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MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN PHILADELPHIA

Motorcycle accidents in Philadelphia remain a pressing safety concern. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the state regularly tracks and reports on crash statistics, including those involving motorcycles. These reports highlight key factors such as helmet usage, accident locations, and contributing causes like speeding and impaired driving. The data helps policymakers and safety advocates develop strategies to reduce motorcycle accidents and enhance rider safety across the state.

Choose a Firm with an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney. Attorney Dave Kline has been practicing law for more than 31 years and riding motorcycles for 40 years.

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A Personal Injury Lawyer Who Rides Motorcycles, Knows Motorcycles

The average personal injury lawyer has no idea.

Almost every Plaintiff’s personal injury attorney in America advertises for motorcycle accident cases, typically because the injuries often involve head injuries, broken bones, severe hematoma, and lacerations that leave scars. However, being in an accident while operating a CAGE vs being in an accident while riding a motorcycle are about as different as night and day.

Unless you ride a street motorcycle, you can’t appreciate the nuances of riding a bike and fully appreciate the factors at play in what caused a motorcycle crash. You need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.

The average personal injury lawyer who does not ride has no clue what counter-steering is and how it can save their life.

The average personal lawyer doesn’t know that your front brake gives you about 70% of your stopping power and that hitting your front brakes will not send you over the handlebars. The average joe doesn’t know you should never lay your bike down, or how to steer out of a skid. But a motorcycle accident lawyer does. Many motorcyclists think they should lay the bike down to avoid impact with another vehicle, but this is almost never the right thing to do.

First of all, if you lay your bike down, you’ve now crashed the bike. You’ve damaged yourself and your bike, when you could have possibly used counter-steering or another technique to avoid a collision in the first place. Second, bikes today have much better brakes than even 20 years ago, making the myth of laying it down because you can’t brake in time almost always a fallacy.

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Philadelphia Motorcycle Accidents’ Common Causes

If a pedestrians is hit by a car, there are a number of steps they should take as soon as possible:

Distracted driving: Motorists not paying attention to their surroundings, often due to phone use or other distractions.

Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.

Lane splitting: Motorcyclists riding between lanes of traffic can lead to collisions, especially in congested areas.

Left-turn accidents: Vehicles making left turns may fail to see oncoming motorcycles, resulting in dangerous collisions.

Driving under the influence: Impaired drivers are a significant cause of accidents, affecting judgment and reaction time.

Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces can be especially hazardous for motorcyclists.

Weather conditions: Rain, fog, and slippery roads can make it difficult to control a motorcycle, increasing accident risk.

Inexperienced riders: Lack of experience or proper training can lead to poor decision-making and unsafe riding behaviors.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics And Risk Factors

Motorcycle accidents continue to be a significant safety concern on the roads. Statistics show that motorcyclists are more vulnerable to serious injuries and fatalities compared to other vehicle occupants. In fact, motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a crash than passengers in cars. Additionally, in 2020, motorcyclists made up 14% of all traffic fatalities, even though motorcycles accounted for only 3% of all registered vehicles in the U.S. Speeding, lack of helmet use, and impaired driving are leading factors contributing to these alarming numbers. For more detailed information on motorcycle accident statistics, visit the National Safety Council’s injury facts page.

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What Are The Most Common Motorcycle Injuries?

  • Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions are common, especially if the rider isn’t wearing a helmet.
  • Road rash: Skin abrasions and lacerations caused by sliding across the pavement during an accident.
  • Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, wrists, and collarbone, due to the impact of the crash.
  • Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
  • Internal injuries: Damage to organs, such as the liver, spleen, or lungs, from the force of the collision.
  • Leg and foot injuries: Crushed or fractured legs, ankles, and feet due to the vulnerability of the lower body during impact.
  • Neck injuries: Whiplash or other neck trauma resulting from the sudden motion of the crash.
  • Facial injuries: Cuts, fractures, and dental damage, particularly for riders not wearing full-face helmets.

How Can Negligence Of The Other Driver In A Motorcycle Accident Be Proven?

