Motorcycle Accident Lawyer | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Have you or someone you love been injured in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident? Did you know that accident victims may be eligible to file a claim for the damages they have sustained in the collision?

Thank you for helping me take care of my medical bills and process this entire case.
_{– Client of Schmidt Kramer}

At the law offices of Schmidt Kramer, we understand more wheels don’t mean more rights. We have experience handling motorcycle accident lawsuits and a track record of success including a $125,000 recovery for a 43 year old rider that was injured after hitting a construction transition in a roadway. Our legal team understand how to build a robust argument for your damages claims and we charge no upfront fees if you agree to hire us.

If you’ve been injured in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident, we’ll help you get the money you deserve. Talk to our Harrisburg motorcycle accident attorneys today and learn more about your legal options.

Free Consultation. Ph: (717) 888-8888.

Do I Have a Valid Motorcycle Accident Claim?

If you were injured in a crash and have reason to believe another driver is at fault, you may have a valid claim for compensation. Government or private entities responsible for maintaining roads could also be liable for a motorcycle crash, if the accident happened due to poor road conditions.

However, it can be very difficult to determine whether you have a valid case without first meeting with an experienced lawyer. You should not take the insurance company’s word for it, and certainly not the word of the other driver involved in the crash.

There is no fee or obligation for meeting with one of the Harrisburg motorcycle accident lawyers at Schmidt Kramer. We have detailed knowledge of insurance laws in Pennsylvania and are prepared to review your insurance policy and the policy of the at-fault driver to determine the coverage that may be available.

How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

Motorcycle accident victims recover more compensation when they have legal representation compared to those that do not hire a lawyer.

Motorcycle accident victims recover more compensation when they have legal representation compared to those that do not hire a lawyer.

Hiring a lawyer from Schmidt Kramer also ensures that you have an entire legal team to help build your case. From compiling the documents and information that we need to support your claim, to answering questions from the insurance company of the at-fault party, we can explain your legal options in easy-to-understand terms and guide you through the entire litigation process.

It’s also important to note that most cases do not go to trial. While our lawyers have many years of trial experience, often cases are negotiated and settled. However, after reviewing the details of your specific incident, an attorney from our firm can determine the most effective method of obtaining the maximum amount of compensation that may be available for your case.

When you’ve been seriously injured and you have questions — turn to Schmidt Kramer and speak with our Pennsylvania injury lawyers today. Our Harrisburg motorcycle accident attorneys will walk you through the legal process and help you get you back on your feet.

No Upfront Fees. Ph: (717) 888-8888.

What Forms of Compensation May Be Available?

One of the main goals of filing an injury claim after a motorcycle crash is to recover compensation for the medical bills you incur for treating your injuries. This may include the cost of treatment you may need after the legal process concludes.

Medical treatment for an injury can quickly become expensive. You may need surgery, prescription medications for pain, follow-up doctor visits, medical imaging tests and potentially physical therapy and rehabilitation to help you regain strength, mobility and function in the affected area of the body.

Motorcycle crashes are often very dangerous, and victims could suffer spinal cord injuries that cause varying levels of paralysis. You may need crutches, a wheelchair or other mobility aids just to help you get around every day.

Our licensed attorneys may also be able to pursue lost wages from missed time at work. For example, you may have been physically unable to work for a time after the accident. You may also miss work when you attend follow-up appointments.

Other damages that may be available in a motorcycle accident claim include:

Funeral and burial costs if your loved one died in the crash
Modifications to your home to accommodate your permanent disability
Physical pain

Emotional suffering
Lost future earning capacity
Property damage, such as damage to your motorcycle

The damages that may be available depend on the specifics of your claim, the injuries suffered, their severity, insurance coverage and other factors.

Learn more about the potential value of your claim by contacting Schmidt Kramer for a free consultation. Call (717) 888-8888.

Deadlines for Filing a Claim in PA

Most motorcycle accident claims are resolved by filing an insurance claim. However, sometimes victims may be able to file lawsuits to recover compensation, such as when the insurance company makes a lowball offer or denies your claim. Your eligibility for filing a lawsuit depends on many factors, such as the type of insurance policy you purchased.

However, it is important to note there is a deadline for filing a lawsuit. If you do not file before the deadline, you may lose the right to do so, and you may be unable to hold the at-fault party accountable and obtain compensation for damages.

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for motor vehicle accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. The deadline for a wrongful death claim is also two years.

There are sometimes exceptions to this standard deadline for various reasons, such as if you are filing a claim against the government.

Our Harrisburg motorcycle accident attorneys have extensive knowledge of the statute of limitations.

