Top Allentown Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

In an Allentown motorcycle accident, liability can extend beyond just the other driver involved. Potentially liable parties include the motorcycle manufacturer if a defect caused the accident, if a person’s property conditions contributed, and even the employer of the at-fault driver if the accident occurred while the other driver was in the course and scope of their work.

Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation by award-winning Allentown motorcycle accident lawyers who can identify all responsible parties to better set the stage for maximum compensation.

The United States Department of Transportation reports that car drivers are more likely to be the at-fault party in a vehicle-motorcycle crash. Failure to yield in right-of-way violations (most often at intersections), improper left turns, and distracted driving are the most common causes of car-on-motorcycle accidents.

General statistics can’t substitute for the specific facts of your case, however. A Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyer can help prove to insurance companies — or a judge — that you were not liable for the motorcycle accident.

In Pennsylvania, the negligence rules follow a "modified comparative negligence" standard with a 51% bar. This means that you can recover damages only if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. If someone is found to be 51% or more responsible, it’s unlikely they can recover any compensation. Compensation is reduced by an individual’s percentage of fault.

For instance, if a person is found to be 30% at fault in an accident, their damages can be reduced by 30%. Understanding these rules is crucial for determining the potential outcome of a case and benefits from careful legal analysis from five-star Allentown motorcycle accident lawyers.

Most motorcycle crashes occur at intersections where visibility is often limited, and the chances of collisions with other vehicles increase. A majority of accidents involving motorcycles and automobiles occur with left-turning cars.

While making left turns, drivers often fail to see motorcycle riders. Urban areas also see a significant number of motorcycle accidents, especially in heavy traffic conditions where sudden stops and lane changes are common.

Additionally, crashes frequently happen on highways and rural roads due to higher speeds and potential hazards such as sharp turns and uneven surfaces. Most rural motorcycle accidents occur on non-interstate roads. Interstate roads may be further from hospitals or trauma units, making treating life-threatening injuries potentially harder.

If you weren't wearing a helmet during a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania, it could contribute to serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures. While Pennsylvania law requires helmets for riders under 21, those over 21 with sufficient experience are not legally required to wear one.

The "eggshell skull rule" in Pennsylvania means that the at-fault party is liable for all injuries caused, even if your decision not to wear a helmet exacerbated those injuries. However, this choice could impact the compensation amount, as insurers might argue your injuries would have been less severe with a helmet. The top Allentown motorcycle accident lawyers can help rebuff these claims.

Consulting with a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer like the ones at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo can help navigate these issues and ensure fair compensation.

Yes, a motorcycle crash is typically considered a personal injury case. When a motorcyclist is injured due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, they can file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for their injuries, with the help of personal injury lawyers in Allentown. This claim can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.

Personal injury claims are designed to help victims recover financially and physically from the crash’s impact. Consulting Allentown motorcycle accident lawyers is a good step toward bringing an injured party’s rights to justice and the possibility for financial compensation.

If someone is of legal age (18) but otherwise incapacitated, like individuals with mental illness or those in a coma, another party can step in and sue on their behalf — usually a legal guardian or someone with power of attorney.

This is important, since while incapacitated individuals might not be able to pursue a lawsuit independently, they require financial compensation to continue their care.

A parent, legal guardian, or guardian ad litem (often someone appointed by the court like a lawyer or trained volunteer) can pursue legal action on behalf of a minor injured in a motorcycle accident. Minors are not legally allowed to represent themselves.

Unfortunately, minors can get into PA motorcycle crashes rather easily. There is no minimum age to be a passenger on a motorbike in Pennsylvania. To drive a motorcycle (Class M license), a person only needs to be 16 years old or older. It’s rare to have a court-appointed third-party guardian.

If a minor is hurt in a motorbike crash in Pennsylvania but an adult doesn’t file for damages, the injured individual can do so once they become a legal adult. Then, the statute of limitations is two years from their 18th birthday.

There are some exceptions, including for mental impairments and the date of reasonably discovering an injury or the date of death. The Lehigh Valley motorcycle accident lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo can tell you more about your particular case.

