If you’re an avid motorcycle rider, you know the sense of freedom and thrill of the open road that comes with riding on two wheels. Unfortunately, for many, that freedom often comes with a price. You can be the safest motorcyclist on the road, but that’s not always enough to protect you from a reckless or negligent driver.
And let’s face it. Many drivers don’t treat motorcycle riders with the same caution and respect they do with other vehicles. A single moment of aggression or lapse of attention can send a car, truck, or SUV into your path with devastating consequences.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer who understands the challenges riders face. At Stark & Stark, many of our lawyers are riders themselves. We know that a motorcycle crash can upend your life in an instant, leaving you with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future.
Stark & Stark can help you turn the tables around by advocating for you, negotiating for your full and fair compensation, and handling every hurdle so that you can focus on your recovery.
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Philadelphia slip and fall Guide
- Why Choose Stark & Stark for Your Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Case?
- Do I Have a Viable Motorcycle Accident Claim?
- Injuries Commonly Associated with Motorcycle Accidents
- Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Philadelphia?
- What Compensation Is Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims?
- Let Stark & Stark Handle the Insurance Companies
- Liability in a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Case
- Is There a Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
- How Can a Lawyer Help with Your Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Case?
- Contact the Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Stark & Stark Today
Why Choose Stark & Stark for Your Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Case?
For nearly a century, Stark & Stark has advocated for personal injury victims, including motorcyclists, across Pennsylvania. We’ve built a reputation for results and client satisfaction that draws clients to us from across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and several other states.
History of Success
From securing compensation for catastrophic injuries to obtaining justice in wrongful death cases, our attorneys have achieved settlements and verdicts that make a real difference in our clients’ lives. Whether negotiating a settlement or fighting in court, we leverage decades of legal experience to ensure your case is presented with precision and strength.
Connection to Motorcycle Riders
Our team understands the unique challenges that come with motorcycle accidents, from the stigma that riders often face to the severity of the injuries they endure. What sets us apart is our commitment to each client’s recovery, both physically and financially.
Results That Matter
Over the years, our lawyers have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for motorcycle accident victims, helping them rebuild their lives. We combine extensive legal experience with a deep understanding of motorcycle culture, giving us the insight to present your case effectively.
Client-Focused Advocacy
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We provide compassionate guidance and aggressive representation, ensuring you’re supported every step of the way. With high client satisfaction ratings and recognition for our legal work, Stark & Stark is a name you can trust.
Contingency Fee Representation
We know that motorcycle accidents can leave victims under extreme financial stress, so the last thing you need is to worry about paying a lawyer. Stark & Stark’s personal injury attorneys offer a contingency fee structure, so you don’t pay us anything for our services unless we win your case. This commitment allows everyone to access top-tier legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
Trial-Ready Leverage
We settle most cases out of court because insurance companies recognize us as trial lawyers who are prepared to take your case to court if that’s what we need to do to secure your maximum compensation. Our trial readiness sends a message to insurance adjusters that we aren’t backing down until you receive the financial recovery you deserve. Our willingness to go the distance often leads to quicker and more favorable settlements for our clients.
Do I Have a Viable Motorcycle Accident Claim?
If someone else’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Most personal injury claims, including those involving motorcycle accidents, are based on the concept of negligence.
Proving negligence involves demonstrating:
- Duty of Care: The at-fault party needed to act responsibly by obeying traffic laws and not endangering others.
- Breach of Duty: They failed to meet this obligation, acting carelessly or recklessly.
- Causation: Their failure directly caused your accident and resulting injuries.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Our experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to build your case. Even if you’re unsure whether you have a claim, we encourage you to consult with our legal team. We can help you understand legal options.
Injuries Commonly Associated with Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are exceptionally dangerous because riders lack the physical protection that cars and other vehicles provide. Injuries tend to be more severe, often requiring extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with helmets, which have very limited protection, motorcyclists are at risk for concussions and more severe brain injuries that may cause permanent cognitive, psychological, and emotional impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord damage can cause partial or total paralysis, all of which fundamentally alter your quality of life.
- Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are particularly vulnerable to break or fracture in a crash.
- Road Rash: Severe abrasions caused by contact with the pavement can lead to infection, scarring, and long-term pain.
- Internal Injuries: Impact with vehicles or the road can cause life-threatening damage to internal organs or internal bleeding.
- Facial and Dental Injuries: Many riders sustain injuries to their face and jaw in motorcycle collisions, requiring reconstructive surgery or extensive dental work.
