As a motorcyclist in Pennsylvania, you can frequently encounter dangerous drivers that put your life in peril on the roads. Motorcycle accidents often have fatal or severe consequences for victims due to the traumatic injuries and devastating damages that are likely when a crash between a motorcycle and vehicle occurs. If you are a motorcycle crash victim in Philadelphia, PA, HGSK Law Firm can help you determine your rights and what compensation you may be able to pursue for your injuries and losses.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Pennsylvania
Over 3,500 motorcycle accidents occur in one year in Pennsylvania; 200 victims of those accidents will lose their lives, while another 3,100 will suffer injuries during the crash. Sadly, most of these personal injury accidents are preventable, and many involve the negligence of a motor vehicle driver that ultimately leads to the accident and a motorcyclist’s injuries and damages. While insurance companies and other parties may be quick to pin the blame on a motorcycle rider for a crash, at HGSK Law Firm, our motorcycle accident lawyers understand the unique dangers you face while riding on Pennsylvania roads and how the actions of a reckless or negligent car driver can have life-threatening impacts to you when they cause an accident.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Rear-End Accidents
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to rear-end crashes when stopped at a red light, a stop sign or during heavy stop-and-go traffic along busy roads or interstates. A rear-end accident is hazardous because a rider may not be able to detect the oncoming vehicle to brace for impact or to try to avoid the crash.
Left-Turn Accidents
When a vehicle driver is preparing to make a left turn across oncoming traffic, they may be on the lookout for other vehicles but may fail to consider oncoming motorcycles. Motorcycles move differently than cars and are much smaller. A driver that is not closely paying attention can cut the path of a motorcyclist, causing an impact or can lead the motorcyclist to lose control of their bike while approaching the intersection.
Head-On Collisions
Distracted, drunk, or reckless drivers can veer into the path of a motorcyclist traveling in the opposite direction and cause a head-on crash. Head-on motorcycle collisions often result in life-threatening injuries to a motorcycle rider due to the speed and force often involved in these accidents.
T-Bone Accidents
A side impact accident with a motorcyclist from an oncoming vehicle can happen when a driver runs a traffic signal or fails to yield to a motorcyclist’s right of way in an intersection. Sideswipe accidents which may not be a direct side impact can also cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their motorcycle, throwing them into the road or other oncoming vehicles.
Lane Splitting
The practice of motorcycle riders traveling between lanes in Pennsylvania is illegal. However, there are instances when a motorcyclist may be forced to make such a maneuver due to the actions and behaviors of another driver. If you suffer injuries in a lane-splitting accident, you may be eligible for compensation in certain circumstances. Discuss your case with our team at HGSK Law Firm to see how we may be able to help you based on the facts and circumstances of your case.
Time Limits to File a Motorcycle Claim in Pennsylvania
The statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of the accident. As a victim, you must file a legal action within this time frame to protect your right to compensation against the parties that may be responsible.
Getting Legal Help After a Motorcycle Accident
Our motorcycle accident attorneys at HGSK Law Firm can evaluate your accident and help you determine who may be at fault for your injuries and, in turn, liable for your damages. As a motorcyclist, you should seek a lawyer that can prioritize your rights and interests when going up against insurance companies in Pennsylvania.