The most common motorcycle accidents include left-turn accidents, speeding-related crashes, and incidents involving drunk driving or impaired riding. Left-turn accidents often occur when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, failing to see it or misjudging its speed.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Speeding increases the risk of losing control and reduces reaction time, leading to more severe collisions. Drunk driving or impaired riding significantly impairs judgment and reaction times, making it a major cause of serious motorcycle accidents.

These types of accidents highlight the importance of vigilance and adherence to traffic laws to ensure safety on the road. Deciphering the single or multiple causes of a crash is something that Allentown motorcycle accident lawyers do regularly.

Motorcycle accidents can result in a range of severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders compared to occupants of other vehicles. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can have long-term or permanent effects on cognitive and motor functions. Fractures and broken bones are also common, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering the victim's quality of life. Additionally, road rash, a type of skin injury caused by sliding on pavement, can cause serious infections and scarring.

In the most tragic cases, motorcycle accidents can result in wrongful death, leaving families to cope with the emotional and financial aftermath. Given the serious nature of these injuries, consulting with Allentown motorcycle accident lawyers like those at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo helps victims access funding needed for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

If your injuries show up later on, seek medical attention immediately, and then look at your legal options. It’s very common for injuries to appear after an accident; shock and adrenaline can mask injuries.

That is one reason it’s important to seek medical services as soon as you can — a doctor can help identify potentially hidden injuries. If physical damage appears later, you could still seek financial compensation. Carefully document symptoms, including medical treatment, and reach out to an Allentown motorcycle accident lawyer.

After a motorcycle crash, take immediate steps to protect your health and legal rights. First, ensure your safety and the safety of others by moving to a secure location if possible, and call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.

Document the scene by taking photographs or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and exchange insurance details with the other driver involved. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Contact a seasoned Allentown motorcycle accident attorney, like those at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, to guide you through the legal process, handle communications with insurance companies, and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

After a motorcycle accident, don't leave the scene, as it could be considered a hit-and-run. Even if the damage seems minor, leaving the scene of an accident is prohibited under Vehicle Code Title 75, Sections 3742, 3744, and 3745. Move your motorcycle out of the way so it's not a road hazard. Otherwise, leave it where it lies so as not to interfere with an accident investigation.

Of course, the most important thing is to call for emergency services if anyone is hurt.

Still, avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you. Instead, stick to the facts when speaking with police or others involved.

Remember, don't neglect to seek medical attention, even if you feel fine, since some injuries may not show symptoms immediately.

Finally, avoid posting about the accident on social media or discussing it with insurance companies without consulting a motorcycle accident lawyer in Allentown. The last thing anyone would want is to negatively impact legal or compensation claims.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have a two-year window to initiate a lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries and damages sustained in the accident. Failing to file within this period typically results in the loss of your right to pursue a claim.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule:

For instance, if the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended until they reach the age of 18. Beyond that, under the "discovery rule," if an injury is not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may begin from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. Given these nuances, consult with a knowledgeable injury attorney at a motorcycle crash law firm so claims are filed in a timely and correct manner.

Call an Allentown injury attorney as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident. Immediate legal consultation ensures that critical evidence is preserved, witness statements are accurately recorded, and your rights are protected from the outset.

Early involvement of an Allentown motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of dealing with insurance companies and medical bills and prevent you from making statements or decisions that could jeopardize your claim. A prompt, free, no-obligation consultation with Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo can significantly enhance your chances of securing fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Yes, you can afford a motorcycle accident lawyer at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo. Since our Allentown motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t owe us any money up-front. A contingency fee basis means we take a percentage of the final settlement or verdict, so if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything at all.

Allentown motorcycle accident lawyers can help you understand your rights, evaluate the details of your case, and develop a strategy to pursue maximum compensation. They can handle communications with insurance companies, ensuring you are not taken advantage of and that you receive a fair settlement.

A Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorney can gather and preserve essential evidence, build a strong case, and represent you in court, if necessary. Choosing a knowledgeable attorney, such as those at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, ensures that you have a dedicated advocate fighting for your best interests and helping you through every step of the legal process.

