(235+)A Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer can help you if you’re hurt in a crash. At Gibbons & Crichton, Personal Injury and Accident Lawyers, we protect the rights of motorcycle accident victims. Contact us to see how we can help you.
Legal Representation for Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Victims
Motorcyclists have the right to be on the roads. Other drivers must use reasonable care and caution around motorcycles. Too often, a moment of poor judgment or a lack of attention can cause serious injuries. A victim may have a long road to recovery, if they can recover at all.
When you need a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer, our law firm can assist you. A motorcycle accident victim needs knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. That’s what you can expect from Gibbons & Crichton.
Call 215-274-0173 or message us for a free consultation and strategy session with a personal injury attorney at our firm.
Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Crash
- Motorcyclists have important rights! When they have the right of way, other vehicles need to respect it. Too many crashes happen because of human error and poor judgment.
- As a victim, you may have the right to claim compensation – but you must bring a claim.
- Most often, another vehicle driver is at fault for a motorcycle crash, but there are other parties that may also be responsible for paying damages.
- It’s okay for two motorcycles to share a lane, but other vehicles must allow a motorcycle the full use of a lane.
- You have the right to have an attorney represent you.
- Our lawyers specialize in helping accident victims. We understand the challenges that motorcycle accident victims face.
- Whether you are just starting your case or you have already begun, we can be your representatives and guides.
Our law firm founder and lead trial attorney, Tom Gibbons, personally handles each case. With a team of experienced legal professionals, we are dedicated to pursuing your rights and goals.
To see how we may assist you, call 215-274-0173 or send us a message.
The Main Cause of Pennsylvania Motorcycle Crashes: Other Drivers
No matter how careful and experienced a motorcyclist may be, they are still in danger on the roads. Here are common causes of Pennsylvania motorcycle crashes.
Changing lanes improperly
An improper lane change can result in a motorcyclist being cut off. They may not have time to react. A driver may not take the time to look for a motorcyclist. They may poorly judge their spacing on the road. The result may be a tragedy for the victim.
Following too closely, tailgating
Tailgating is following too closely to the vehicle in front of them. Drivers should always leave a reasonable stopping distance for motorcyclists.
Failing to stop at an intersection
Many drivers fail to observe red lights and stop signs because they are distracted, drowsy, or drunk. When they fail to stop at a traffic signal or sign, they can seriously injure or even kill a motorcyclist.
Right of way violations
Pulling out in front of a motorcyclist is dangerous behavior. Even at a slow or moderate speed, a victim may suffer life-changing injuries.
Because of the exposed design of motorcycles, motorcycle riders are more likely to sustain permanent injuries in collisions than car passengers involved in the same wreck. Whatever the cause of your motorcycle accident, we will work to identify those responsible and claim your compensation.
Types of Injuries Philadelphia Motorcycle Crash Victims Sustain
Motorcyclists don’t have the protection of a large vehicle. For this reason, accidents involving motorcyclists can be devastating. Being thrown, crushed, and dragged during an impact can mean a lifetime of pain, recovery, and challenges.
Common types of injuries in a Philadelphia motorcycle crash are:
Broken bones
Common broken bones for motorcyclists include the collarbone, legs, pelvis, and back. Sometimes, broken and crushed bones can have lifelong implications. A victim may require surgery and immobilization.
Brain damage
Brain damage may include skull fractures, internal bleeding, bruising and swelling of the brain, severe brain damage, traumatic brain injury, and even death. Brain trauma is often subtle. A victim should be checked to have any brain trauma identified, documented, treated, and fairly compensated.
Spinal cord injury and paralysis
Since motorcyclists are often thrown from their bikes during a crash, they are at risk for striking their heads, necks, spines, and tailbones. The damage that occurs to the spinal column will ultimately determine if a motorcyclist will ever walk again.
Severed limbs
A motorcycle crash can cause limbs and extremities to become crushed, twisted, or severed. The most common areas that require amputation are the hands, forearms, feet, and lower legs.
Nerve damage
Many motorcyclists suffer damage to the nerves in their arms. Nerve damage causes pain, difficulty with sensation, muscle function difficulties, and complications with daily tasks of living.
Road rash
Road rash occurs when the skin is scraped, cut, rubbed, or flayed off because of being dragged across the ground or pavement. The result may be lacerations and burns. These burns may be painful and disfiguring. Complications may occur.
Death
Innocent motorcyclists sadly lose their lives because of the negligent and reckless actions of others. Surviving family may seek justice and compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Many of these injuries have lifelong implications. Victims and families suffer devastating financial and emotional effects. This is why it is necessary to have outstanding legal representation. We can assist you in claiming compensation for current and future damages and harms.
Pursuing Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, you need justice. To receive justice, you need the compensation that you deserve from the party or parties responsible. A Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer can assist you.
Here are some of the ways we pursue your compensation:
- Preserving evidence following the accident, guiding you through what to do immediately following the accident
- Determining who has legal liability and fault for the crash
- Identifying insurance policies and how to make a claim
- Understanding what the claim should be worth
- Negotiating your compensation, taking your case to a trial
- Recognizing the challenges that motorcyclists face in pursuing claims, including attitudes and prejudices that people may have against motorcyclists, and how to overcome these challenges
As a motorcyclist, you deserve compensation that is appropriate for your losses and harms. You don’t have to worry when you work with Gibbons & Crichton, Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys. All you need to do is talk to a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer today to start your case.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Does Pennsylvania’s choice no-fault system apply to motorcyclists?
Motorcyclists may choose whether to participate in the Pennsylvania no-fault system, just like other drivers. If you choose the tort option, you may sue for non-economic damages regardless of the severity of your injuries.
I chose no-fault insurance. Now I’m badly injured. Is there any way I can still sue?
Yes. Even if you selected the no-fault option for your insurance, you may still sue for damages if you have a serious bodily injury.
What is a serious bodily injury for Pennsylvania motorcycle accidents?
A serious bodily injury is a physical condition or pain that creates a substantial risk of death, causes serious, permanent disfigurement or lasting impairment of a body part or function.
How long do I have to start a claim for motorcycle accident compensation in Philadelphia?
In most cases, you have two years to start a claim for motorcycle accident compensation in Philadelphia. However, there are reasons the timeline may be longer or shorter. Don’t wait to contact us.
Do motorcyclists get less compensation for an accident because they are motorcyclists?
No. Motorcyclists have the right to the compensation they deserve under the law. They are treated the same as all other accident victims, with equal rights to compensation for injuries and damages.
Taking New Cases – Talk to a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, talk to Gibbons & Crichton, Personal Injury and Accident Lawyers today. We are Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers, representing victims throughout the region. For a free consultation and strategy session, contact us.
Call 215-274-0173 or message us now to begin.
