Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents are a frequent occurrence on the roads in and around the area. Despite accounting for a relatively small portion of traffic, motorcyclists are disproportionately at risk for traffic accidents, and these incidents often result in severe injuries or even fatalities due to the lack of protection compared to motor vehicles.

Kingbird Legal is committed to supporting victims of motorcycle accidents in the Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and Maryland area. Our founder, Sean Farrelly, established his practice with a focus on helping clients successfully navigate the legal complexities of their cases and recover maximum compensation. We operate on the principle of providing clear, factual, and practical guidance for our clients to ensure that they are well-informed throughout the legal process.

The Unique Risks and Vulnerabilities of Motorcycle Riders

Motorcycles, while providing an exhilarating and liberating mode of transportation, inherently lack the protective features present in passenger cars and trucks. Without the enclosed structure, seat belts, or airbags found in traditional vehicles, motorcyclists are exposed to significantly higher risks of severe injury or death in the event of an accident.

Visibility, or rather the lack thereof, is a significant challenge for motorcyclists. Because of their smaller size, motorcycles are often overlooked by other motorists, particularly in busy traffic or poor weather conditions. This invisibility issue is a common factor in many motorcycle-vehicle collisions, where a driver fails to see a motorcycle in their blind spot or misjudges their speed and distance.

Road hazards, which can be minor annoyances to larger vehicles, can pose serious threats to motorcyclists. Potholes, loose gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, and uneven road surfaces can lead to loss of control and potentially catastrophic accidents.

The inherent vulnerabilities of motorcycle riding combined with external risk factors significantly increase the potential for serious and life-threatening accidents. It is crucial for both motorcyclists and other road users to be aware of these risks and take appropriate measures to ensure safety on the roads.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The risks associated with motorcycle riding are amplified by a number of factors, primarily centered around the behavior of motorists and external environmental conditions. These include:

• Speeding: Motorists who exceed speed limits often have reduced reaction times and control over their vehicles. This reckless behavior can lead to severe motorcycle accidents as the speed differential between the motorcyclist and the motorist can make it difficult for the motorist to judge the motorcycle’s distance and speed.
• Reckless Driving: Actions such as abrupt lane changes, tailgating, and aggressive driving behaviors can easily result in a collision with a motorcyclist, often with devastating consequences due to the vulnerability of the rider.
• Distracted Driving: The proliferation of smartphones has resulted in a significant increase in distracted driving accidents. Motorists engaged in texting, calling, or using apps while driving may fail to notice motorcycles nearby, leading to potentially fatal accidents.
• Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs dramatically increases the likelihood of causing an accident, particularly with motorcyclists, as it impairs the motorist’s ability to react promptly and correctly to road situations.

In recent years, the use of smartphones by motorists has contributed significantly to distracted driving-related motorcycle crashes. As drivers become engrossed in texting or other phone activities, their attention strays from the road. This diversion can lead to disastrous consequences, particularly with motorcycles. A momentary lapse in attention can cause a motorist to swerve into another lane and strike a motorcycle, collide with a motorcycle ahead, or overlook a motorcycle that enters its blind spot.

Injuries Resulting from a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle accidents can result in a broad spectrum of injuries, ranging from minor to life-altering. Here are some of the common injuries associated with such incidents:

• Road Rash: Road rash, or skin abrasion, is a common injury for motorcyclists who slide across the pavement after a crash. It can range from minor scrapes to severe abrasions that require skin grafts and can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement.
• Broken Bones: Due to the lack of a protective shell around motorcyclists, crashes often lead to broken bones. These can include fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvic area, all of which can require significant recovery time and possibly surgery.
• Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, motorcyclists are still susceptible to concussions or more serious TBIs. These can lead to long-term cognitive issues, memory loss, and, in severe cases, coma or death.
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to spinal cord injuries due to the lack of protection in a collision. This can lead to partial or complete paralysis, which has profound implications for the victim’s quality of life.
• Fatalities: The risk of fatal injuries is significantly higher for motorcyclists than for passengers in cars. These tragedies have a far-reaching impact on the victim’s family and loved ones.

Each of these injuries can lead to considerable medical expenses, long-term care requirements, loss of income, and significant emotional and psychological distress. The severity of potential motorcycle accident injuries underscores the need for motorists to practice extra caution when sharing the road with motorcyclists.

Rights and Protections for Motorcycle Accident Victims

When a motorcycle crash occurs due to another driver’s negligence, the injured motorcyclist has specific legal rights under Pennsylvania, D.C. and Maryland law. Victims may seek compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, property damage, and even pain and suffering. This compensation is designed to help victims recover and rebuild their lives post-accident.

One critical point of consideration in motorcycle accident cases in Pennsylvania, revolves around the state’s helmet laws. The law requires all riders under 21 to wear a helmet. Riders over 21 are also required to wear a helmet unless they have two years of riding experience or have completed a motorcycle safety course approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

While Pennsylvania’s helmet laws do not prevent victims from pursuing compensation, failure to wear a helmet can potentially influence the case. In situations where the victim suffered head or neck injuries and was not wearing a helmet, for example, it may be argued that the injuries were more severe due to the lack of a helmet. This could potentially affect the amount of compensation awarded, as Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule where damages can be reduced based on the victim’s degree of fault.

Speak with Our Knowledgeable Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle crashes are all too common, often resulting in severe, sometimes life-altering, injuries due to the unique vulnerabilities of motorcyclists. Understanding the common causes, potential injuries, and nuances of Pennsylvania law, including the state’s helmet laws, is crucial for any victim seeking compensation for their losses.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a motorcycle crash in the Pennsylvania, Washington DC, or Maryland area, Kingbird Legal is ready to go to work for you. Get in touch with us today to set up a free consultation to assess your legal options.

We work on a contingent fee basis. We do not get paid unless you do.