Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Allentown, PA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Allentown, Pennsylvania?

  The non-emergency contact number of the Allentown Police Department is 610-437-7751.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Allentown, Pennsylvania?

  You can obtain a copy of a police report from the Allentown Police Department in person at 425 Hamilton Street. You can also get one through mail by sending a letter to the department. It should include your name, address, and phone number, as well as the date and location of the accident, a money order or check payable to the City of Allentown, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

• Who can be held liable in a motorcycle accident in Allentown?

  Some of the parties that may be held accountable in an Allentown motorcycle accident include:

  • a reckless driver;
  • a driver who was inattentive and carelessly backed out of a parking space;
  • the manufacturer of a faulty car or motorcycle component;
  • a fatigued truck driver who made a risky lane shift; and
  • a municipality or other organizations in charge of maintaining roads.

• If you contributed to an Allentown motorcycle accident, can you still receive compensation?

  You may still be able to receive compensation for your Allentown motorcycle accident even if the court finds that you are partly at fault since the state upholds the doctrine of comparative negligence. Your amount of guilt will affect how much compensation you can collect. However, you won't be allowed to file a claim for damages if your contribution to the accident exceeds 50%.

• What are the main reasons for motorcycle accidents in Allentown?

  The majority of motorcycle collisions in Allentown are the fault of other motorists who were unaware of a vehicle near them. These driving mistakes include excessive speeding, sloppy left turns, abrupt stops, and risky lane changes. Hazardous road conditions and mechanical failure or defect are also cited as some of the main reasons for motorcycle accidents in Allentown.

• How do you establish liability in an Allentown motorcycle collision?

  You must demonstrate the following components to prove that another driver was at fault for your motorcycle accident in Allentown:

  • The other party had a responsibility to drive carefully.
  • They failed to act reasonably and were negligent in this duty.
  • The accident happened because the other party did not exercise reasonable care.
  • Your injuries were caused by this accident.

• What kind of compensation can you get after a motorcycle accident in Allentown?

  The economic and non-economic damages you can recover after a motorcycle accident in Allentown include your current and upcoming medical bills, physical treatment and rehabilitation, lost wages or diminished earning potential, pain and suffering, emotional and mental anguish, and altered standard of living.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.