In some cases, motorcycle injuries can lead to permanent disability or even death. Tragically, motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured and 22 times more likely to die in a crash than car occupants, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you’ve suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, Stark & Stark is here to help.
Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Philadelphia?
Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere, but certain locations in Philadelphia pose higher risks for riders. Knowing these hotspots can help motorcyclists stay extra vigilant for negligent drivers:
- Roosevelt Boulevard: Known for high speeds and heavy traffic, this roadway is a common site for accidents.
- Schuylkill Expressway (I-76): Aggressive drivers and frequent congestion make this highway dangerous for motorcyclists.
- Broad Street: One of Philadelphia’s busiest streets, Broad Street sees frequent collisions due to distracted and reckless drivers.
- Lincoln Drive: While scenic, its sharp curves and narrow lanes can be hazardous, especially for motorcyclists.
- Vine Street Expressway (I-676): Merging traffic and sharp turns increases the likelihood of accidents.
Poorly maintained roads, such as those with potholes or uneven pavement, also contribute to crashes. If your accident occurred in one of these areas or anywhere else in Philadelphia, our attorneys can investigate the specific circumstances to identify contributing factors.
What Compensation Is Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims?
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation.
Damages fall into two main categories:
Economic Damages
These tangible losses have clear monetary values, including:
- Medical Expenses: Past, current, and future costs for treatment, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Lost Wages: Income you’ve lost due to time off work while recovering.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: Compensation for the long-term impact of your injuries on your ability to work.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your motorcycle and other belongings.
Non-Economic Damages
These compensate for intangible losses, like:
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment: The diminished ability to enjoy hobbies, activities, or quality of life.
- Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the emotional toll on your relationships, particularly in wrongful death cases.
- Loss of consortium: For spouses, severe injuries may adversely affect their relationship.
If your loved one tragically died in a motorcycle accident, you may also file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and other damages. Our Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorneys can guide you through this process with compassion and care.
Let Stark & Stark Handle the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are notorious for undervaluing claims, especially when motorcyclists are involved. They may unfairly stereotype riders as reckless or use other tactics to minimize payouts. Handling these negotiations on your own can result in a settlement for far less than you deserve.
At Stark & Stark, we know how to counter insurance company tactics. Our trial-ready approach to each case gives us leverage to obtain maximum compensation through skilled negotiations. If the other driver’s insurance company refuses to settle fairly, we can argue your case before a judge or jury.
Liability in a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Case
Determining liability in a motorcycle accident often requires a thorough investigation.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you can hold several parties accountable, including:
- Negligent Drivers: Those who speed, text, drive under the influence, or fail to yield are common causes of motorcycle accidents.
- Government Entities: Poorly designed roads, potholes, or inadequate signage can lead to crashes.
- Motorcycle Manufacturers: Defective parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, can contribute to accidents.
- Commercial Vehicle Operators: Truck and delivery drivers often fail to account for motorcyclists when turning or merging.
- Bars and Restaurants: Establishments that serve alcohol can also be held liable in certain situations under Pennsylvania’s dram shop laws. If a bar or restaurant serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later causes an accident, the establishment may share responsibility for the resulting injuries.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a lawsuit. However, certain exceptions could affect the timeline of your case. To ensure your rights are protected and your case is filed on time, contact Stark & Stark today to speak with an experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer.
How Can a Lawyer Help with Your Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Case?
The road to recovery can seem long and overwhelming after a motorcycle accident. Coping with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies makes anyone feel lost. It’s little wonder that many accident victims delay calling a lawyer.
But putting off seeking legal help after a serious motorcycle crash in Philadelphia can be a costly mistake. Insurance companies will not have your best interests in mind, and important evidence can go overlooked. There are so many factors that can affect the value of your claim.
Stark & Stark will shoulder all of the legal burdens and negotiations while fighting for your full and fair compensation. Science has proven that the stress of coping with injuries after an accident can create financial toxicity and hinder your recovery. Working with a lawyer gives you the peace of mind that your case and your future are in good hands.
Contact the Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Stark & Stark Today
At Stark & Stark, we don’t just see you as another case; we see you as a person who deserves respect, care, and unwavering support. Let us handle your legal challenges while you focus on your recovery. Together, we’ll work to rebuild your future.
Call us today at (267) 907-9600 for your free, no-obligation consultation with a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer and take the first step toward justice and recovery. We can’t undo all the damage someone did to you, but we can help to secure the compensation you deserve to make your life far less difficult.