Pennsylvania Department of Transportation statistics show that the number of licensed motorcyclists has steadily increased in Pennsylvania since 2005. Currently, there are over 861,000 licensed motorcyclists in Pennsylvania and over 400,000 registered motorcycles. As the number of cyclists has risen, so has the number of motorcycle accidents.
When we consider the safety of riding a motorcycle compared to riding in a automobile, there is abundant information available that suggests riding a motorcycle significantly more dangerous. Motorcycle accidents are different from car and truck accidents for a number of reasons. Primarily, a motorcycle collision is more likely to result in a traumatic brain injury or other serious injury to the cyclist than it would a passenger in an automobile. Due to the lack of a physical shell around the rider, a collision which constitutes a minor fender bender to a car or truck can easily put a motorcyclist in hospital.
Even riders who travel at a safe speed and are careful to keep space between themselves and other vehicle cannot always avoid a serious collision. Many times motorists simply do not see motorcycles since they are scanning the road for cars and trucks. In addition, outside factors such as weather, visibility, and road conditions are frequent contributors to motorcycle accidents. The elements have a greater impact on cyclists than they do to other motor vehicles. In other cases, the motorcycle itself may be defective due to how it was designed or manufactured.
If you are injured due to another’s negligence or carelessness when riding a motorcycle you have the right to be fairly compensated for your injuries and other losses.
Motorcycle accident lawyer, Brent Wieand, of the Wieand Law Firm represents seriously injured accident victims and family members who have lost a loved one. He seeks justice for his clients and advocates for full financial recovery through detailed and meticulous preparation for trial. If you have suffered a serious personal injury or a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, the Wieand Law Firm can help. We serve all of Bucks County including Bensalem, Doylestown, Langhorn, Warminster and Yardley. For a free, no obligation consultation call 1 (215) 666-7777.
Founding attorney, Brent Wieand, has been selected as a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” for 4 consecutive years. To him, you are not “just another case.” He understands your pain and suffering is real. That’s why Brent fights so hard for you. The Wieand Law Firm is not a “law factory” like other Bucks County law firms. We give each client and case personalized attention. In addition, the Wieand Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will never owe us costs or fees unless you recover compensation for your accident.
In court, motorcycle accident victims have the unique challenge of overcoming an ingrained public bias that all motorcyclists in Pennsylvania are daredevils, gang members or unsafe drivers. TV shows that depict motorcycles weaving in and out of traffic, or popping a wheelie on a highway, have created the perception that motorcyclist are unsafe drivers.
In most instances, this perception is far from reality. The majority of motorcycles take extra precaution to drive safe due to high risks associated with riding a bike. However, it is important to hire an experience lawyer who will identify and overcome these biases. The lawyer you hire to represent you in a motorcycle accident case may make a big difference in the outcome. It is his or her responsibility to show that the driver of the motorcycle was operating his bike in a reasonable, prudent and legal manner.
In addition, to win a motorcycle case the driver has the burden to prove that his or her injury was caused by the negligence of another. To do so you will need to prove the four elements described below.
Duty – To win a negligence action you need to show that the negligent party owed the plaintiff a duty of care. In the context of automobile accidents, Pennsylvania drivers have a duty to drive their vehicles in reasonable and prudent manner.
Breach of Duty – The Plaintiff must show that the Defendant breached the duty of care owed. An example of breaching the duty would include when a driver runs a red light.
Causation – The accident must have caused the injury or exacerbated a prior injury.
Damages – To bring a civil claim you must prove that the incident resulted in damages. Damages for motorcycle accidents commonly include pain and suffering, medical bills, property damage and past/present/future wage loss.
Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice and should not be construed as legal advice. The Wieand Law Firm is based in Philadelphia PA. We are proud to serve residents of Bucks County, PA.
