For some, riding their motorcycle is more than just a mode of transportation. It is a fulfilling hobby for many riders, but negligent drivers in cars may cause bad collisions. Motorcycle accidents can be severe, and riders are often badly hurt while negligent drivers in cars are unharmed. An attorney can help you get fair compensation for your injuries.
Motorcycle accidents in the Northampton and Lehigh Valley area may occur almost anywhere. Major highways, local streets or roads, and rural backroads all present certain risks to riders, and negligent drivers are often a common denominator across most accidents. After an accident, you should call for help and try to document the scene while exchanging information with other drivers. These simple steps may make taking legal action much easier later.
Contact our motorcycle accident lawyers with Cardamone Law to get a free, private case evaluation by calling (267) 651-7945.
Where Motorcycle Accidents Can Occur Around Northampton
Motorcycle accidents often happen when other negligent drivers are around. The Lehigh Valley area, which includes Northampton, tends to lack public transportation, and getting around by car or motorcycle is often necessary. As such, accidents are common, and riders may be badly injured.
Motorcycle accidents on major highways can be severe due to heavy traffic and higher speed limits. In the Northampton area, many motorcycle riders are hurt on U.S. Route 22, I-78, and other major highways.
Riders are also frequently injured on smaller local roads that run through the area. People often assume that local streets are safer than bigger highways, but this assumption can lead to drivers letting their guard down. As such, accidents are sometimes more common in these areas.
Many areas in the Lehigh Valley are more rural and involve many backroads. People sometimes prefer back roads to main roads because there is less traffic. When motorcycle accidents happen in these areas, there may be nobody in the area to help, and you might have to call 911 yourself, even if you are badly hurt.
What to Do Following a Motorcycle Accident
The steps you take immediately after a motorcycle crash may significantly influence the success of your legal claims. Unfortunately, it may be difficult or impossible for some to take these steps if they are severely injured. Even so, there may be things you can do to protect your legal interests.
Your primary focus should be on getting medical attention for your injuries. If you have a phone with you, call 911, explain what happened, and request emergency assistance. The police and an ambulance should be sent to your location immediately.
As you wait for help to arrive, try to document the scene and record as much information as possible. This might not be possible if you are badly hurt. In that case, just stay put and wait for help. However, if you can take photos or videos, they may help our motorcycle accident attorneys prove important details.
It is also important to exchange information with the other driver and with others who may have witnessed the accident. First, drivers are required to exchange names, basic personal information, and insurance information after an accident so that proper legal channels can be followed. Second, you should get the names and numbers of those who may testify as witnesses in your case.
Evidence in a Northampton Motorcycle Accident Case
The key to getting fair monetary compensation in a Northampton motorcycle accident case is evidence. Without evidence, your case is likely to be dismissed quickly. The problem is, finding evidence is rarely easy.
Cameras are almost everywhere nowadays, and there is a chance that your motorcycle crash was recorded on video. Businesses in the area might have security cameras that recorded everything. We can also check for traffic cameras. If you or another driver had a dashcam, that footage may also be very helpful.
Even without hard evidence like video footage, we can still build a strong case based on witness testimony. People sometimes regard witness testimony as unreliable, but it can also be extremely powerful when witnesses have clear memories and are confident in their testimony.
Determining Fault for a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle riders tend to get an unfair reputation for being risky on the road, and they are often unfairly blamed for accidents. In reality, it is often drivers in cars who are responsible. As such, we must be prepared with the strongest evidence possible, as jurors may be all too ready to side with the defendant.
If the defendant argues that you caused the crash or contributed to it, the court may apply comparative negligence laws. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102(a), if you are deemed partially responsible for the accident, your damages may be reduced according to your share of the blame. If you are 10% responsible, your damages may be reduced by 10%.
However, if your fault exceeds the defendant’s fault, or you are more than 50% responsible, you may be barred from recovery.
Factors That Influence the Value of Your Motorcycle Accident Case
Not all motorcycle accidents are the same. Some might be worth a considerable sum of compensation, while others might be worth more than you can imagine. The factors surrounding your case may give us an idea of what your claims are worth.
The severity of the collision and your injuries are good indicators of how much compensation your claims may warrant. Motorcycle accidents tend to involve severe injuries. The more serious your injuries are, the more compensation you may deserve.
We should also consider the defendant’s behavior. Were they shockingly careless or callous? Were they intoxicated? Did they flee the scene? If their actions are shocking or outrageous, the jury may be more willing to award you damages.
Speak to Our Northampton Motorcycle Accident Lawyers About Your Case
Contact our motorcycle accident lawyers with Cardamone Law to get a free, private case evaluation by calling (267) 651-7945.
