When you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in Pittsburgh, you need a trusted advocate on your side. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., our experienced Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve. With a deep understanding of motorcycle accident law, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Pennsylvania
A motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, but taking immediate action can protect your health and your legal case. Here’s what to do after a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get medical help immediately. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or whiplash, may not appear right away.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, your bike, and the other vehicle(s). Collect witness statements and contact information.
- File a Police Report: Ensure a formal report is filed by the responding officers, as it will be critical for proving your claim.
- Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer Pittsburgh trusts. Avoid speaking with insurance companies before consulting with an attorney.
Every detail matters. Acting quickly can make all the difference when pursuing compensation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents & Collisions in Pennsylvania
Motorcycle accidents often result from negligence or hazardous conditions. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania include:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, adjusting the radio, or other distractions can lead to collisions.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react in time.
- Failure to Yield: Many drivers fail to recognize motorcyclists’ right of way, especially at intersections.
- Alcohol and Drug Use: Impairment drastically increases crash risks.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, loose gravel, or debris can cause bikers to lose control.
Understanding these causes helps in holding the responsible parties accountable. Our Pittsburgh motorcycle accident attorneys are skilled in identifying liability in these complex cases.
How are Motorcyclists at Fault in these Incidents?
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.
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, P.C., our Pittsburgh motorcycle accident attorneys 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.
Comparative Fault / Shared Liability
In Pennsylvania, comparative fault (sometimes called shared liability) comes into play when more than one party may have caused the motorcycle accident. If you are found partially responsible, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you were found to be 20% at fault, any settlement or award would be reduced by that 20%. This system allows multiple people to share responsibility, rather than placing blame entirely on one person.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Pennsylvania sees thousands of motorcycle accidents annually:
- Over 3,000 motorcycle crashes occur each year, leading to around 180 fatalities and 3,000 injuries.
- Motorcyclists account for nearly 14% of all traffic-related deaths, though they represent a smaller percentage of road users.
- Fatalities involving unhelmeted riders remain significant, highlighting the importance of following Pennsylvania helmet laws.
These figures emphasize the risks motorcyclists face and the need for robust legal representation after an accident.
Motorcycle-Specific Laws in Pennsylvania
- Helmet Requirements: In 2025, proposed universal helmet legislation (HB 1809) would require all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets, with the existing law already mandating helmets for those under 21 or with less than two years' experience or no safety course.
- Eye Protection: Both riders and passengers must wear state-approved eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windscreen meeting legal requirements.
- License & Training: Riders must hold a valid Class M motorcycle license, which involves passing a state-approved skills test or completing the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program.
- Passenger Rules: Passengers must have their own seat and footrests; carrying passengers in a way not designed by the manufacturer is prohibited.
- Lane Splitting: Lane splitting (driving between lanes of traffic) is illegal in Pennsylvania.
- Headlight & Taillight Use: Motorcycles must always have headlights on when in operation and taillights must be functional for safety and visibility.
- Traffic Law Compliance: Riders must obey all speed limits, traffic signals, DUI laws, and general traffic regulations that apply to other vehicles.
- Insurance Requirements: All riders are required to carry motorcycle liability insurance with at least $15,000/$30,000 bodily injury and $5,000 property damage minimum coverage.
- Equipment Standards: Motorcycles must have working brakes, mirrors, tires, exhaust, and be compliant with all Department of Transportation safety standards.
- Seating & Helmet Visibility: Passengers must sit on a designated seat and both operator and passenger must have helmets that are DOT-approved and worn according to regulations if required by law.
How Pennsylvania’s Helmet Laws Affect Your Motorcycle Accident Case
Although Pennsylvania law allows riders over 21 to forgo helmets under certain conditions, failing to wear one could impact your case. Insurance companies may argue that injuries would have been less severe had you worn a helmet. However, our experienced attorneys know how to counter these arguments and fight for fair compensation regardless of helmet use.
Helmets used must meet the requirements approved by the US Department of Transportation.
Acceptable helmets must have the DOT sticker on the outside and have the following information on the inside:
- Name or identification of the manufacturer
- Precise model designation
- Size
- Month and year the helmet was made
If you are under 21 or have less than two years of riding experience, you must wear a helmet to be in compliance with the law in Pennsylvania.
What Types of Injuries Are Caused in a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to a lack of protection. Common injuries include:
- Head Injuries (even with helmet use)
- Spinal Cord Injuries like paralysis
- Broken Bones
- Road Rash and deep lacerations
- Internal Injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding
- Muscle and Ligament Damage
- Fatalities
These injuries often have long-lasting physical and emotional impacts, making compensation crucial.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive for a Motorcycle Accident Injury?
