Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere, and the results can oftentimes be catastrophic. The many busy multi-lane highways and roadways in and around Philadelphia are prime territory for motorcycle accidents.
The main reason why motorcycles are so dangerous is because the operator (and the passenger, if there is one) do not have the body of a car surrounding them and protecting them in the event of a crash. Therefore, when a crash occurs, the operator and any passengers are likely to make direct contact with the ground and seriously injure themselves. A motorcycle helmet and other types of riding gear provide a protective barrier between a motorcycle rider’s head and the ground.
Motorcycle accidents can often by caused by the driver of another motor vehicle, meaning that victims are often able to obtain compensation for their injuries. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, our experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help. We will review the unique facts and circumstances of your case and can assist you with maximizing its value. If your case is contested, our team will fully investigate your case and take it to trial if it becomes necessary.
Motorcycle Helmet Statistics
Motorcycle helmets save lives. Period. Statistically, according to both the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% in motorcycle crashes and reduce the risk of head injuries by 69%.
Reducing or Eliminating Crash-Related Injuries
When riders sustain injuries in motorcycle crashes, the injuries are oftentimes catastrophic. Some of the most common types of injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes include the following:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries1 (TBIs)
- Soft tissue injuries
- Concussions
- Scrapes and abrasions
- Scarring (especially facial scarring)
Given the seriousness of these injuries, motorcycle operators and passengers should not take any chances when it comes to motorcycle safety. Motorcycle helmets can help to prevent – or significantly lessen – the injuries a person sustains in the event of a crash in the following ways:
- A helmet provides eye protection.
- A helmet reduces or eliminates wind noise, allowing the operator to see and hear better, thereby reducing fatigue or “highway hypnosis.”
- A helmet provides a protective barrier between the operator’s head and the ground.
Most importantly, the simple act of putting on a motorcycle helmet is a reminder that riding a motorcycle can be a dangerous business, placing motorcycle operators and their passengers in the proper mindset.
How a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help Victims
The days, week, and months immediately following a motorcycle accident can be stressful and confusing. Between doctors, specialists, insurance adjusters, and work or school, the aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many ways that an attorney can help victims, including the following:
- Evaluate your case and determine whether you will be able to file a claim
- Investigate your accident and gather evidence that establishes that the other party was negligent
- Communicate with the insurance company and make sure that any settlement or award you accept compensates you for your losses
- File a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court
If you have been hurt in an accident, you should be certain to keep in mind that it is best to speak to an attorney as soon as you, because any delay could result in the loss or destruction of evidence that is essential to your claim. In addition, Pennsylvania personal injury claims are subject to a strict statute of limitations,2 which means that waiting to file a claim could result in the forfeiture of your right to recover compensation at all.
Contact a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today to Discuss Your Case
Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries, and in the worst cases, death. Riders, therefore, should take every possible precaution.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Remember that the insurance company is doing everything it can to pay you as little as possible, including potentially using tactics designed to get you to inadvertently admit partial or full liability for your accident
Our experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers have the necessary legal knowledge and expertise to negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf and help you to obtain a fair value for your case. If a favorable settlement offer cannot be reached, we are not afraid to take your case to trial.
You can contact the experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers at The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers today by calling 215-825-5183, or contact us online.