Coatesville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcyclists face unique dangers on the road, and when accidents happen, the consequences can be severe. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash due to a negligent driver, defective road conditions, or another hazard, Kingbird Legal is here to help. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Coatesville will fight for your rights, seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Motorcycle Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver in Pennsylvania

Motorcycle accidents can be particularly devastating. The nature of a motorcycle leaves riders vulnerable to serious injuries in collisions, even at relatively low speeds. If you’re involved in an accident with another vehicle, things become even more complicated if the driver who caused the accident doesn’t have enough insurance or no insurance at all. In Pennsylvania, where uninsured and underinsured drivers can still be a significant issue, it’s crucial to understand your rights and what steps you should take after a crash to protect yourself.

Understanding Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Before diving into what to do if you’re involved in an accident, it’s important to understand the distinction between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Pennsylvania law allows drivers to purchase additional coverage that protects them in the event of an accident with a driver who either doesn’t have insurance (uninsured) or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages (underinsured).

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage kicks in when you are hit by a driver who has no insurance at all.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is helpful when the other driver’s insurance doesn’t have enough coverage to fully compensate for your injuries or damages.

These types of coverage are optional in Pennsylvania, but they are highly recommended for motorcycle riders. If you don’t have UM or UIM coverage, you may be left to deal with the financial burden of your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages out of your own pocket if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Steps to Take Immediately After the Accident

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it’s critical to take the proper steps to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Your first priority after an accident should always be your health and safety. Check for injuries and make sure it’s safe to move. If you are able to, move your motorcycle out of traffic. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Injuries from motorcycle accidents, such as internal injuries, head trauma, and soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent.

Call emergency services right away. Having a medical professional assess your condition and document any injuries will help you down the road if you need to file a claim.

Call the Police and File a Report

In Pennsylvania, it’s essential to report any motorcycle accident to the police, especially if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. The police will document the details of the crash, gather witness statements, and create a report that can serve as valuable evidence in your case.

Make sure to provide a clear and truthful account of the accident. Do not admit fault or speculate about the cause. The police report will be a critical piece of evidence in your claim or lawsuit later.

Gather Information at the Scene

If you are able, collect as much information as possible from the other driver. This includes:

The driver’s name, address, and phone number
Their driver’s license number and license plate number
Insurance information (even if they are uninsured or underinsured)

If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well. They can provide valuable testimony about the accident that could help in your case.

Take Photos and Document the Scene

Use your phone or camera to take pictures of the accident scene. This includes photos of your motorcycle, the other vehicle, any property damage, and the surrounding environment. Document road conditions, traffic signs, and anything that might have contributed to the accident.

This evidence can be crucial in proving fault and supporting your claim, especially if you later need to deal with your own insurance company or pursue legal action.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your next step is to contact your own insurance company. If you have UM or UIM coverage, your own insurance provider may cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Be sure to inform them about the accident as soon as possible, and provide them with all the information you’ve gathered, including the police report and any photographs.

Keep in mind that insurance companies may try to minimize their payout, especially if you don’t have proper coverage or if there’s a dispute about fault. It’s important to carefully review your policy and understand what is covered.

Consider Legal Action

If you’ve suffered significant injuries and are unable to recover the full amount of compensation from the at-fault driver or your insurance company, you may need to take legal action. If the driver who caused the accident is uninsured or underinsured, you could still pursue a claim against their personal assets if they are found to be at fault.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process, especially when dealing with uninsured or underinsured drivers. A lawyer can also assist in reviewing your insurance policy and negotiating with your insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Why You Should Consider UM and UIM Coverage

As mentioned earlier, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Pennsylvania, but it is highly recommended—especially for motorcycle riders. Motorcycle riders are more exposed to serious injury in accidents compared to people in enclosed vehicles, and motorcycle accidents can result in extensive medical bills and long-term disability.

If you don’t have UM or UIM coverage, you may be stuck paying for medical costs, repairs, and lost wages out of your own pocket. In some cases, a personal injury lawsuit may be your only option for recovery. However, having the right coverage can provide a safety net in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

The Importance of an Experienced Lawyer

When you are dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver, the process of recovering compensation becomes more complex. Insurance companies may try to deny or underpay your claim, and legal action against an individual with limited assets may be time-consuming and costly.

Working with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A personal injury lawyer will have the expertise to investigate the accident, gather necessary evidence, and ensure that your rights are protected. If you need to pursue legal action, an attorney can advocate for you in court and negotiate with insurance providers to get you the best possible outcome.

Get the Compensation You Deserve with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Being involved in a motorcycle accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver can be a challenging and frustrating experience. However, by following the right steps—seeking medical care, gathering evidence, reporting the accident, and contacting your insurance provider—you can help protect your legal rights and increase your chances of recovery.

Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating injuries, but you don’t have to face the legal battle alone. Kingbird Legal’s dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys in Coatesville will fight to secure the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Let us help you get back on the road to recovery—call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.