1.75 million award for a motorcycle collision. Our past case results show our commitment to helping our clients obtain maximum compensation. Although we can’t guarantee specific results in your case, we can promise to do all we can to help you get the full compensation you need.
• Local Knowledge: We have a law office in Johnstown, so we have a deep understanding of local laws, regulations, and the specific challenges associated with motorcycle accidents in the area. We can effectively navigate the legal system, deal with insurance companies, or collaborate with other professionals involved in your case.
• Client Testimonials: We’ve received many testimonials and top reviews from previous clients. This positive feedback illustrates our firm’s dedication to client satisfaction and the quality of their services.
• Personalized Approach: We pride ourselves on providing individualized attention to clients. A personalized approach ensures that we address your specific needs and concerns throughout the legal process.
• Skills, Experience, and Resources: The attorneys at Marcus & Mack have more than 100 years of collective personal injury law experience. We have the necessary resources, such as skilled personnel and advanced technology, to thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a compelling argument.
• Transparent Communication: Effective communication is crucial in legal matters. Our lawyers are known for clear and transparent communication. This contributes to a smoother client-attorney relationship and a better understanding of your case’s progress.

• Community Involvement: As an established local law firm with a history that dates back to 1977, we have strong connections within the community. We actively participate in local organizations to show our appreciation and support and to assist those in need.
• Advocacy for Fair Compensation: The personal injury attorneys at Marcus & Mack have a reputation for fighting vigorously to secure fair compensation for our clients. This determination can be crucial in maximizing the financial recovery you receive.

Additionally, our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. We won’t charge you upfront fees or bill you for our services, and we’ll only accept attorney fees if we recover compensation for you.

To discover the difference Marcus & Mack can make in your Johnstown motorcycle accident claim, call us at (814) 942-9443 or contact us online to request a free case evaluation.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Johnstown?

Motorcycle accidents in Johnstown occur for many different reasons.

Typically, a motorist’s carelessness or recklessness causes motorcycle collisions and may involve:

• Distracted driving: When vehicle drivers text, talk on the phone, eat, or engage in other activities while driving instead of focusing on the road, they can collide with motorcycles.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield the right of way to motorcycles at intersections or during lane changes can result in accidents. Collisions often occur when a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle at an intersection.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Motorcycles are often harder to spot than larger vehicles, and sudden lane changes by other drivers can lead to collisions.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents. Speeding motorists may not be able to respond quickly enough to avoid colliding with a motorcycle.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol or drug impairment can significantly impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, leading to accidents.
• Driver Fatigue: Tired or drowsy drivers may have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of accidents involving motorcycles.

Along with driver error or negligence, other factors can cause motorcycle accidents in Johnstown as well, including:

• Road Hazards: Uneven road surfaces, potholes, debris, and other road hazards can pose a greater risk to motorcycles, which are more vulnerable to such conditions.
• Motorcycle Defects: Mechanical failures or defects in the motorcycle itself, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, can lead to accidents.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can make road surfaces slippery and decrease visibility, contributing to accidents involving motorcycles.

Motorists need to follow traffic laws and respect the rights of motorcyclists on the road. Drivers also need to remain vigilant and keep a watch for motorcyclists near them when changing lanes, making turns, or going through intersections.

If a negligent motorist or some other factor beyond your control caused your motorcycle accident, speak with an experienced attorney right away to learn of your options to pursue compensation.

Pennsylvania Helmet Laws

While wearing a helmet may reduce your chances of sustaining an injury in a motorcycle accident, Pennsylvania state law establishes only limited helmet requirements—75 Pa. C.S. § 3525(d) exempts a motorcyclist from wearing a helmet if they are older than 21 years of age and have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two calendar years or if they have completed a motorcycle rider safety course.

Not wearing protective headgear is a protected choice in Pennsylvania. If an injury occurred in a motorcycle accident, a qualified Johnstown motorcycle accident attorney could still help a victim hold the negligent driver accountable even if they were not wearing a helmet.

