Motorcycle accidents can be scary. When they happen, it is important to determine who was at fault. Sometimes it is a vehicle driver. Other times the motorcyclist is at fault. In some cases, both parties share the blame for a crash. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our knowledgeable and experienced Pittsburgh motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to help you get through an accident. Today, we want to discuss some issues concerning motorcycle accidents, particularly what it means for a motorcyclist to be at-fault in a crash.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, particularly for the motorcyclist. Motorcycle drivers and passengers have little protection from the force of a vehicle slamming into them. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said that there were 3,194 motorcycle crashes reported in the latest year of data available. Out of those, there were:
- 181 motorcyclist fatalities
- 4,413 motorcyclist injuries
Most motorcycles versus vehicle accidents are caused by the drivers of the vehicles. However, one thing not often discussed is the injuries and damages to passenger vehicle occupants. In many cases, a motorcyclist is at fault and must be held accountable.
HOW ARE MOTORCYCLISTS AT FAULT IN THESE INCIDENTS?
First, we want to point out that motorcyclists are responsible for more single-vehicle accidents than other vehicles. When it comes to colliding with other vehicles, a motorcyclist can be at fault if they:
- Are illegally lane splitting (riding down the middle lane of stalled or stopped traffic) and strike a vehicle. Lane splitting is not legal in Pennsylvania.
- They are riding down the wrong lane of traffic and get into a head-on collision.
- Try to pass a car in the same lane the car is already in.
- Are operating at unsafe speeds.
- Are impaired by drugs or alcohol when operating the motorcycle.
We want to point out that Pennsylvania is a no-fault accident state. Determining who is at fault in a crash is not required in order to receive compensation from the insurance company for injuries or lost income due to the crash. However, you could still file a lawsuit in the event a significant injury occurs due to the motorcycle accident.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU SECURE COMPENSATION?
Establishing fault in the aftermath of an accident with a motorcycle is never easy. Even cases that seem cut and dry are not always that way. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we are ready to get to work on your behalf. Let our team get to work investigating your motorcycle crash today so we can secure the compensation you need. This can include:
- Your medical expenses related to the motorcycle crash
- Lost wages and benefits if you are unable to work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment damages
- Possible punitive damages against the responsible party
Whether you have been struck by a motorcyclist or you are a motorcyclist injured by another driver, we can help. You can contact our Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyers for a free consultation by clicking here or calling (412) 391-7610.
