Scranton Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Serving Lackawanna County & the Surrounding Communities

Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating, economical, and a great way to explore the roads of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Motorcycles can also be dangerous, however, especially when car and truck drivers fail to respect the laws of the road. 

Motorcyclists have the same responsibilities and rights as other drivers, yet they are often ignored on our local roads and highways. When this happens, serious injuries can occur. It's important to contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Scranton in this situation.

If you have been injured in a collision or wreck, contact Rogan Law at (570) 906-8532 to discuss your situation during a free initial consultation.

Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident

Because of their relative lack of protection compared to the tons of steel and metal surrounding car and truck drivers, motorcyclists often bear the brunt of an accident. In addition to scrapes, bruises, contusions, and “road rash,” motorcyclists involved in accidents can suffer catastrophic injuries or even wrongful death. You may even suffer from internal injuries, such as those to your brain, spine, or organs; permanent impairment, such as amputation or paralysis; or injuries that leave you in need of long-term rehabilitative care.

In any of these situations, it is important to seek fair compensation. This financial help can cover economic damages, such as medical care and lost wages, or non-economic damages, such as loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and other issues. Insurance companies, however, are not in the business of paying out the full and fair compensation you may be owed, as their priority is often their bottom line. This can be complicated when the cost of your injuries falls on an uninsured and negligent driver.

Our motorcycle accident attorney in Scranton can help you pursue the compensation you need, holding negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable for their wrongdoing. We will not rest until we’ve done all we can to help you recover from your injuries.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Pennsylvania

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), most motorcycle crashes involve another larger vehicle on the road, and of these accidents, many include a violation of the motorcyclist’s right of way. This means that the majority of accidents are caused by an inattentive, distracted, or even impaired driver. According to the NHTSA, 98% of these collisions result in injury to the motorcycle rider, with about half of these cases resulting in serious injuries.

Additional contributing factors to motorcycle accidents include road hazards such as potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces, which pose greater risks to motorcyclists than drivers of larger vehicles. Furthermore, inclement weather conditions like rain and fog can significantly impair visibility and traction, increasing the likelihood of accidents. It's also crucial to highlight the impact of alcohol and speed, as they play a significant role in motorcycle incidents and often exacerbate the severity of the resulting injuries.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Pennsylvania

Taking the right steps after a crash can significantly affect the outcome of your case. If you’re able, follow these guidelines:

1. Call 911 and Seek Immediate Medical Attention - Always prioritize health and safety. Injuries may not be obvious at first, and documentation from EMS is valuable.
2. Document the Scene - If possible, take photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, injuries, skid marks, and traffic signals.
3. Gather Contact Information - Obtain names, license plates, insurance details, and phone numbers of all involved parties and witnesses.
4. Avoid Discussing Fault - Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened—statements can be used against you later.
5. Contact a Scranton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer - Insurance companies are not on your side. Before giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement, consult with an attorney who focuses on motorcycle accident litigation.

Proving Liability in a Motorcycle Accident Case

Success in a motorcycle accident claim depends on proving that another party was legally responsible for the crash. This requires establishing:

• Duty of Care – The other driver owed a duty to operate their vehicle safely.
• Breach of Duty – That driver failed in that duty, such as by speeding or failing to yield.
• Causation – The breach directly caused the accident and resulted in injuries.
• Damages – The rider suffered measurable harm, including financial losses and pain.

A Scranton motorcycle accident lawyer can obtain police reports, surveillance footage, vehicle data, medical records, and expert testimony to build a compelling case.

Choosing the Right Scranton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Not all personal injury lawyers have the insight or tenacity to handle serious motorcycle accident cases. When selecting legal counsel, consider they have proven experience handling motorcycle claims, willingness to go to trial when needed, deep knowledge of Pennsylvania’s traffic and insurance laws, and transparent communication and commitment to your recovery.

At Rogan Law, each case is handled with personal attention and an aggressive approach aimed at full financial recovery. Every injured rider deserves a voice, and we work tirelessly to ensure yours is heard.

Contact Our Scranton Motorcycle Accident Attorney

When you’ve been injured, do not hesitate to contact our Scranton motorcycle accident lawyer. We understand how serious these situations can be, and we will take care to apply our decades of knowledge and experience to helping you and your family. Do not take any offers from the insurance company without first speaking to your attorney—Rogan Law will analyze your legal options and fight for the full compensation you need and deserve.

Call (570) 906-8532 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents

How Can I Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?

Proving fault in a motorcycle accident often involves demonstrating that the other party acted negligently or violated traffic laws. Evidence such as police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and photographs from the accident scene can play a crucial role in establishing fault. Video footage from traffic cameras or nearby surveillance systems can also provide objective insights into the accident’s circumstances.

Engaging with a motorcycle accident attorney in Scranton familiar with local traffic laws and legal procedures can greatly assist in gathering and analyzing this evidence. They can help reconstruct the accident and work with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to build a strong narrative that supports your claims.

Are There Time Limits for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including those related to motorcycle accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident. This deadline applies to claims seeking compensation for injuries and damages sustained during the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing the right to pursue legal action and collect damages.

Exceptions to this rule can exist, such as cases involving minors or certain governmental entities, which might alter the timeline. Consulting with a knowledgeable Scranton motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible ensures that your case proceeds within the legal timeframe and any pertinent exceptions are identified and addressed.

What Types of Compensation Can I Seek After a Motorcycle Accident?

Victims of motorcycle accidents can seek various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of their situation. Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical expenses, both current and future, lost wages due to time away from work, and property damage to the motorcycle. Noneconomic damages address intangible impacts such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In certain cases, punitive damages may also be pursued if the at-fault party’s conduct was egregious or demonstrated reckless disregard for safety. An experienced attorney can provide insight into which types of compensation are applicable based on the unique circumstances of your motorcycle accident.

Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially At Fault?

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means that you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your fault is less than 51%. In such cases, the compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, you would be eligible to recover 80% of the total damages awarded.

Understanding how fault is determined and the implications for compensation is essential. A motorcycle accident attorney in Scranton can help navigate this complex legal landscape, arguing effectively on your behalf to minimize the impact of contributory fault on your compensation outcome.