Victims of motorcycle accidents may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses (current and future treatment)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage repairs or replacement
With skilled representation, these damages can total hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the case.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania, it helps to know that there are time limits for filing a personal injury claim. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action. This rule applies whether your injuries are minor or serious, and no matter how long your recovery takes.
The two-year clock usually starts on the day of the accident, but there are some exceptions:
- Discovery Rule: If your injuries weren’t immediately obvious, the clock may start when you first realize, or reasonably should have realized, that you were hurt.
- Minors: If you were under 18 when the accident happened, the clock doesn’t start until your 18th birthday, giving you until age 20 to file a claim.
- Government Claims: If the accident involves a government agency, you may need to notify them within six months.
Missing the filing deadline can lead to your case being dismissed, as insurance companies or other parties may argue that your claim is no longer valid.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
After a motorcycle accident, insurance companies may contact you quickly to settle your claim. Adjusters often aim to reduce payouts, which means even small statements or signed documents can affect the compensation you receive. Knowing how to handle communication with the insurance company can help ensure your side of the story is accurately represented.
Tips for dealing with insurers:
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, bills, and time missed from work.
- Avoid giving recorded statements or signing forms without guidance from your attorney.
- Document all accident-related communications, including emails and phone calls.
- Take photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and any visible injuries.
- Speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to review offers, provide guidance, and represent you throughout the claims process.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys manage all communication with insurance companies on your behalf. We gather the evidence needed to show the full impact of your accident, review all offers carefully, and work to make sure any settlement reflects the true scope of your injuries and losses.
Why Choose Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. for Your Motorcycle Accidents?
At our personal injury firm, we bring decades of experience, unmatched dedication, and a client-first approach. We understand the bias against motorcyclists and know how to overcome it. We investigate every detail, from police reports to road conditions, ensuring no evidence goes unnoticed. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Types of Accidents Our Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Handle
At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., we have experience with a wide range of motorcycle accidents, including but not limited to:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end crashes
- Left-turn accidents by cars
- Lane-splitting accidents
- Single-bike crashes caused by poor road conditions or faulty equipment
No matter the type of accident, our team is prepared to stand by your side and fight for justice.
Contact the Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at SSF Law Firm Today
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait. Contact Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. today for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us to get started.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Can I Afford to Hire a Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Absolutely. With our contingency fee structure, there are no upfront costs. Our fee is just 25% of your recovery, significantly lower than the 40% many other firms charge. You only pay if we recover compensation for you.
Who is at fault in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident?
Fault often lies with negligent drivers, but factors like road conditions, faulty vehicle parts, or intoxicated service providers may also play a role.
What is the average settlement for a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident?
Settlements vary based on factors like the severity of injuries, medical costs, and the victim’s long-term needs. Our attorneys can evaluate your case to determine an accurate settlement value.
Where do motorcycle crashes occur most in Pittsburgh?
Intersections and congested roads are frequent crash sites, as are areas with poor lighting or hazardous conditions.
What Factors Will Be Considered in My Motorcycle Accident Case?
- The other driver’s negligence
- Your helmet use
- Roadway conditions
- Faulty equipment or vehicle defects
Our team will look at every angle to maximize your compensation.
Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. Riders over 21 are not required to wear helmets. Not wearing a helmet doesn’t prevent you from seeking compensation, but insurance companies may argue your injuries could have been less severe with a helmet, which can affect the amount awarded.
Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
It’s best to speak with an attorney before providing any recorded statement. Insurance adjusters may use your words to minimize your claim. An experienced attorney can guide you on how to communicate effectively.
How long does a motorcycle accident case take to resolve?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, severity of injuries, and whether a settlement is reached. Some cases may resolve in a few months, while others could take longer if they go to trial. An attorney can provide a more accurate estimate based on your situation.
What if I was injured in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident?
You still have options. Your own insurance, such as uninsured motorist coverage, may help cover your injuries and damages. An attorney can guide you through the process and explore all avenues to seek compensation.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. With experienced lawyers for motorcycle accidents on your side, you’ll be in the best position to recover the compensation you’re entitled to.
Can I claim compensation for emotional distress after a motorcycle accident?
Yes. Emotional distress, anxiety, or trauma resulting from the accident may be included as part of pain and suffering damages in your claim. An attorney can help ensure these impacts are properly considered.
