Motorcycle accident victims can face severe and life-altering injuries. The same attributes that make motorcycles fun to ride can expose the rider to more dangers compared to occupants of a passenger vehicle.
If you were recently hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may not be required to bear the financial burden of your injuries, however. If another driver caused your accident, you can pursue compensation from them through a civil lawsuit for damages.
It can be hard to figure out what your rights are after the crash and to know whether you are doing everything you can to secure the compensation that you deserve.
Working with a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer is one way to cover your bases and get the guidance that you deserve during this chaotic and painful time.
At Morelli Law Firm, our legal professionals have experience handling motorcycle accident cases and will work diligently on your behalf.
Our motorcycle accident team is standing by to review your case for free when you call us at (212) 751-9800.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are a few common reasons that motorcycle riders wind up injured:
Distracted Driving
This is perhaps one of the deadliest practices on the road today. From texting, looking at social media, to checking email, smartphones are a major reason for distracted driving. Other examples of distracted driving include eating, drinking, talking on the phone, talking to passengers, grooming, GPS device use, interacting with children or pets in the car, and adjusting the radio.
Drunk Driving
When a driver is intoxicated, it is extremely difficult to drive safely and to pay attention to what is happening on the road. Because motorcycles are already smaller in profile than other vehicles, an intoxicated driver can easily miss seeing them.
Drugged Driving
Similar to drunk driving, drugged driving often leads to impaired faculties. Drugged driving can include prescription medications that prohibit driving as well as over-the-counter medicines.
Failure to Yield
Many motorcycle accidents happen when one driver fails to yield the right-of-way to a motorcycle that is passing through an intersection or making a left-hand turn.
Inadequate Road Maintenance
From potholes to broken traffic signals, if the road is not maintained properly, it puts motorcycle riders at risk. You may need to bring a case against the local government entity responsible for maintaining the roadway, which can be more complicated than a civil case against a non-government entity.
Reckless or Careless Driving
Many motorcycle accidents happen due to basic traffic violations that could have been avoided, like speeding, following too closely, not using proper turn signals, and running stop signs or red lights. Obtaining a police report is a good way to determine if any traffic violations were involved in your situation.
Defective Motorcycles
In some cases, your motorcycle may be to blame for your injuries. A defective component may require you to bring a claim or lawsuit against the manufacturer. You may also have a claim against a repair shop that failed to perform proper repairs and left your motorcycle in dangerous condition.
These are just a few examples of how motorcycle accidents can happen. Even if your situation is not on this list, a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you seek compensation.
Call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 to learn about your legal rights.
Insurance Claims After a Motorcycle Accident
Although we pay our monthly insurance premiums so that we will have coverage in the event of an accident, insurance companies do not always play by the rules or have our best interests in mind when it comes to the claims process. Many of these companies try to avoid paying the benefits that you may deserve under your policy.
Insurance companies are also sophisticated parties who engage in claims investigations, negotiations, and settlements every single day. For most injury victims, this is the first time they have had to file a claim with their insurance company or another party’s insurance company. It can be hard to know whether you are being treated fairly, and reading your policy terms is often a frustrating and confusing experience.
Working with a lawyer from Morelli Law Firm can help you take the guesswork out of the insurance process.
A lawyer who works with motorcycle accident victims from our firm will be able to recognize when the insurance company is trying to take advantage of you.
If you need to take legal action against an insurance company, we will be ready to hold them accountable.
Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Calculating Your Damages
Figuring out the damages that you are entitled to receive after a motorcycle accident is one of the most important parts of your case. You may not be able to go back and seek more compensation once the settlement is finalized, so it is important to include everything at the outset.
Your lawyer will work with you to make sure you keep a complete and accurate record of your expenses. A few common types of expenses and damages that motorcycle accident victims request in their claims include:
- Emergency medical responder fees
- Co-pays
- Hospitalizations
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Medical devices like wheelchairs or walkers
- Ongoing estimated medical care costs
- Lost earning capacity
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or scarring
Call Morelli Law Firm for Help with Your Motorcycle Accident Case
A Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you with your case.
Note that time may be running out on your ability to pursue compensation. Injury victims in Pennsylvania typically have two years to bring their claim, according to Pa. C.S.A. § 5524.
To discuss your case for free with our staff, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800.