As exhilarating as motorcycle riding can be, it is also inherently dangerous. Motorcyclists are not protected by a “cage” like the occupants of other motor vehicles, which increases the risk of serious injury and death. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you will need help getting your medical bills paid, recovering your lost wages, and dealing with the possible long-term recovery from your physical injuries. Mentally, it may take even longer to feel safe on the road again. The best way to protect your well-being and your rights is to consult an experienced personal injury attorney.
At Cooper Schall and Levy, we represent motorcycle accident victims throughout the Philadelphia area, including Delaware, Montgomery, Chester, Lancaster and Philadelphia Counties, as well as in New Jersey. Well-versed in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey’s complicated traffic and insurance laws, we have a proven history of providing motorcycle accident victims with powerful representation. Whether you are pursuing a claim against your own insurer or the at-fault party, we have the knowledge and skills to help you obtain meaningful compensation. When you become our client, you can rest assured we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights.
How A Motorcycle Accident Differs from Passenger Vehicle Accidents
Being involved in a motorcycle accident means a much higher likelihood of suffering a severe or catastrophic injury than the same accident in a vehicle. You are much more likely to be either thrown from your motorcycle or be struck directly by the other vehicle. This can mean more lost time from work, much higher medical bills and a longer recovery.
Nonetheless, you may be entitled to receive complete compensation for the injuries you have sustained. Add to that, the likely pain and suffering trying to recover and get back to work, and you can face an uphill battle. Don’t make the mistake of trying to handle everything yourself. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help.
Determining Fault in a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident
In the majority of motorcycle accidents, the motorcyclist is not at fault. Typically, the other vehicle, while breaking a traffic regulation, negligently caused the accident. According to the US Department of Transportation:
- Sixty percent of motorcycle accidents involving passenger cars were caused by the driver of the car
- The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents. Either the driver of the other vehicle involved in a collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision
- The most frequent accident configuration is the motorcycle proceeding straight then the automobile makes a left turn in front of the oncoming motorcycle
- Intersections are the most likely place for the motorcycle accident, with the other vehicle violating the motorcycle right-of-way, and often violating traffic controls
In short, your motorcycle accident was likely not your fault and could have been avoided if the other driver had followed the law and the rules of the road.
Insurance Adjusters Have Less Experience Handling Motorcycle Claims
Insurance adjusters are usually very busy and are hoping to get through as many claims as possible as efficiently as possible. Since the majority of accidents they handle are car or truck accidents, they often begin treating every accident in the same way. This saves time and energy and they learn to quickly process the many claims they see. Much like the drivers around you, they might “just not see you.”
But a motorcycle accident is unlike a car or truck accident. You will probably have much less property damage but face significantly more physical injuries and face a longer recovery. These differences are likely to go unattended to without legal representation. You don’t want a cookie-cutter approach to your motorcycle accident. In this instance, one size does not fit all and, if you aren’t careful, you risk not having your accident treated the way it should be.
At Cooper Schall and Levy, we know how to get the insurance adjuster to take a closer look at the accident you suffered. We have years of experience working on behalf of motorcyclists to help them be seen by the adjuster and have their cases taken seriously. We would love to talk to you about your accident, your medical treatment and the effects your accident has had in all areas of your life. Contact our office today to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys.
Contact Our Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Attorney
After a motorcycle accident, you will likely have many concerns. Instead of worrying, call the motorcycle accident attorneys at Cooper Schall and Levy. We understand that being injured in a motorcycle accident is an overwhelming experience, and we will offer you the knowledge, compassion, and superior personal service that you need.
Depending on the terms of your insurance policy, we will either represent you in all dealings with your insurance company or file a lawsuit against the other driver. If your policy falls under Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance system, we will make sure the insurance company pays the full value of your claim. If you have chosen the full tort insurance option, we will work to show how the other driver was negligent and help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. If you have chosen the limited tort insurance option, we will review your case to determine whether any of the statutory exceptions apply in order to get you the highest possible compensation. Above all, we will always put your best interests first and stand by you every step of the way. Please contact our office today for a free evaluation of your case.
Cooper Schall & Levy motorcycle accident lawyers serve Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as well as neighboring counties such as Montgomery County and Delaware County and cover neighborhoods such as Norristown and Drexel Hill.
