Pottstown, PA Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are far more dangerous than other types of car collisions, putting riders at risk of severe or fatal injuries. Unfortunately, these collisions are very common, causing thousands of deaths every single year. As a motorcyclist in Pottstown, it’s crucial that you understand the hurdles you’ll have to clear if you’re involved in a crash. Our firm can help you take the right steps after a collision, gather the necessary evidence, and demand compensation from the liable party.

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash, your next call should be to Kingbird Legal. We’re here to provide support and legal guidance during this difficult time. Call us at 484-289-4880 to set up a consultation with our team of motorcycle accident lawyers.

The Dangers of Motorcycle Collisions

When you look at crash statistics in Pennsylvania, they paint a grim picture for riders. In general, crash numbers are much higher than they were five years ago. In 2018, there were about 2,700 motorcycle accidents; by 2022, that number jumped to almost 3,400. While crashes involving different types of vehicles decreased during the pandemic in 2020, motorcycles saw a dramatic increase. Numbers peaked in 2021, with nearly 3,600 crashes and 223 fatalities. With just 213 fatalities in 2021, there is hope that this trend is starting to reverse.

Motorcycle accidents present unique challenges that you don’t see in other types of collisions. Occupants of enclosed vehicles have significant protection from their vehicles, especially their crumple zones. Motorcyclists, on the other hand, have minimal to no protection—just what their helmet and other protective gear provide. On top of that, motorcycles are considerably smaller than other types of vehicles you’ll see on the roadway. 

In a collision, they’ll generally bear the brunt of the property damage and bodily harm. Finally, motorcycles are less stable than four-wheeled vehicles. A mishap that would be an inconvenience for a more stable vehicle can be a full-blown collision for a motorcycle. Consider, for example, hitting a small slippery spot on the road, running over an unexpected divot in the road, or a vehicle attempting to merge into your lane.

Common Injuries

Knowing all of the dangers involved in motorcycle collisions, it’s no secret that motorcyclists are at risk of severe injuries in a crash. Commonly reported injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries: Motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of head and brain injuries than people in other types of collisions. Even with a helmet, the force of a crash can cause significant damage. Traumatic brain injuries vary quite a bit in severity, which is one reason it’s so important to get checked out immediately after an accident. The outcome of these injuries often depends heavily on how quickly a victim begins treatment.

• Broken bones: Broken bones are very common in motorcycle accidents, and accidents in which a rider is thrown from their bike may cause multiple broken bones. Riders often report complex breaks that cannot be fixed with a simple cast, which means surgery and a much longer recovery time.

• Spinal cord injuries: These types of injuries are especially severe as they can lead to permanent paralysis and loss of function in various parts of the body. The higher on the spinal cord that an injury occurs, the more function a person is likely to lose. Spinal cord injuries may be complete, meaning that the cord is completely severed, or incomplete, meaning that the cord is partially severed but still maintains some connection between the brain and body.
• Road rash: Road rash is reported in many motorcycle crashes, which is one reason it’s so important to wear gear specifically designed for riding. Road rash is painful and can be disfiguring. In some cases, it puts victims at risk of systemic infection and death.

Fighting for Compensation in Pottstown

Pursuing compensation can be a challenge for motorcyclists. While societal views towards bikers have changed in recent years, there is still a lot of bias against riders. Some people still view riders as reckless, unconcerned with the rules of the road, and at fault for any crash they’re in. These views don’t just affect individuals personally; they affect the people who make insurance decisions, sit on juries, and award compensation. You’ll need to overcome these biases and stereotypes for a chance at fair compensation.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that Pennsylvania is a choice of no-fault insurance state. If you have at-fault coverage, you can seek compensation from the liable party after an accident. Of course, at-fault coverage is more expensive; however, it provides you with more options after a collision. If you did not opt for at-fault insurance and just have no-fault insurance, you may only be able to seek compensation from your own personal injury protection coverage. If you are able to seek compensation from the liable party, you may be able to recover money for:

• Medical bills

• Lost wages

• Future medical expenses

• Future lost income

• Disability and disfigurement

• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

How Kingbird Legal Can Help You Fight for Justice

When you decide to fight for the compensation you’re owed, your choice of personal injury attorney truly matters. The team at Kingbird Legal knows how hard it can be for a motorcyclist to get fair compensation after an injury, and we also know what it takes to hold the negligent party accountable.

From the start, we’ll take care of everything so you can focus on recovery. We’ll begin by investigating your accident and analyzing the evidence so we can build a rock-solid claim. This allows us to begin negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company and demand the compensation you’re owed. Cases usually settle during negotiations, but if yours does not, we will take your case to court and fight for you there.

Start Your Claim with Kingbird Legal

If you’ve been hurt in a Pottstown motorcycle accident, don’t wait any longer to talk to the team at Kingbird Legal. We’re committed to helping you get what you deserve. Set up your consultation now by calling us at 484-289-4880 or reaching out online.