Contrary to a persistent and unfair stereotype that motorcycle riders are risk-taking daredevils, many are well aware of the risks and safety protocols of riding motorcycles. Often, motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers, not riders.
Negligent drivers pose a significant risk to motorcycle riders, and our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you sue for your injuries. Call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 for a free case review.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Philadelphia
After a motorcycle collision, get emergency help right away. If you are badly injured, wait where you are, and emergency medical personnel or the police will come to your aid. If you can safely exit your car, you should exchange information with other drivers involved in the accident and speak to the police when they arrive.
When speaking to the other driver, the police, or anyone else at the accident scene, you must be very careful about what you say and how you say it. Even if the accident is not your fault, you might feel compelled to apologize to the other driver out of politeness. However, your apology could be twisted into an admission of wrongdoing. Similarly, be careful talking to the police. While they are there to help you, they are also compiling a crash report, and accidentally incriminating yourself could end up in the report.
Collecting Evidence After a Motorcycle Accident in Philadelphia
Photos and videos should be recorded almost immediately, if possible. These recordings help preserve the conditions of the accident, damage to vehicles, details about the surrounding location, tire marks on the road, and other crucial details.
If you can, get the names of witnesses at the scene, as their testimony might be extremely important later. If you cannot get these details, our accident lawyers can check the police report for any information regarding witnesses.
Your medical records can be used to establish the severity and extent of your injuries and medical treatment. This is very important because many injured riders have recovered from their injuries by the time their trial date arrives, and the jury cannot see the injuries for themselves.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Philadelphia
Motorcycle accidents are often caused by multiple factors coming together to create a dangerous situation. Even so, there are several common causes of motorcycle accidents that our Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers can help you look into when filing your lawsuit.
Distracted Driving
Distractions behind the wheel are among the most significant causes of accidents today. With things like cell phones, tablets, and GPS becoming more and more commonplace, it is all too easy for a driver to become distracted on the road. Unfortunately, this means that drivers are not focused on their surroundings and are more likely to cause a collision. An accident involving a motorcycle is especially dangerous because motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss. A distracted driver might never see the motorcycle rider until it is too late.
Reckless Driving
Even if the driver is not distracted, they might still drive recklessly. Speeding, failing to signal, or general aggressive driving is extremely dangerous and can easily cause an accident. Reckless driving accidents can be especially severe since drivers are not exactly trying to be careful. It can be difficult to prove that the other driver was driving recklessly because reckless driving is a broad allegation. However, reckless drivers often receive multiple tickets from the police for various traffic violations, and these tickets might be helpful evidence in your case.
Safety Factor of Motorcycles
Safety factors might play a role in how your accident occurred. For example, braking is an important aspect of driving. If road conditions are wet or slick, visibility is low, or the driver is speeding, brake times might be shorter or unpredictable. If the driver does not maintain a safe distance from a motorcycle, they could hit the motorcycle rider if they cannot safely brake.
Many motorcycle accidents come from the fact that drivers lose control. Losing control of the vehicle might happen if the driver is speeding, the tires are worn down, the road is slick, or they make a turn too sharply. These are all safety factors that, if minded by drivers, can help avoid accidents. Unfortunately, negligent drivers are often not mindful of safety factors.
What Damages Can be Compensated After a Motorcycle Accident in Philadelphia
Insurance companies and courts do not provide compensation unless you can articulate your damages. It is not enough to say that you are injured. You must explain exactly what your injuries are, the kind of relief or compensation you need, and provide evidence to support your claims.
Economic Damages
Economic damages from a motorcycle crash should include the injuries or losses that cost you money. Medical bills, records of lost income from missing work, and the cost of repairing your bike might be astronomical expenses. Our Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers can help you tally up these expenses by looking through receipts, bills, and invoices. In some cases, plaintiffs have numerous costs, and it is easy to lose track. An attorney can help you thoroughly review all your expenses so nothing is overlooked and mistakenly left out.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are sometimes tricky to wrap your head around because they are serious injuries that do not cost you any money. According to 231 Pa. Code § 223.3, non-economic damages in Pennsylvania include pain and suffering, humiliation, the loss of the ability to enjoy life, and disfigurement. These are not exactly injuries as much as they are painful experiences. Although these experiences do not usually cost money, courts can compensate them with money.
Our Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
Call our Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers for a free review of your case. We can help you get started with an insurance claim and prepare for a lawsuit. Call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