Have Questions? We Can Help. Ph: (717) 888-8888.

Filing a Motorcycle Accident Insurance Claim

Unlike car insurance policies, motorcycle insurance policies in Pennsylvania do not contain first-party medical benefits coverage. That means you cannot obtain compensation for medical expenses and certain other damages from your own insurance policy.

That means motorcycle accident victims generally obtain compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. Under Pennsylvania law, drivers must have a minimum of $15,000 in liability coverage per victim and $30,000 per accident. However, many drivers purchase more than the minimum coverage. Other drivers must also carry a minimum of $5,000 in coverage for property damage they cause.

Unlike drivers, motorcyclists do not have the option to choose full or limited tort coverage in their insurance. Limited tort coverage only allows you to pursue certain damages in a lawsuit, while full tort allows you to seek damages for pain and suffering and other financial losses. Motorcyclists who purchase insurance have full tort coverage.

Filing a Claim if You Were Not Wearing a Helmet

You may still be able to obtain compensation if you were not wearing a helmet when the crash occurred. However, the at-fault party and its insurance company will likely try to use this detail against you to deny or lower the value of your claim.

If you are under the age of 21, you are required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. Anyone over the age of 21 with two years of riding experience or who has passed a motorcycle safety course that has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation does not. You should strongly consider wearing a helmet as it may help reduce your risk of serious injury in a crash. Studies have shown wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of head and neck injuries.

Regardless of whether you were required to wear a helmet, if you suffered a head injury, the other side may have a strong argument to reduce the value of your claim or even deny it. The insurer will likely argue you would not have been injured, or your injuries would have been less severe if you were wearing a helmet.

The insurance company will likely try to apply Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law, which says your compensation award will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault in the crash. If you are more at fault than the other party, you are prohibited from seeking compensation.

Claims for Accidents with Uninsured Drivers

You could get injured in a crash with a driver who either has no insurance or lacks enough coverage to pay for your damages. When this happens, you may be able to file a claim against the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in your insurance policy, if you have this coverage in your policy.

There are often requirements that must be met when you file a claim for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. That is why you should discuss the situation with a licensed Harrisburg motorcycle accident lawyer.

Free Consultation. Ph: (717) 888-8888.

Claims for Injured Passengers

If you were a passenger on the motorcycle when the crash happened, you may be able to obtain compensation from the same sources as the driver of the motorcycle. If you have car insurance coverage, you may be able to file a claim against that coverage as well. Learn more by talking an experienced attorney. These claims can be complicated and difficult to manage on your own.

No-Contact Motorcycle Crashes

A no-contact motorcycle accident is one that happens without a collision with another vehicle. These crashes are often the fault of the rider. However, sometimes the road was damaged or there was a defective part on the motorcycle. In these situations, there may be the basis for a claim for compensation, such as a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road where the crash happened.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

After you have been involved in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident, there are several things you can do to help your claim and keep the case moving along.

If you can, take photographs of the accident scene and any damage to your vehicle.
Visit a doctor as soon as possible, even if you do not think you suffered any injuries.
Be sure to ask for a copy of the police report or request one as soon as possible.

Report the accident to your insurance company, but do not sign anything until you speak with your attorney.
Keep receipts of your medical expenses, motorcycle repair costs, and rental car fees.
Take pictures of your injuries and keep a detailed record of the progression of your healing.

With more than 30 years of experience handling auto accident claims, the attorneys at Schmidt Kramer are ready to help you fight for compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.

Call a Harrisburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Legal Help

Although motorcyclists have the same rights as other drivers, they are often harder to defend. Not only do motorcycle riders have to fight for their case, they must also fight a reputation for being dangerous and reckless drivers.

Our Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorneys know this is an unfair label and we know how to push back when at-fault parties and insurers attempt to use this label against you. We have a proven track record of recovering compensation for motor vehicle crash victims.

When you have been seriously injured and you have questions, turn to Schmidt Kramer and speak with our Pennsylvania injury lawyers today. We are prepared to walk you through the legal process and help you get back on your feet.

Call (888) 476-0807 or fill out a free online consultation form.

