Cranberry Township
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

On This Page

1. The Impact of Motorcycle Accidents on its Victims
2. Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Laws and Their Impact on Your Case
3. How Fault and Comparative Negligence Affects Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
4. What a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer From Berger and Green Can Do for You
5. You Have a Limited Amount of Time to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
6. Berger and Green Is Ready to Take on Your Motorcycle Accident Case

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

August 08, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

If you were in a motorcycle accident in Cranberry Township, you are most likely grappling with injuries, financial burdens, filing an insurance claim, and dealing with the insurance company. The bottom line is that you are overwhelmed and unsure of what to do first.

You should find comfort knowing you don’t have to face this alone. A Cranberry personal injury lawyer from Berger and Green in Cranberry Township can handle all the legal aspects of your case while you focus on only one thing: your recovery.

The Impact of Motorcycle Accidents on its Victims

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. Cranberry Township is not immune to such incidents, with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reporting a significant number of motorcycle-related accidents annually. The most common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Road rash

Beyond physical injuries, victims often face emotional and financial hardships. 

This makes it imperative to seek adequate compensation for your immediate and long-term expenses and losses.

Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Laws and Their Impact on Your Case

Pennsylvania’s laws set specific standards for motorcycle riders, including helmet requirements and insurance mandates, which significantly impact your case. For instance, the state’s comparative negligence rules can influence compensation amounts. It’s crucial to understand these legal nuances and how they apply to your specific situation:

• Pennsylvania Helmet Laws: Helmets are mandatory for riders under 21 and those with less than two years of riding experience unless they complete a safety course.
• Insurance Requirements: Pennsylvania requires motorcyclists to carry minimum insurance coverage, which does not by default include medical benefits.
• Fault and Comparative Negligence: In accident cases, the state follows a comparative negligence rule, allowing compensation if you’re less than 51% at fault.

Let’s explore fault and comparative negligence a little further. This specific law can set your mind at ease, especially if you believe you were partly at fault for the motorcycle crash.

How Fault and Comparative Negligence Affects Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

In Pennsylvania, like in many states, the concept of negligence plays a crucial role in determining liability and compensation following a motorcycle accident. Specifically, the state operates under a modified comparative negligence rule.

Fault and Comparative Negligence in Pennsylvania

Under the modified comparative negligence rule:

• Compensation Adjusted by Fault: If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania, your ability to recover compensation is contingent upon your degree of fault. If you are found to be less than 51% at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but the amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
• 51% Rule: If your fault level reaches 51% or higher, you become ineligible to receive compensation from other parties involved in the accident. This rule incentivizes drivers and riders to adhere to traffic laws and exercise caution.
• Multiple Parties: In accidents involving multiple parties, each party’s liability is generally determined by their specific percentage of fault. This can complicate the recovery process, as it requires a detailed examination of the events leading to the accident.

Application of Comparative Negligence in Motorcycle Accidents

Applying comparative negligence in motorcycle accidents often involves an intricate analysis of evidence. Factors such as speed, adherence to traffic signals, weather conditions, and the use of safety gear can all influence the determination of fault. 

For motorcyclists, perceptions of risk-taking behavior or the failure to wear protective equipment can affect fault assessments, even though such factors may not directly contribute to the accident.

Given the complexities of these laws, it is crucial to seek the help of an attorney with experience handling these types of cases. But it’s not just about choosing any law firm.

What a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer From Berger and Green Can Do for You

Choosing the right legal representation can significantly affect your case outcome. Berger and Green, with years of experience in personal injury law, including motorcycle accidents, offers:

• Personalized Legal Strategies: Tailoring approaches to meet the unique circumstances of your case.
• Expertise in Local and State Laws: Knowledge of specific regulations affecting your case.
• Navigating Insurance Claims: Professional assistance to combat lowball offers from insurance companies.
• Proving Negligence: Skill in collecting and presenting evidence to support your claim.
• Maximizing Compensation: Ensuring you receive full compensation for all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Contingency Fee Structure: You pay no fees unless we win your case, providing financial peace of mind.
• Proven Track Record: A history of securing favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients.

Whether negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court, the guidance of a seasoned personal injury lawyer is invaluable. 

A Cranberry motorcycle accident lawyer understands all the complexities of comparative negligence and knows how to apply them to your motorcycle accident case. That means you don’t have to worry about them. And if you have any questions, your Cranberry motorcycle accident lawyer can answer them.

By aligning with Berger and Green to handle your motorcycle accident case, you have a partner committed to securing the fair compensation you deserve.

You Have a Limited Amount of Time to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

Time is of the essence. The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania imposes a deadline for filing a lawsuit, making it crucial to act swiftly. In Pennsylvania, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Failure to act within this period could result in losing your right to compensation.

Early legal intervention also ensures evidence preservation and a stronger case foundation.

Berger and Green Is Ready to Take on Your Motorcycle Accident Case

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Cranberry Township, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. 

Contact Berger and Green today for your free initial consultation. Let our Cranberry motorcycle accident lawyer guide you through every step of your legal journey, ensuring your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation you deserve.