Common Questions Asked After a Motorcycle Accident

Posted by & filed under motorcycle accident, The Travis Law Firm Blog.

Answers to Motorcycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions 

Being out and about on a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience for many riders. No other mode of transportation gives the operator the same degree of freedom. However, the lack of protection afforded by this type of transport opens the door to serious, often fatal injuries when an accident occurs. In fact, a motorcyclist has a 27 times greater chance of dying in a crash than occupants of a passenger vehicle. 

Confusion After a Motorcycle Accident

Most of us admit to a degree of confusion and anxiety when something terrible happens, including traffic accidents. The site is usually swarming with rescue personnel, ambulances and law enforcement. We are often hurt and wondering what type of financial toll the accident will take. At the Travis Law Firm, we help many Pennsylvania residents in this situation receive the compensation they deserve after a motorcycle collision.

Answering Our Clients’ Questions

Our lawyers are well-aware of a client’s need to ask questions about what will happen and the options they have going forward. In the paragraphs below, we’ll present some of the most common questions and their answers.

What Happens When the Insurance Company Calls?

Both your insurer and the other party’s insurance company may contact you. In the hours and days after a motorcycle accident, clients often report being upset. Leading questions may elicit an answer that harms your case. For example, many people seem to apologize for the accident even if it is not their fault. This can be taken out of context and used against them later on. It is best to ask the insurer to call your attorney. At our firm, we deal with the insurance company on our client’s behalf, eliminating the stress this may cause for our client.

Will Not Wearing a Helmet Be Held Against Me?

In Pennsylvania, anyone over 21 years-of-age who rode for two years or took a course on motorcycle safety is able to ride without a helmet. Not using a helmet does not mitigate the other party’s wrongdoing. It may, however, have an effect on the jury.

What Compensation Is Available If I Was Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

An injured motorcyclist harmed by another’s negligence can receive compensation for the following:

  • Medical expenses: This covers all costs, including ambulance services, emergency room bills, tests, surgeries and medications needed for the accident injuries. It also covers doctor bills in the hospital and for followup office visits and rehabilitation therapy. Medical devices such as a wheelchair or walker are also covered. If, due to the injury, changes need to be made to the home to accommodate the injured party’s needs, this is also covered.
  • Lost wages: Wages that are lost due to the injured motorcyclist’s inability to work are recoverable. If the injury requires long-term loss of work, that will be recovered until the age when the injured party would retire.
  • Loss of consortium: Serious injuries can cause the loss of intimacy and love the motorcyclist enjoyed prior to the accident. Their spouse can file a claim for loss of consortium.
  • Pain and suffering: The motorcycle accident can cause emotional and psychological trauma as well as physical pain. For example, scarring or loss of dentition is often a consequence of a motorcycle accident. 
  • Punitive damages: In some cases, punitive damages are available if the cause of the accident was especially egregious.

Can I File a Lawsuit If I Was Not Operating the Motorcycle and Was a Passenger?

If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, it does not matter if you were operating the bike or a passenger. The question is who was at fault. If the motorcyclist was at fault, you have every right to file a claim against them. On the other hand, if another party caused the accident, you have the right to hold them responsible for your injuries.

Contact the Travis Law Firm for Help

We are here to help you if you are injured in a motorcycle accident. Call us at (814) 277-2222 to schedule a free case review. We are also available online.

Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/biker-motorcycle-ride-vehicle-407123/