Free Case Review

No Upfront Fees

Testimonials

Dear Scott,
Hello there! I’m a little late to the game here, but I wanted to be certain I wrote to you. Oops—sorry for the typo! As you’ve probably gathered, I am writing you from a typewriter. Do you still use these in the office? Back on topic, I wanted to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for your guidance and support throughout the entire legal process for my accident. Can you believe it’s been five years?? Your attention to detail, professionalism, and delicate handling of my case made an incredibly difficult time more manageable for me and my family. We’re forever grateful.
From the moment you stepped foot in that hospital room with me, I felt relieved to have someone in my corner like you and your team. You took the time not only to explain each legal step in a way that made sense but also to acknowledge the emotional weight of what I was going through. That delicate balance—handling the intricacies of my case with precision while also being sensitive to my well-being—is something I will always be grateful for. In many ways, the outcome of the case reflected your dedication, but what has stayed with me even more is how you treated me throughout the process—with patience, respect, and compassion. You listened to my concerns and reassured me in moments of uncertainty. And even now, I feel your compassion each year on my birthday when I receive a text from you!
Thank you, not just for the outcome, but for the way you handled each moment. You are an incredible lawyer, but more importantly, an incredible person, and I was fortunate to have you in my corner.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Ricky D
Definitely were people of their word. Certainly helped me through my whole case
The legal team was very professional and met my needs I would highly recommend them
Monte cargile
Very great experience working with you guys continue the great service timely response communication well understand
jackie duffus
Schmidt Kramer is simply definition of hardworking, they are trustworthy and get best claim you could never think of.