To prove that the other driver was negligent in a motorcycle accident, consider the following key elements:

  • Duty of Care: Establish that the other driver had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
  • Breach of Duty: Demonstrate that the other driver failed to fulfill this duty, which could include actions such as speeding, running a red light, or driving while distracted.
  • Causation: Show a direct link between the driver’s breach of duty and the accident, proving that their negligent behavior directly caused the injuries and damages.
  • Damages: Document the injuries and losses suffered due to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
  • Witness Testimonies: Gather statements from witnesses who observed the accident and can corroborate the version of events, confirming the other driver’s negligence.
  • Police Reports: Obtain the official police report from the accident scene, which may include the officer’s observations and conclusions regarding the cause of the accident.
  • Traffic Camera Footage: If available, collect any video footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses that may capture the accident.
  • Expert Opinions: Consult accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the circumstances of the accident and provide professional opinions on the other driver’s negligence.
  • Traffic Law Violations: Highlight any traffic law violations committed by the other driver, as these can strengthen the case for negligence.
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FAQs For Motorcycle Accident Cases

After a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for various types of compensation, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and any ongoing medical care related to the injuries sustained in the accident.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work during recovery, including future lost earning potential if the injuries result in long-term disability.
  • Property Damage: Reimbursement for repair or replacement costs of your motorcycle and any other damaged personal property involved in the accident.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the accident and its aftermath.
  • Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Additional compensation for long-term effects of the injuries, such as permanent disability or significant disfigurement.
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Coverage for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any other rehabilitation services needed to recover from injuries.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases where the other party acted with gross negligence or malicious intent, you may be awarded punitive damages to deter similar behavior in the future.

It’s important to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney to assess your specific situation and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. The Zafran Law Group can help you navigate the complexities of your case and advocate for your rights as a motorcycle accident lawyer in Philadelphia.

When pursuing a motorcycle accident claim, you can expect several key stages in the legal process:

  • Initial Consultation: You will meet with a motorcycle accident attorney to discuss the details of your case, including the accident circumstances, injuries, and potential compensation.
  • Investigation: Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photos to build a strong case.
  • Claim Filing: Once the investigation is complete, your attorney will file a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault party. This claim outlines your injuries, damages, and the compensation you seek.
  • Negotiation: After filing the claim, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance adjuster. This process may involve back-and-forth discussions to reach a fair settlement.
  • Settlement Offer: If the insurance company makes a settlement offer, your attorney will review it to determine if it adequately covers your expenses and losses. You may choose to accept the offer or continue negotiations.
  • Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit to pursue your claim in court. This involves drafting and submitting legal documents to the court.
  • Discovery Process: During the lawsuit, both parties will engage in the discovery process, exchanging evidence and information relevant to the case.
  • Trial: If the case does not settle, it will go to trial, where both sides present their arguments and evidence. A judge or jury will then decide the outcome.
  • Post-Trial: If you win, the court will issue a judgment, and you will receive compensation. If the verdict is unfavorable, your attorney may discuss options for appeal.

Throughout this process, having a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Philadelphia by your side can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Zafran Law Group’s skilled motorcycle accident attorney in Philadelphia can help you get justice.

Hire A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, Not A Generic Personal Injury Lawyer

So, why would you ever hire a non-motorcycling, generic personal injury lawyer when you can hire Zafran’s motorcycle accident attorney DAVE KLINE? He has been riding since the early 1980s when he commuted to Temple on his 1981 brand new maroon Honda CM400 Custom. Today, he regularly rides his BEAST of a 1993 Yamaha V-Max, which was once the most powerful stock motorcycle you could buy (albeit in 1985)! In the early 1980s, unlike today, 3 and 4-year-old non-current motorcycles were packed inside showrooms and were getting sold at heavy discounts off MSRP due to the newly passed Harley tariff and economic conditions.

KLINE knows motorcycle accidents and KLINE, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, works for ZAFRAN. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident involving any degree of injury, call the lawyer with 31 years of personal injury experience (for both sides) as well as 40 years of international riding experience. KLINE knows what it’s like to have been in a crash on a motorcycle– and will appreciate the nuances in a way that only an experienced rider can.

As an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, KLINE can also answer questions about the repeal of Pennsylvania’s mandatory helmet law (for most of us) and how to defeat common defenses used against motorcyclists by the non-motorcycling casualty defense attorneys out there, and answer any questions about motorcycle accident cases specifically. Recently, he settled a motorcyclist’s claim even where the rider voluntarily laid his bike down. Initially, the carrier had denied the claim. A year later, they paid the full $100k policy limits of the CAGE operator. Talk to Dave. No obligation. No charge. You have nothing to lose– unless you don’t talk to him and hire one of the gazillion “generic” personal injury lawyers out there.

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