If you have been seriously injured in a DUI motorcycle accident in Philadelphia or the surrounding area, the skilled attorneys at Cooper Schall & Levy are ready to fight for your
right to just compensation. Known for our compassion as well as our competence, we have A decades-long record of successful outcomes. Contact us now so we can determine your best course of action. Your initial consultation with us is free and we will charge you nothing until we recover damages.
Like you, other bikers find the joyful exhilaration of riding free in the open air worth the increased risk of injury, but that does not mean they or any other motorist should have to be exposed to the dangers of drunk drivers. The statistics compiled by the NHTSA indicate that motorcyclists are five times more likely to be injured and 28 times more likely to die in accidents than occupants of cars. That risk is only increased when the driver of the car is impaired by alcohol.
In spite of the valiant efforts of organizations like MADD and SADD, and dedicated legislators and government agencies, impaired drivers continue to be the largest contributors to motorcycle accidents. Clearly, the message is not getting through to a high enough percentage of offenders.
How Driving While Intoxicated Contributes to Motorcycle Accidents
Driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of more than 0.08 and/or while impaired by prescription or illegal drugs. Drunk driving results in:
- Drowsiness
- Impaired vision
- Slowed reaction time
- Slowed involuntary reflexes
- Impaired focus and concentration
- Impaired cognitive function and rationality
- Impaired coordination of the eye, hand, and foot
- Delayed ability to track (i.e. to judge distance and speed)
The above results of drunk driving can have disastrous consequences, causing an impaired driver to:
- Fail to see your motorcycle or to see it too late
- Speed or otherwise drive more recklessly
- Be unable to make rapid corrections to avoid a collision, e.g. taking too long to brake or steer away from an obstacle
- Fall asleep at the wheel
For motorcyclists, not only do motorists with these signs of DUI increase the risk of accidents; they sharply increase the danger of biker fatality.
Our DUI Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Will Fight for Your Rights
We know that you are traumatized, not only physically and emotionally, but probably also financially, since your injuries make you unable to work at the same time as your medical and other expenses mount. This is why our DUI motorcycle accident lawyers will do everything in our power to give you the time and resources you need and deserve to recuperate.
We will:
- Investigate the accident site and view available surveillance footage
- Subpoena cell phone records of the defendant to see if they were
distracted by calls or texts - Interview witnesses
- Examine police reports closely, especially evidence of drug/alcohol testing
- Examine medical records regarding your injuries, treatments, and prognosis
- Consult with experts in various fields who may testify on your behalf
- Check whether the defendant has any history of DUI accidents or arrests
Most importantly, our sharp DUI motorcycle accident attorneys will create a litigation strategy that will be strong and persuasive, designed to bring you maximum damages for all you have endured.
Injuries Caused by DUI Motorcycle Accidents
Due to the vulnerability of bikers, even when they are wearing helmets and other protective gear, their direct contact with the pavement or other vehicles may cause severe or catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Fractures, road rash, lacerations, burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limb
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage or loss
- Nerve damage
- Loss of sight or hearing
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- PTSD
Motorcycle injuries are almost always at least temporarily incapacitating and may result in the need for long-term care. In a great many instances, the consequences of such accidents change the course of the victim’s life. Tragically, too many times our lawyers are tasked with winning compensation for family members who have lost loved ones in DUI motorcycle accidents.
Damages Our Philadelphia Lawyers Will Fight to Win
Depending on your particular circumstances, we will work tirelessly to recover damages for your:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Psychological counseling
- Lost income, present and future
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Long-term nursing care
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral costs, loss of financial/emotional support
Because DUI drivers make a conscious decision to drive drunk and risk the lives of everyone on the road, we may also be able to win punitive damages for you. Punitive damages are designed to punish drivers whose offense is particularly egregious and to discourage other drivers from committing similar offenses.
What Happens if Both Parties Share Responsibility for the DUI Accident?
In many cases, both people bear some fault for the collision, even if one has more severe injuries. If you failed to signal or were making an illegal turn at the time of the accident, the law recognizes you as partially responsible for the accident, even if the motorist was drunk.
Laws concerning comparative negligence vary from state to state. In Pennsylvania, we adhere to a principle of modified comparative negligence in which you can still collect damages as long as you aren’t deemed 51 percent or more at fault.
Your compensation, however, will be decreased by your percentage of fault. If you are found 20 percent at fault and are awarded $100,000, you will receive $80,000. You can count on our attorneys to argue vigorously that your fault is minimal compared to your injuries and to fight to win you maximum compensation.
Contact Our Experienced DUI Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
When you get in touch with Cooper Schall & Levy, you will be treated with the respect and empathy you deserve. Contact us to make sure that your case is handled professionally and that you are provided with the very best chance of receiving a positive verdict.
Cooper Schall & Levy DUI 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.
