Motorcycle Accidents in Pennsylvania

Between distracted drivers, inclement weather and poorly maintained roads, driving a motorcycle in Pennsylvania can be dangerous. If you’re involved in a motorcycle wreck, it is important to know what to do and what not to do. A crash can cause major damage to your health for which you may be entitled to compensation. You can call Cornerstone Law Firm to schedule a free personal injury consultation—or you can read this article for a few quick tips.

What to do after a motorcycle accident

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, immediately get yourself off the road and call for medical help. If you’re injured, it is important to treat your injuries promptly to avoid further complications. Make sure not to remove any gear until medical professionals arrive, as doing so could complicate existing injuries. Once it is safe to do so, there are a few important steps that you should take to ensure you gather all of the information you need to file an injury claim.

Preparing your claim

1. Report your accident to the police by calling 911. This way, they can start a police report and conduct and investigation on the scene for you.
2. If it’s safe to do so, take pictures of the scene, including any vehicles involved, their drivers, and their license plates. Also be sure to take pictures of your motorcycle, your injuries, and the location of the scene. The more pictures that you take, the easier it will be to ensure that you get fully compensated.
3. If another motorist involved, it is important that they stay at the scene until the police arrive. While you wait, make sure to collect their name and insurance information.
4. If anyone witnessed the accident, make sure to get their contact information, too.
5. Contact a personal injury attorney, like the ones at Cornerstone Law Firm, to discuss your options. It is also necessary to contact your insurance company at this time.

What causes motorcycle accidents?

There are many causes of motorcycle accidents. Some of the most common reasons are a result of the actions of other drivers, including:

• Speeding
• Drug or alcohol use
• Emotional impairment/road rage
• Disobeying traffic laws
• Distracted driving

In addition to the actions of other motorists, other factors may cause the accident including mechanical problems with your motorcycle and poorly maintained roads. It is important to find out the cause of your accident so that you can determine who is at fault, and therefore who is liable for compensating you for your injuries and damages.

Motorcycle Accident Liability in Pennsylvania

Depending on your case, you may be compensated for some or all of the damages including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and property damage. However, this amount may be lowered if it is determined that you are partially responsible for the accident.

In order to prove that another driver is liable for the crash, you must have sufficient evidence that that driver acted negligently. On the road, negligence can include failing to stop at a stop sign, failing to check blind spots before merging or changing lanes, and other traffic violations. That’s why it is important to ensure that you report the accident to the police and take plenty of pictures of the scene in order to ensure that there is enough evidence of the other party’s negligence. If their negligence caused your injuries, they can be held liable.

Motorcycle Accident Damages and Injuries

Depending on your individual case, you may be able to get compensation for many different types of damages including

• Damages to your motorcycle
• Damages to any property you were carrying on the motorcycle, including your clothes and protective gear
• Any medical expenses, including ambulance fees and hospital stays
• Continued medical expenses such as follow-up visits and rehabilitation appointments
• Lost income for time spent out of work
• Potential lost income resulting from a disability

You can also recover more subjective damages such as your pain and suffering or reduced quality of life after the accident. All damages must be valued in order to be compensated, which is why it’s important to have an attorney like the ones at Cornerstone Law Firm, who are experienced in determining the cause of your accident and the value of the damages you suffered.

Call Cornerstone Law Firm for Help

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, call the attorneys at Cornerstone Law Firm to seek legal representation. Experienced attorneys will work with insurance companies, contact the other parties involved, and fight for your legal rights to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. At Cornerstone Law Firm, we offer free consultations for personal injuries. Call us to discuss your motorcycle injury case.