Motorcycle accidents are not uncommon in the state, and since the repeal of the helmet law ten years ago, deaths from motorcycle accidents have risen 53 percent, reports TribLive News.
The Gravity of Motorcycle Injuries
Without the protection of the resistant outer shell that cars have, motorcycle riders are often thrown from their bikes and can suffer deadly force upon impact. In 2012, 210 motorcyclists died on Pennsylvania roadways according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Even when the injuries aren’t fatal, they are often major and catastrophic.
Some of the types of injuries riders sustain include:
- skull fractures;
- traumatic brain injuries (TBI);
- broken bones;
- spinal cord injuries;
- vertebra fractures;
- internal bleeding and organ damage; and
- burns, cuts, and road rash.
When a victim suffers massive injuries such as a TBI or a spinal cord injury, the injuries can be long-lasting. If the victims experience scarring, disfigurement, or long-term disability, they may suffer emotional and psychological pain as well, requiring long-term mental health treatment. After that one moment of impact, nothing is the same again.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Versus Underinsured Motorist Coverage
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Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle wrecks can occur because of inclement weather, faulty equipment, unsafe road conditions, driver negligence, or rider error.
Some common types of accidents are those related to:
- alcohol;
- speeding;
- distracted drivers;
- tire blowouts;
- lane splitting;
- road irregularities (e.g., uneven pavement, unexpected objects); and
- disobeying traffic rules.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim for Compensation
Both riders and drivers often share fault in a collision. For instance, a rider might have been speeding, but the driver could have struck the rider when entering the highway while it was unsafe to do so. Each party’s degree of fault will factor into the claim and affect the settlement accordingly.
You might be able to still recover damages for your injuries even if the other party was partly to blame for the accident. If the insurance company or courts find you less than 50 percent at fault, you might still be legally entitled to receive compensation.
Fault is not always clear in a motorcycle accident, though, and it might take a good bit of evidence to prove your case. Consult with an attorney serving clients in Stroudsburg, Palmerton, and Bethlehem to discuss the particulars of your accident.
Determining How to Proceed with Your Motorcycle Accident Case
You can start by speaking to a local motorcycle accident attorney to determine your options. Your lawyer will look over the specifics of your accident, determine who was at fault, and then explain your best legal route. You might be able to pursue a claim or lawsuit against a driver, a manufacturer, or perhaps both.
Your attorney will also begin collecting evidence to support your case, help you calculate your total damages, and negotiate with the insurance companies if need be.
Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
For a motorcycle accident attorney in Stroudsburg, Palmerton, or Bethlehem, call ARM Lawyers for a consultation. We believe motorcyclists deserve the same kind of representation that drivers do, and we will work to uphold your rights and fight for fair compensation for you. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