Our attorneys at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo can share comprehensive support and expert legal representation for motorcycle injury cases. Our highly qualified personal injury attorneys understand the unique challenges that come with motorcycle accidents, from proving liability to navigating insurance claims. We meticulously gather evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a strong case on your behalf.

Our team negotiates aggressively with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement and, if necessary, represent you in court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. With a proven track record of successful outcomes and a commitment to personalized client care, Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo is dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible results in your motorcycle injury case. Take a look at our past clients’ testimonials to see what we do for our clients with both legal and emotional support.

Motorcycle accidents can be incredibly serious. Unlike cars, motorcycles provide minimal protection to riders, making them particularly vulnerable. Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be more severe and can result in fatalities.

Common motorbike injuries include head trauma, spinal injuries, broken bones, and painful road rash. Long-term health complications can result and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Beyond physical injuries, the consequences of a motorcycle accident can also affect mental health, financial stability, and overall quality of life.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcyclists make up 15% of all traffic fatalities, with well over 6,000 motorcycle riders killed a year. Safety is essential here: 34% of all motorcyclist deaths are in those who don’t have a license.

The length of time it takes to recover from a motorcycle crash depends on the severity of the accident and the nature of your medical treatment.

For example, minor abrasions (scrapes and bruises) might take a week or two, unless the injury is several skin layers deep. Sprains, like the more Mild Grade 1 variety, usually recover in a few weeks. If someone gets a moderate sprain (like the Grade 2 ones), it can take three to six weeks to feel better. Grade 3 sprains are severe and may involve a complete ligament tear which can take eight to 12 weeks to recover, which sometimes requires surgery or rehabilitation.

Broken bones may require several weeks to months or even years to fully heal; even then, they can present pain and difficulty.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI), depending on the severity, can be difficult to heal from. Mild or moderate TBIs, like concussions, could have a recovery timeline of weeks to months or even years. Often long-term care is needed, and accounting for cognitive impairments, physical difficulties, emotional/behavioral challenges, and occupational issues is critical.

Difficulties like those often require significant funds to overcome or accommodate. Speak to an Allentown motorcycle accident lawyer about how financial compensation could factor into your recovery.

After a motorcycle accident, the most important first step is to take care of your health. If you can do so safely, move to a secure location. Seek medical attention right away, even for seemingly minor injuries or none at all (some injuries present later on).

Next, report the accident to the police (accident reports can be helpful in personal injury cases). While still at the scene, gather evidence by taking photos of the accident, vehicle damage, and any injuries, and collect witness contact information.

Document everything, including medical treatments and expenses. Contact an Allentown motorcycle injury lawyer to discuss your case and understand your rights.

Motorcycle accidents are some of the most dangerous accidents on the road. Serious injuries, like TBIs, spinal cord injuries, and bone fractures, are common. In some cases, these or other injuries can lead to death. Our Allentown motorcycle accident lawyers are skilled wrongful death attorneys and can help families access a financial safety net while they focus on grieving their loss.

When you feel ready, consider reaching out to our team. An Allentown motorcycle accident lawyer can help with the investigation as well as the legal proceedings. They can also review the accident, including the police reports and evidence. Accident law firms can also work to gather evidence, including nearby security footage, dashcams, and black box data (like our Allentown trucking accident lawyers do).

They can collect important data like medical records and witness statements. Reviewing your (and the other driver’s insurance policies) is often part of what they do, along with bringing in professionals like accident reconstruction experts and civil engineer reports. All this work helps build a strong case for a wrongful death claim.

Bereaved families could be entitled to funds to help cover expenses like funeral costs and medical bills before the passing. Sums may also include the lost wages of the deceased, loss of inheritance, and loss of services. Non-economic damages could account for the surviving family’s pain and suffering and loss of companionship.

Pennsylvania law doesn’t put a limit on wrongful death damages, but it does for punitive damages (which can’t be more than double the awarded compensatory damages). While some exceptions exist, the statute of limitations on wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania is two years after the death. Allentown motorcycle accident lawyers can tell you more about your specific case and help you file on time.

The toll, physical, emotional, and financial, can have long-lasting effects. Recovering financial compensation means getting the chance to heal by accessing the medical care required for physical and emotional healthcare.

