Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Philadelphia, you need a lawyer who understands the unique challenges motorcyclists face—both on the road and in the courtroom. Motorcycle crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, and riders are frequently blamed, even when they are not at fault.
Attorney Samuel A. Anyan, Jr., Esq. is a dedicated advocate for injured motorcyclists and will fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue full compensation for your injuries, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Motorcycle Accidents Often Lead to Severe Injuries
Motorcyclists have little protection compared to those in passenger vehicles. Without a steel frame, airbags, or seat belts, riders are highly vulnerable in crashes, especially when struck by a larger vehicle. Even at relatively low speeds, motorcycle accidents often result in broken bones, brain injuries, or permanent disabilities.
Motorcyclists are statistically more likely to suffer fatal or serious injuries in crashes than drivers of cars or trucks. This is true even when the rider takes safety precautions and follows traffic laws.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Philadelphia
Many motorcycle crashes are caused by negligent drivers who fail to see or yield to motorcyclists. Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Texting or other distractions make it harder for drivers to spot motorcycles.
- Left-Turn Collisions: A driver turning left across traffic may misjudge a rider’s speed or fail to see them entirely.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers may not check blind spots or signal before changing lanes, sideswiping a motorcycle.
- Dooring Accidents: In congested areas like Philadelphia, a parked driver may open a door into a biker’s path without looking.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to motorcyclists.
- Hazardous Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement pose a serious risk to motorcycles, which are less stable than four-wheeled vehicles.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Due to the lack of protective barriers, motorcyclists are at risk of serious injuries, including:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Road rash and burns
- Head and neck injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Even if you feel fine after a crash, symptoms may develop over time. Seek immediate medical care and follow your doctor’s treatment plan to protect both your health and your legal case.
Motorcycle Helmets and Pennsylvania Law
Helmet use can save lives and reduce the severity of injuries, especially in motorcycle accidents involving head trauma. Pennsylvania law requires:
- All riders under 21 are to wear helmets.
- Riders 21 and older to wear helmets unless they have either two years of riding experience or have completed a PennDOT-approved safety course.
While helmet use is not mandatory for all riders, wearing one significantly reduces the risk of a traumatic brain injury or fatality. If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, the insurance company may attempt to use that fact against you. However, not wearing a helmet does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation, particularly if your injuries are unrelated to head trauma. A skilled lawyer can argue back against unfair or irrelevant blame.
Proving Fault in a Motorcycle Crash
To recover compensation, you must show that someone else’s negligence caused the crash. Negligence means the other party failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. Examples include:
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Speeding or reckless behavior
Proving fault typically involves gathering strong evidence, such as:
- Eyewitness accounts
- Police reports
- Photos and video footage
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- Surveillance or dashcam recordings
Compensation for a Motorcycle Crash
Most motorcycle accident claims begin by filing with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the driver lacks adequate insurance, you may need to use your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
You may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Keep in mind, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you are partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame.
How a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the legal process after a serious motorcycle accident is not easy, especially when the insurance company is trying to minimize your claim. Sam Anyan can help by:
- Investigating the accident and identifying who was at fault.
- Collecting evidence and expert opinions to build a strong case.
- Calculating the full value of your damages.
- Negotiating aggressively with the insurance company.
- Representing you in court if a fair settlement is not possible.
With years of experience handling serious injury cases, Sam Anyan has built a reputation as a tenacious advocate for crash victims. He fights for maximum compensation so you can focus on healing.
Contact a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Samuel Anyan Attorney At Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer at Samuel Anyan Attorney At Law for a free consultation. Call 833-372-6946 or contact us online to get started. Our office is located in Philadelphia, and we serve clients throughout Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Dauphin County, Berks County, Lehigh County, and Northampton County.