Proving Negligence in Motorcycle Accidents

All drivers owe a duty of care to not drive in a manner that could hurt another motorist.

If a driver caused a motorcycle accident by driving recklessly or negligently, anyone injured as a result could hold the driver accountable by proving:

• The defendant owed a duty of care
• The defendant breached this duty
• This breach was the direct—or proximate—cause of the injury or accident
• There were compensable injuries and/or damages sustained

Proving negligence in a motorcycle accident can be challenging. It’s vital to work with an attorney who understands how to establish liability to increase your chances of a successful outcome.

An attorney can prove negligence by:

• Obtaining a copy of the police report, which often includes details about the accident, statements from witnesses, and the officer’s findings.
• Collecting statements from any witnesses who saw the accident. Their accounts can help corroborate your version of events.
• Documenting the scene of the accident, damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any traffic signals or signs. Photos and videos can be powerful pieces of evidence.
• Providing your medical records that detail your injuries, the treatment you received, and the associated costs. This helps establish the extent of your damages.
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals to provide expert testimony supporting your case.
• Communicating with any insurance companies involved, including your own, and dealing with them so you don’t have to worry about it.

An attorney can serve as an invaluable resource to help you show the other party is liable for your injuries and losses and assist in navigating the complex claims process

Potential Damages in Motorcycle Injury Claims

Due to the open design of a motorcycle, motorcyclists can sustain severe injuries in a motorcycle wreck.

In fact, a motorcyclist may suffer catastrophic injuries, while the car’s occupants walk away unscathed. In addition to physical and emotional pain, a motorcycle accident victim could suffer significant financial burdens from medical procedures and lost wages.

After successfully navigating a motorcycle accident claim or lawsuit with the help of an attorney, an injured biker could receive various forms of damages, such as:

• Loss of income and future earning capacity
• Medical expenses
• Damage to property
• Future medical costs
• Other costs associated with the accident

Additional non-economic compensation may be available for:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional trauma

Non-economic compensation is difficult to quantify and can vary widely based on the severity of the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. A skilled motorcycle crash lawyer in Johnstown could study a victim’s case and determine how much he or she could potentially recover in non-economic damages.

In some cases, a judge may award additional punitive damages as a means of punishing the defendant for their actions. These damages may be available when the liable party acted in an egregious or reckless manner.

An attorney from Marcus & Mack can assess your claim, calculate your damages, and negotiate with the insurance company to receive a fair settlement. If the insurer fails to negotiate a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit for you and represent you at trial to help you get the money you need.

Can I Recover Damages If I Was Partially At Fault for the Motorcycle Accident?

So long as you’re not more than 50  percent responsible for causing the motorcycle accident, you may still recover compensation. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule (42 Pa. C.S. 7102). If you’re partially responsible for the accident, the court may reduce your damages by the percentage of fault you bear.

An accomplished personal injury lawyer could establish the other party’s fault for the accident and advocate for you if the defendant’s insurance company or legal counsel tries to unduly blame you for the crash.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Johnstown?

Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. This deadline applies to motorcycle accident injury cases as well as wrongful death lawsuits if the motorcycle accident killed a close family member.

Failing to act quickly and have an attorney file a lawsuit on your behalf means you risk losing your right to pursue compensation.

Also, if poor road conditions caused your motorcycle crash or a government vehicle collided with you, you may have a much shorter deadline to file a claim with the appropriate government agency.

You must contact an attorney as soon as you can to learn of any deadlines that apply to your case and begin the process.

Call a Johnstown Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Robert S. Marcus Personal Injury Attorney in Johnstown

If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, you could be facing serious physical and emotional pain, as well as new financial burdens. If your injuries are due to another person’s negligence, you have the right to hold them accountable for their actions.

Contact us at Marcus & Mack at (814) 942-9443 for your first consultation with our Johnstown motorcycle accident lawyers today.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!