The clock begins ticking as soon as the motorcycle accident happens. Typically, motorcyclists have two years to file a personal injury claim, according to Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations. If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, you have two years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

It is critical that you consult with an experienced Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Building a strong claim takes time, and important evidence needs to be collected and preserved before it is lost.

Motorcycle accidents are typically caused by driver errors such as violation of a motorcyclist’s right of way. It’s common for automobile drivers to say after an accident that they did not see the motorcycle. Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Speeding
• Improper lane changes
• Door accidents
• Drunk drivers
• A driver follows too closely
• A driver runs a stop sign or red light

Not all motorcycle accidents are the result of a negligent or reckless driver. In some cases, the roads may cause an accident. Roads must be maintained to certain safety standards. For instance, if you crashed your motorcycle because of a pothole in the road, you may have a right to file a motor-vehicle injury claim and hold the municipality responsible for the injuries you suffered. Claims against government entities in Pennsylvania have special notification requirements, so it is important to contact an attorney immediately after the accident.

In some cases, defective manufacturing or design can lead to an accident. The best way to determine if you have a claim is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.

A lawyer will investigate every aspect of your motorcycle accident to ensure that the liable party, whether it is the manufacturer or the designer of the part, is held accountable for the injuries you suffered.

How long it takes to resolve a motorcycle accident case will depend on a variety of factors. Motorcycle crash lawsuits involving several liable parties may take longer to resolve than a case involving just one defendant.

Because every case is different, injured motorcyclists should consult with a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer to determine if they have a claim and how long it will take to resolve it.

A good settlement for a motorcycle accident will be one that covers all of your present and future losses related to the accident. The amount of compensation in motorcycle accidents varies widely depending on a range of factors, such as the facts of the accident, the severity of the injuries, the insurance available to provide compensation and the property damage involved.

An experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer can help you seek maximum compensation for:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• The cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages, in rare cases where extreme misconduct led to harm

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania, you need to speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. The legal process is complicated. A skilled and knowledgeable attorney can help you with every aspect of a personal injury claim.

A lawyer can help with all the necessary legwork, such as identifying the liable parties, gathering evidence, proving negligence, and seeking the maximum compensation available.

It is important to know that motorcycle accident victims’ families can also sue liable parties for wrongful death if the crash was fatal. While a wrongful death lawyer in Scranton will explain things in detail, it is crucial you learn that the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of the person’s death. The sooner you take your case to an attorney, the better chances you have to recover economic and non-economic damages. The more you wait, the “colder” and useless the evidence becomes.

When you hire an attorney from the O’Malley & Perry Law you will NOT owe a legal fee unless we win your case. We handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. We receive a legal fee if we successfully settle your case or obtain a court award. The fee is a percentage of the amount recovered. Contingency fees help accident victims obtain experienced legal counsel without having to pay a legal fee out of pocket. It also provides lawyers with the motivation to seek the maximum settlement possible.

Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are quite common in Pennsylvania and throughout the country according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Call 911 immediately and let the dispatcher know if you or others are injured. Help the dispatcher determine how many ambulances are needed.
If your injuries do not require emergency medical assistance, try to collect the contact information for any witnesses to the motorcycle crash. Document the accident scene by taking photos from different angles and distances, including any road hazards and the damage to your motorcycle. Obtain the insurance information of all vehicles involved in the crash. Take pictures of the license plate numbers.

Even if you don’t think you were seriously injured, you should see a doctor. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), for example, are one of the most common effects of a motorcycle accident. TBIs and some other serious injuries may not have symptoms that are noticeable right away. Make sure you keep records of all medical expenses and other economic losses, such as lost income.

Have a knowledgeable Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyer review the accident and explain your legal rights. An attorney can help you determine if you are entitled to claim compensation. A personal injury attorney can help you fight for full and fair compensation if the crash occurred due to another party’s negligence.