Recent Results

$10,043,952.13 Personal Injury
Schmidt Kramer, P.C.partner Gerard C. Kramer won a personal injury action for $10,043,952.13 in Northumberland County on behalf of a volunteer firefighter who was the victim of Intentional Tort. The 50-year-old volunteer firefighter was seriously injured when a barn collapsed, causing a spinal injury which left him a paraplegic. The claim was brought against the arsonist who intentionally started the fire. It is believed that the verdict is the highest ever in Northumberland County.
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$4,034,000.00 Personal Injury
Yesterday a Judge in Union County (Lewisburg, PA) awarded a couple from New Berlin, Pennsylvania, over $4,000,000 because the husband was shot while turkey hunting.You might ask yourself, how does a turkey hunting accident end up with that type of verdict? In order to understand the verdict you would have to know our clients. They are good people who had their life wrecked. Plus, you would have to know the defendant, who should not have been hunting with a gun because he was prohibited after a previous criminal conviction.It is a good verdict, because the Judge was able to do two things with his decision. First, he communicated to two very good people that their losses were something that those of us on the outside could appreciate and value. Mike Hobbins (our client) is a 51 year old guy who lost his sight because a convicted felon --who should not have even possessed a gun-- went hunting illegally, and broke with impunity the most fundamental rule in hunting: identify your target before you pull the trigger. The Judge accepted the financial loss Mr. Hobbins' suffered, but listened closely to the evidence of less tangible losses. When Mike broke down on the stand, because his daughter would end up walking him down the aisle at her wedding, as opposed to how it was supposed to go, the Judge was listening. When Mike could not keep it together, because of how emasculating it was for him not to be able to provide financially for his family, the Judge was listening. It was facts like these that the Judge cited to support the $2,000,000 award for non-economic damages. Second, the Judge wanted to send a message. Union County is a hunting county. Many of the residents hunt there, and people from outside the area come to Union County to hunt. It was my impression, from the Judge's statements as he rendered his decision, that he wanted to send a message to the people in Union County to protect them in their sport. The rules in place to restrict people convicted of crimes not to have a gun are not to be broken. Hunting is serious and you have to identify your target before you shoot. When you turn your back on the rules that are set to provide safety in a sport, you risk being an example. Here, the $1,000,000 punitive damage award sends that message loud and clear.When it really comes down to brass tacks, the right action was taken against a Defendant who may never truly appreciate what kind of impact his reckless choices caused.At Schmidt Kramer, we are injury lawyers. That means we work with people who were hurt in car accidents, who were hurt by the neglect of nursing homes, or those that were seriously injured because of the reckless, thoughtless acts of others. If you or a loved one have been injured in Pennsylvania, we may be able to help. While the verdict yesterday is not one that is representative of every case we do, it does show that serious and dedicated representation can bring good results.Joe ChapmanJanuary 18, 2013
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$2,200,000.00 Auto Accidents
On Monday, January 6, 2014, Schmidt Kramer accident lawyer Scott Cooper obtained a verdict on behalf of his client who is the widow of a man who died in a fiery crash on Interstate 78 in Lebanon County. The awarded verdict of $2.2 million was in a nonjury proceeding before a federal judge in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. That verdict includes $100,000 in punitive damages assessed against the owner of the trucking company.Kamilah Claxton won summary judgment in November after the defendants, Sukhwinder Singh and the trucking company for which he worked, failed to file a brief in opposition to Claxton's motion, which was made in September. The verdict in Claxton v. Singh was issued after the court held a non-jury assessment of damages earlier this month."Mr. Sukhchan Singh, the employer, is liable on the basis of respondent superior, but was also grossly negligent in failing to maintain his vehicle in compliance with state and federal law, particularly with regard to having required safety inspections and correcting defects in its braking equipment," said U.S. District Judge William W. Caldwell of the Middle District of Pennsylvania in his opinion accompanying the verdict."He was also grossly negligent in entrusting his vehicle to Sukhwinder Singh, an inexperienced truck driver who had failed the written test and driving test multiple times before finally earning his commercial driving license," Caldwell said.
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$1,200,000.00 Personal Injury
A Dauphin County jury has awarded a $1.2 million verdict to the parents of a 5-year-old who had an anoxic brain injury and stopped breathing after he had a tonsillectomy.2012-06-26 10:00:00 AMDate of Verdict: June 19. 2012Court and Case No.: C.P. Dauphin County No. 2009-CV-14003-MMJudge: Scott EvansType of Action: Medical malpracticeInjuries: Anoxic brain injuryPlaintiffs Counsel: Terry S. Hyman, Schmidt Kramer, HarrisburgPlaintiffs Experts: Dr. Anna H. Messner, liability; Lucille Packer, Pediatric Otolaryngology, Palo Alto, Calif.; Terry P. Leslie, vocations and earning capacity, Lancaster; Dr. Hilary B. Berlin, pediatric psychiatry, Great Neck, N.Y.Defense Counsel: Andrew H. Foulkrod, Darlene K. King, Foulkrod Ellis, Camp Hill, PADefense Experts: James C. Reilly, Pediatric Otolaryngology, Wilmington, DEComment: A Dauphin County jury has awarded a $1.2 million verdict to the parents of a 5-year-old who had an anoxic brain injury and stopped breathing after he had a tonsillectomy.The entire verdict came against Dr. Andrew M. Shapiro, the doctor who plaintiffs Reginald Graham and Tykeisha Metz alleged chose to have the boy monitored at a pediatric ward. The plaintiffs argued Shapiro failed to tell nurses caring for the baby about, and how to care for, the boy's enhanced risk for respiratory failure.The jury came back on June 19 and awarded Reginald Graham and Tykeisha Mets $500,000 in non-economic damages and $686,170 in loss of future earning capacity, according to the plaintiffs counsel.According to the statement, the baby's mother brought him to Shapiro because she was "'afraid that he might stop breathing during his sleep,'" the plaintiffs' pretrial statement said. Shapiro performed a sleep study and observed the baby's Apnea Hypopnea Index to be 43 — four times higher than what's considered severe. A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy were performed.According to the plaintiffs, the baby's sleep study results put him at an increased risk for post-operative respiratory complications. Despite this, they argued in the statement, Shapiro ordered the pediatric nurses at the Harrisburg Hospital general pediatric ward to observe the boy as they would any other patients — about once every four hours.The pretrial statement said that one in four children who have an AHI in the 40s and oxygen desaturation below 80 have some type of respiratory problem. The younger the child, the greater the risk of a respiratory problem, the statement said.According to the statement, Shapiro took off the child's pulse oximeter, the finger-mounted device used to measure blood oxygen, and ordered a heart and respiratory rate monitor. The child was 11 months old at the time.The plaintiffs pled that the baby was last seen at 4 a.m. There was no record of his oxygen saturation for the next hour and 45 minutes. He stopped breathing a 6:40 a.m., and his brain was without oxygen long enough to cause demonstrable injury on an MRI."Immediately prior to his surgery, [the child] was a normal child, who could say mama, eat finger foods, and was just on the verge of walking," the statement said. "After his code, [he] was like a newborn. He could not lift his head or sit up. He could not talk. He could not move."In his pretrial statement, Shapiro argued that he recognized the child's pre-operative sleep study showed he was driven to breath by decreased blood oxygen saturation, which he said was typical in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.He argued the American Academy of Otolaryngology dictates that admission to the intensive care unit is not the standard of care. In the statement, he said nurses did not observe signs of respiratory distress. No alarms sounded until the child arrested, the statement said.He said the baby likely arrested as a result of hypoglycemia and/or an acute aspiration, which he argued would not have been identified by blood oxygen saturation.— Ben Present, of the Law Weekly
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Scott Cooper settled a wrongful death case on behalf of the widow of a police office who was killed in a car accident in the line of duty for $1,024,040.80. The claim against the other driver was amicably resolved before suit was filed for the entire available policy limits for the other driver. The case took place in Adams County, PA.
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Harrisburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyers