Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Pennsylvania

There’s nothing like riding through the open fields of Lancaster or down the streets of Old City. Our injury lawyers have a passion for helping riders understand what the lifestyle means to them. Unfortunately, riding comes with significant injury risks that vehicle passengers don’t traditionally experience.

Discuss the most common injuries from motorcycle accidents and the compensation potentially available in your case with the experienced Pennsylvania personal injury team at Mette Law.

Motorcycle Crash Risks and Safety Requirements

There are certain well-known and obvious risks associated with riding. Unlike vehicle passengers, riders are exposed to both the elements and the roadway itself. Striking a motorcycle often means propelling the rider off the bike and onto the pavement. This double-impact frequently causes more serious trauma and can even result in a secondary vehicle strike.

Pennsylvania does not have a universal motorcycle helmet law. However, it requires all riders under 21 to wear a helmet and all riders over 21 to wear protective headgear, unless they have 2 years of riding experience or have taken a PennDOT motorcycle safety course. PA law also requires motorcyclists to use protective eyewear. While our personal injury lawyers always recommend prioritizing safety – including operating a motorcycle appropriate for your size and experience – failing to do so is not a bar to financial recovery.

Most Common Motorcyclist Injuries on Urban and Rural Roads

Riders traveling on major highways such as I-76 and I-80 are more often exposed to high-speed, double impact injuries – including the following catastrophic traumas:

• Paraplegia
• Quadriplegia
• Multiple slipped/herniated spinal discs
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Compression and compound fractures
• Amputations
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Death (often due to severe TBIs or spinal cord trauma)

Lower-speed accidents, such as those occurring during leisurely rides through the country or on packed city streets, can still result in the above traumas. However, our attorneys more frequently see injuries such as friction burns, herniated discs, mild TBIs (concussions), hairline fractures, contusions, and dislocations in such cases.

Compensation Available to Injured Riders in the Commonwealth

Even the Commonwealth admits that most motorcycle crashes occur when drivers don’t see (or aren’t looking for) smaller vehicles. Riders have the same rights to demand personal injury damages as vehicle occupants if they suffered from life-altering injuries due to driver negligence.

These damages can include compensation for past and future medical bills, lost wages and benefits, and even intangible losses such as your physical pain, emotional suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of riding. Working with an experienced Pennsylvania motorcycle injury lawyer who doesn’t charge any upfront legal fees or costs to injured riders is the best way to maximize the financial recovery in your case.

Experienced Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Don’t be fooled. Even though riders have the same rights as drivers, insurance adjusters will try to reduce their payouts after serious motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania. They do not have the right to deny innocent riders personal injury settlements if they were riding safely. Call our motorcycle injury lawyers at (717) 232-5000 or connect with our personal injury attorneys online to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.