Bethel Park, PA Motorcycle Accident Law

Riding a motorcycle is one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll ever have. Cruising Pennsylvania Route 88 or heading into the city is an entirely new feeling when you’re on a motorcycle. But with the fun of riding a motorcycle comes a serious risk of injury. Motorcyclists are at an increased risk of accidents and serious injuries, and Pennsylvania riders aren’t immune to that trend.

Unfortunately, it can be very hard for motorcyclists to get the compensation they deserve after an accident. A lot of people still believe that choosing to ride a motorcycle means that you are responsible for any injuries you incur on the road. We’re here to fight back and help victims like you. Call Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman at 866-565-4949 to schedule a free case evaluation right now.

What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Crashes in Pennsylvania

There are almost 850,000 motorcyclists registered in the state of Pennsylvania, so you’re in good company every time you hit the road. Riding is such a popular pastime in this state that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has an entire campaign, Live Free Ride Alive, to drive down motorcycle accident numbers.

Although Pennsylvania law only requires that riders who meet certain requirements wear helmets, this public safety initiative strives to get riders everywhere to use the proper safety gear. Per Pennsylvania law, riders who are under 21 must wear helmets. Riders over 21 do not have to wear a helmet if they have at least two years of experience or proof of completion of an approved motorcycle safety course.

Despite these efforts, motorcycle accident numbers in Pennsylvania have headed in the wrong direction. Crashes hit a low in 2018, with 2,714 reported motorcycle accidents. As of 2021, there were 3,580 crashes. That is a five-year high. Fatal accidents are also following an upward trend, with 223 fatalities in 2021.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

As a rider, you should always know what can cause motorcycle accidents. This helps you watch for unsafe behavior by other drivers and distance yourself from reckless drivers. Some of the most common causes of collisions include:

• Distracted driving—while distracted driving is never recommended, it is particularly dangerous when a motorcyclist is in the vicinity, as they are more likely to suffer serious injuries than people in passenger vehicles.
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Failure to use turn signals correctly, which may force motorcyclists to take dangerous evasive action.
• Ignoring stop signs and traffic lights.
• Turning when it is unsafe to do so—for example, turning left in front of a motorcyclist without knowing that you can clear the intersection or turning right in front of a motorcyclist and assuming you can speed up in time.
• Following too closely, which puts drivers at risk of hitting a motorcycle if the rider has to stop or slow down suddenly.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

While drivers can be injured in motorcycle accidents, bikers are far more likely to be injured in a crash. Commonly reported injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Cuts and abrasions
• Road rash, especially for riders who are thrown from their bikes
• Infections caused by road rash or lacerations
• Scarring and nerve damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Muscle damage
• Soft tissue damage

Some of these injuries can be fatal. For example, if a motorcyclist is struck by a car in a T-bone accident and gets thrown from their bike, they could suffer significant blunt force trauma. If they begin internally bleeding, they have a very limited window of time in which they can seek treatment. Without prompt treatment, internal bleeding is fatal.

Proper use of protective gear can reduce your risk of injury or death. However, the availability of protective gear does not mean that drivers don’t have to take reasonable precautions when driving near motorcyclists.

Why You Need an Attorney—and Why You Should Choose Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman

If this is your first traffic accident, you may wonder if you really need an attorney. It may seem like a lot of work, plus no one wants to lose a portion of their settlement to an attorney. Without the help of a motorcycle accident attorney, there is a very good chance that the other driver’s insurance company will take advantage of you.

To start, the odds are already stacked against you as a motorcyclist. While society has come a long way, there is still a lot of prejudice against motorcyclists. People often assume that any crash involving a motorcycle is the biker’s fault, even when it’s clear that the driver was negligent.

This attitude carries through to the fields of insurance and law. Even when presented with evidence to the contrary, insurance adjusters may be reluctant to assign blame to a driver and provide full compensation to a motorcyclist. Unless you know how to navigate the bureaucracy of insurance, you will be up against those who have spent their entire careers learning how to pay accident victims as little as possible.

That’s why it’s important to call Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman as soon as possible. We know just how devastating a motorcycle accident can be to you and your family, and we have years of experience fighting for what is right. You deserve to be on the road just as much as any other driver, and your choice of vehicle doesn’t mean that drivers can take careless risks with your safety and life.

From start to finish, we will be fierce advocates for you. While most claims are settled out of court, there is always the possibility of yours going to court. Whichever path your case takes, you can feel confident that we have your best interests in mind.

Contact Us Now to Start Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash, don’t let your injuries cause you thousands of dollars in medical bills and lost wages. Let’s talk about your legal options and find out what your next steps should be. Schedule a free consultation now by calling us at 866-565-4949 or filling out our online contact form.