According to the Federal Highway Administration, while motorcycle travel is only 0.6 percent of vehicle movement on U.S. roads, motorcycle accidents result in over 14 percent of traffic deaths. It is not hard to believe, considering the vulnerability of the exposed human body to impact with other vehicles, standing objects and roads.
At our law firm, we represent the victims of motorcycle accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of others on the road driving vehicles of all types and sizes. Motorcyclists have just as much right to use of Pennsylvania roads as larger vehicles do and should not suffer harm because others drive while distracted or inattentive, too fast, too close, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, in violation of traffic laws or negligently in other ways.
Typical motorcycle crash injuries
The types of injuries often suffered by motorcycle operators and passengers in crashes include:
Neck injury- Traumatic brain injury, known as TBI
- Facial and other bone fractures
- Road rash and burns
- Amputation
- Paralysis
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Back and spinal cord injury
- Death
Accident reconstruction
When a client chooses our law firm to represent them in a motorcycle accident claim, we launch a thorough investigation of the collision, leaving no stone unturned in the search for evidence of causation and liability. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- Insurance companies
- Governmental units responsible for poor road design or inadequate road maintenance
- Manufacturers or sellers of defective vehicles or vehicle parts
- Mechanic shops that performed negligent maintenance or repairs
- Vehicle owners or drivers who negligently maintained their vehicles or drove while needing repairs
- Drivers who displayed negligent, aggressive, reckless, inattentive or criminal driving behaviors
Comprehensive assessment of financial needs
Thorough medical and economic assessment is required to determine what level of financial compensation will be necessary to take care of a motorcycle accident victim and compensate him or her for all loss. For example, potential losses and needs may include, especially in cases of severe disability:
- Past and future medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wage loss and diminishment of present and future earning capacity
- Therapies and rehabilitation services
- Medical equipment
- Accommodations to home and vehicle for disability
- Housekeeping and personal care assistance
- Transportation
- Long-term residential care
Anyone harmed in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident or whose loved one has died in such a crash should seek legal advice as quickly as possible so an early investigation can be started and witnesses interviewed while memories are fresh.