Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Pittsburgh

FAQs

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

  412-255-2621 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station of Pittsburgh.

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

  Requests for police reports can be made in person at the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Central Records and Reporting Unit, which is open from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. You can also request a report via mail along with the details about the incident, the report number, a copy of your ID, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

• How long does a motorcycle accident victim in Pittsburgh have to wait to receive compensation from the insurance company?

  Before motorcycle accident victims in Pittsburgh get the initial settlement amount offered by the at-fault parties' insurance companies, they might have to wait 20 to 30 days. This procedure may require several more weeks, depending on the negotiations between the plaintiffs' lawyers and defendants' insurers. If the victims file a lawsuit, the time frame of the process will be longer.

• What happens if the party at fault in a motorcycle accident in Pittsburgh declines to accept responsibility?

  In motorcycle accidents, careless drivers frequently reject guilt and refuse to even acknowledge their mistakes. Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyers can help the victims hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions by conducting investigations and gathering evidence. They use pertinent information to build a case that proves the negligence and determines the liability of at-fault drivers.

• How much does a motorcycle accident victim in Pittsburgh need to pay for a lawyer?

  The majority of attorneys and law firms in Pittsburgh operate on a contingency fee basis, which means they don't charge any legal expenses unless the victims receive compensation. The contingency fee may change based on the lawyer or legal firm, as well as the specifics of the case. An attorney working on contingency often receives a percentage of the settlement, which can range from 20% to 40%, according to the American Bar Association (ABA).

• What are the most dangerous roads in Pittsburgh for motorcycle riders?

  Some roads in Pittsburgh that are dangerous to motorcycle riders include:

  • Route 910
  • Saw Mill Run Boulevard
  • Ohio River Boulevard
  • The connection of Penn, Fifth Avenue, and Washington Boulevard
  • Liberty Avenue at 16th and 31st Street
  • Intersection of Route 8 and Hardies in Gibsonia
  • All of East Carson Street

  Most of these roadways are either congested with traffic or frequently used by huge trucks and automobiles, which increases the likelihood of crashes.

• Can a negligent Pittsburgh motorcyclist still seek damages even if they were not using a helmet?

  In Pittsburgh, a motorcycle driver not wearing a helmet can still obtain damages. Under the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Helmet Laws, motorcyclists over the age of 21 who have at least two years of riding experience or have completed a recognized riding course are exempt from wearing helmets. However, the amount of compensation may be reduced due to the motorcyclist being partially responsible for their injuries.

• 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.