King of Prussia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Out of the nearly 9 million motorcycles registered in the United States, more than 400,000 are in Pennsylvania. While the majority of bikers operate cautiously and safely, unfortunately, other motorists pose the greatest danger.
With over 30 years of biking and legal experience, our King of Prussia motorcycle accident lawyers at Bikers Have Rights are committed advocates, holding negligent drivers accountable for the injuries and damage they cause motorcyclists. As a leading motorcycle accident authority, we aggressively pursue justice and compensation for injured clients.
Bikers Have Rights handles many different practice areas, including but not limited to:
- Motorcycle vs. Car Accidents
- Motorcycle vs. Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle vs. Motorcycle Accidents
- Motorcycle DUI Accidents
- Motorcycle Injuries
- Wrongful Death
What Motorcycle Laws Does Pennsylvania Enforce?
Pennsylvania has strict motorcycle laws which must be followed. Violations could result in fines and penalties. Pennsylvania motorcycle laws include:
- Drivers must obtain a “Class M” motorcycle license.
- Riders under 21 and those with less than two years’ experience or completion of a state approved safety course must wear helmets.
- Riders on motorcycles without windscreens must wear eye protection.
- Motorcyclists must carry at least $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 property damage insurance coverage.
- Passengers are only permitted on motorcycles with permanent passenger seats and footrests.
- Motorcycles cannot ride between traffic lanes, but can travel side by side in the same lane.
- All lights must be operational, and headlights are required at all times.
- Motorcycles must have mufflers and not exceed legal noise limits.
What Types of Motorcycle Accidents Are the Most Common?
A motorcycle’s lack of seat belts, air bags, and surrounding protective steel puts riders at a significantly higher risk of sustaining serious injuries in a crash. Some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents include:
- Left-Turn Crashes: The deadliest and most common type of accident, left-turn crashes occur when a vehicle turns without noticing an oncoming motorcycle.
- Head-On Collisions: Another deadly type of crash, head-on collisions have a 75 percent fatality rate due to an unevenly distributed force of impact between a motorcycle and other motor vehicles.
- Rear-End Collisions: Whether struck from behind or driving into the rear of the preceding vehicle, rear-end collisions cause severe injuries, especially when riders are thrown from the motorcycle and struck by other vehicles.
- Fixed Object Collisions: Colliding into fixed objects, such as signs, guardrails, or work zone barriers, are common types of crashes, and often deadly.
- Sideswipe Accidents: Motorcyclists can be forced into other lanes or off the road by drivers making lane changes without looking or failing to spot a motorcycle.
- Cornering Accidents: Inexperience, speeding, and misjudging curves cause drivers to lose control and crash.
- Open Door Accidents: More common in urban areas with heavy traffic, motorcyclists can be caught and ejected when a vehicle occupant suddenly opens a door without looing.
Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident
You may be entitled to compensation for your losses after a motorcycle accident, legally referred to as economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages includes your exact losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages include perceived losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or wrongful death.
Additionally, it is somewhat easier to pursue damages for a motorcycle accident than other motor vehicle accidents. Motorcycle riders are exempt from Pennsylvania’s “choice no-fault” insurance system, which prevents drivers who choose no-fault limited tort coverage from pursuing damages. Motorcycle riders are automatically provided full tort coverage to seek damages without having to meet the state’s strict injury threshold.
How Does Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Work?
Under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence laws, you can recover damages after a motorcycle accident if you are determined to be less than 51 percent responsible for the accident. However, the compensation you recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you have more than 50 percent responsibility, you are barred from recovering damages and may be responsible for compensating others who were injured in the crash.
How Can I Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?
In order to prove fault for a motorcycle accident, you must establish the other driver’s negligence through the following required elements:
- Duty of Care: All drivers, including motorcyclists, have a legal duty to operate their vehicles responsibly to avoid endangering others.
- Breach of Duty: You must show that the other driver breached the duty of care, such as speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or driving under the influence.
- Causation: You must demonstrate that the breach of duty directly led to the accident.
- Damages: You must prove that the accident resulted in financial losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages.
You can gather substantial evidence to support your claims through medical records and bills, repair invoices, pay stubs, police reports, citations issued to the driver, witness statements, traffic camera footage, dashboard camera footage, and expert testimony.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in King of Prussia?
It is crucial to gather evidence immediately following a motorcycle accident to support your injury claim. If you are able, you should report the accident and injuries to the police, photograph the scene, including damage and injuries, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, gather witness’ contact information and statements, seek immediate medical attention, keep all accident-related records, and hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
How Can a King of Prussia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when simultaneously recovering from injuries. Understanding the legal system is crucial in motorcycle accidents. Our dedicated team at Bikers Have Rights provides exceptional guidance and the support you need to build a strong and successful case.
We can do the following:
- Investigate the scene.
- Collect evidence.
- Review police reports.
- Interview witnesses.
- Establish liability.
- Collaborate with your medical providers.
- Consult experts.
- Calculate your damages.
- Negotiate for maximum compensation.
- Represent you in court if the case goes to trial.
The King of Prussia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Bikers Have Rights Fight for Clients’ Rights, Justice, and Compensation
Motorcycle accidents can have devastating injuries and outcomes, especially when other motorists ignore laws or fail to operate safely when traveling near a motorcycle. If you have been injured by a negligent driver, our skilled King of Prussia motorcycle accident lawyers at Bikers Have Rights can help. Call today at 215-525-1616 or 877-333-0300 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.