Even though motorcycles and cars are both motorized vehicles, there are some significant differences between them, particularly when these vehicles are involved in accidents. Not only are injuries from motorcycle crashes often more significant than injuries from car accidents, recovering compensation after a motorcycle crash can be more complicated.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, we strongly recommend that you seek legal representation from an attorney who has experience representing motorcycle crash victims. Schmidt Kramer offers a free initial consultation and charges no upfront fees for representing motorcycle crash victims. Call today to learn more about the benefits of hiring an attorney.
Motorcycle Crashes are More Dangerous
One of the most significant differences between motorcycle crashes and auto accidents is the severity of the injuries that often result. Motorcycle riders are often seriously injured because their bikes do not have the same safety features of motor vehicles, such as seat belts, airbags and steel frames. Riders could get thrown off their bikes, pinned underneath them or hit by the other vehicle involved in the collision.
As these crashes are often much more dangerous, riders are more likely to suffer serious injuries. That means a lot of motorcycle compensation claims are likely to have a higher value than many car crash claims.
Insurance companies are focused on paying out the least possible amount of compensation, particularly when the accident in question involves significant damages. That means many motorcycle accidents victims may struggle to obtain fair compensation from the insurance company.
Road Design or Conditions are More Likely to Cause Crashes
One of the dangers of riding a motorcycle is that it is so much easier to get into an accident. If you are not careful when traveling over wet, rocky or uneven terrain, you could easily get into an accident. Sometimes these crashes are the fault of the rider, but they may also be the fault of those who designed or maintained the road.
Bias Against Motorcycle Riders
Another difference between motorcycle claims and car crash claims is people often have a bias against motorcycle riders.
Riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous, which is why many people think riders are often at fault for accidents. While there are times when motorcycle riders are to blame for crashes, each situation is different. There are many accidents caused by the negligence of the other driver involved and not the rider.
Insurance companies, police officers, jurors and other drivers could all be biased against the rider. They may claim the rider is to blame or that he or she should not receive too much compensation because riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous.
As there could be bias against you when you pursue compensation, it is important to secure representation from an experienced Harrisburg motorcycle accident lawyer.
Insurance Coverage
One advantage to insurance coverage for motorcycles compared to car insurance coverage is motorcycle riders automatically have full tort coverage. In other words, motorcycle riders have an unlimited right to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for pain and suffering and other damages, no matter how severe their injuries.
This is incredibly important as motorcycle crash injuries are often severe and life changing. That means victims often experienced significant pain and suffering and have huge medical bills.
Motorcycle Helmets
Motorcycle riders may be concerned about whether they can recover compensation if they were not wearing a helmet during the crash. This is like the concern about filing a claim if you were not wearing your seat belt.
You can still file a claim if you were not wearing a helmet. In Pennsylvania, you are not required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle if you are 21 years old or older, have two years of riding experience and have passed an approved motorcycle safety course.
You may be concerned about the other side claiming not wearing a helmet made you more susceptible to injury. However, the other side cannot use this as a reason to deny your claim. They may apply Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law to try to reduce the value of your claim.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Call to Schedule a Free Consultation
Motorcycle crashes often result in significant injuries that affect victims for years. Even crashes at slow speeds can be catastrophic, as riders do not have the protection passengers in cars have.
That is why it is so important to consider your legal options. You may be eligible to recover compensation for past and future medical bills, lost wages and other damages. It is important to work with an experienced lawyer, as he or she can manage the complex legal process on your behalf.
The initial consultation is free and comes with no obligation to take legal action.
Call Schmidt Kramer with your legal questions. Ph: (717) 888-8888.