Now that spring is underway and summer is fast approaching, motorcyclists across Lancaster County, and all of Pennsylvania, are taking their bikes out of the garage and getting ready for a summer of riding. Some of our own staff members at Georgelis Law are avid riders, so we understand the freedom and exhilaration one feels when riding in the open air.
Unfortunately, the very thing that makes motorcycles so appealing to millions of riders is also what makes them dangerous. Knowing your legal rights prior to, and even after a motorcycle accident is crucial if you are to recover all the compensation you deserve.
What are the statistics?
While the number of fatalities from motorcycle crashes was down in 2013, compared to the previous year, the number of crashes are still sobering. Of the 3,427 motorcycle crashes that occurred in PA that year, 175 of them proved fatal.
When do you have the right to sue?
Often times in motorcycle accidents, the rider is not the one responsible for the crash. Factors such as poor road conditions, aggressive drivers, and malfunctions caused by the bikes themselves can all lead to devastating motorcycle wrecks.
Road Conditions:
In Pennsylvania, the Department of Transportation, as well as local municipalities, are required to maintain the road systems for safe travel. If your motorcycle accident was caused by potholes, missing manhole covers, faded lane markings, a dangerous intersection, a broken traffic light, uneven pavement, or other common road hazards, those municipalities, and even the State, can be held liable.
Other Drivers:
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania’s roadways are full of road ragers, distracted drivers, and those who just refuse to share the road. If another driver’s negligent behavior causes your accident, then they are liable for the injuries and damages you’ve sustained.
Knowing and identifying who is at fault after an accident, as well as understanding how the accident was caused, is critical to successfully filing a lawsuit.
The Manufacturer:
If a defect in the manufacturing process, or a flaw in the design of the bike itself causes your accident, the manufacturer can be held accountable for your injuries. Likewise, this product liability law can also hold the dealership that sold you the bike responsible.
What can I do to protect myself?
Wearing the proper equipment can help you avoid some of the more serious injuries that commonly result from motorcycle wrecks. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) recommends wearing a helmet, face shield, goggles, boots, gloves, and a long-sleeved jacket and pants that are made of abrasion-resistant fabric.
However, protective gear can only help if it was properly manufactured. Just as the manufacturer of a defective motor bike can be held responsible for injuries, so too can the manufacturer of defective equipment, like a helmet.
Who can I contact to seek compensation after a motorcycle accident?
Here at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we focus on negotiating with the insurance companies and filing claims against the negligent parties who contributed to your crash. Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with the complex procedures involved in these cases, and we are committed to winning you maximum compensation as fast as possible.
We also understand that accidents don’t always happen during regular business hours, so we make ourselves available in the evenings and on weekends to meet with you. We also make home, hospital, and rehabilitation center visits if your injuries prevent you from coming to us.
Part of practicing motorcycle safety is knowing what to do in the event of a crash. If you, a loved one, or a friend have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. to claim the compensation you deserve.