Besides medical bills, legal actions help replace past and future wages, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and more. Accounting for non-economic damages can be complex. Legal professionals like Allentown motorcycle accident lawyers know how to define and calculate these non-fixed costs to get their clients the best possible outcome.

The time it takes for insurance to pay out after an accident can vary, but, in general, Pennsylvania insurance companies take between 30 and 90 days to investigate, accept, or deny a claim after they have been made aware of it. However, not all claims are settled so quickly.

If liability is clear and the damages are straightforward, you might receive a settlement, but if there are disputes over fault, injuries requiring long-term treatment, or delays in treatment or documentation, the process can take much longer.

To speed things up, try to provide all necessary documents as quickly as you can. Retaining the help of an Allentown motorcycle accident law firm can help get your paperwork submitted quickly and correctly and help negotiate with your insurance, protecting your rights and helping you get what you need to recover.

How long it takes to settle a motorcycle accident case in Pennsylvania can vary widely, typically ranging from a few months to over a year, depending on how complex the case is and how many parties are involved. Since every case is unique, an Allentown motorcycle accident lawyer can tell you more about your particular situation.

Choosing Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo for your personal injury case means partnering with a team of highly accomplished and dedicated attorneys who have a proven track record of success. Our Allentown law firm has recovered over half a billion dollars in settlements for our clients, with notable achievements, including a $95 million verdict and extensive history in personal injury cases spanning decades.

When looking at our proven track record of results, we are proud of our verdicts and settlements, including a $1.75 million motorcycle settlement and a $1.35 million motorcycle accident settlement.

We prioritize a client-centered approach, ensuring clear communication, empathy, and effective legal strategies to hold negligent parties accountable. Our commitment to justice and personalized client care makes us the trusted choice for those seeking comprehensive legal support in Pennsylvania for personal injury cases.

Starting your motorbike accident case with Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo is straightforward and begins with scheduling a free, no-obligation consultation. During this initial meeting, our expert attorneys review the details of your accident, assess the potential for your case, and explain the legal process.

To get started, simply give us a call or fill out our online form to meet with an Allentown motorcycle accident lawyer. We are dedicated to sharing personalized legal guidance and support, ensuring you understand your rights and the steps needed to pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

During the first meeting, a lawyer may answer several crucial questions to help you understand the legal process and your case's potential. They can explain the steps involved in filing a claim, discuss the types of compensation you may be entitled to, and outline the timeline for your case.

The attorney can also clarify the legal basis for your claim, potential challenges, and how they plan to gather evidence and build a strong case. They can address any questions about their experience, fee structure, and how they communicate with you throughout the process. This initial consultation is an opportunity for you to gain a clear understanding of what to expect and how the attorney can assist you in seeking justice and compensation.

When attending a consultation with an Allentown motorcycle accident lawyer, bring specific documentation to help the attorney assess your case. Key documents might include:

Accident Report: The official police report detailing the incident.

Medical Records: Documentation of your injuries, treatments, and medical expenses.

Insurance Information: Your insurance policy and any correspondence with insurance companies.

Photographic Evidence: Photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.

Witness Information: Contact details and statements from any witnesses to the accident.

Repair Estimates: Costs for repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other damaged property.

Bringing these documents can help your attorney evaluate the strength of your case, determine potential compensation, and develop a strategic plan for your claim.

In many personal injury cases, including motorcycle accident claims, lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not have to pay any upfront fees. Instead, your lawyer’s fees are deducted as a percentage of the settlement or court award you receive.

If your case is not successful and you do not receive any compensation, you typically do not owe any legal fees. It’s essential to discuss the specifics of the contingency fee arrangement during your initial consultation with an Allentown motorcycle accident lawyer to understand how and when your attorney will be compensated.

Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo understands that every accident is unique, just like every accident victim. Our team sees cases as people; we bring personalized strategies and care to each one.

Whether negotiating with insurance companies or preparing for trial, our lawyers bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. Our Allentown motorcycle accident lawyers work hard to protect your rights at every step. By choosing Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, you’re not just getting a legal team — you become part of our Allentown family.