Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Accident Injuries: Know Your Rights

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists have all the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle driver on the roadway. They must follow the same traffic rules including obeying all traffic signs and directives as well as keeping safe distances from other vehicles/bikes. Each year, thousands of people are injured in motorcycle accidents caused by the negligence of other drivers. A motorcycle crash may result in severe injuries to the rider, which could lead to lost wages, expensive medical bills or even death.

Dale E. Anstine, Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in York, PA, Can Help

As one of the oldest personal injury law firms in Central Pennsylvania, our motorcycle accident attorneys have been protecting the rights of the injured in the York, Hanover and Gettysburg areas for over 40 years. Our motorcycle accident lawyers have represented hundreds of motorcycle crash victims across York, Hanover, and Gettysburg and are ready to fight for your rights if you have been injured while riding a motorcycle.

We will stand up for you both in and out of the courtroom and will refuse to settle quick and cheap. Our motorcycle accident law firm is prepared to handle your case and take on big insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve to cover expensive medical bills and lost wages as well as pain and suffering. Remember, motorcyclists have the same rights and privileges as other motorists; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

While we hope as a rider you never need us, we are here to help if you find yourself the victim of an accident. Get a fighter on your side who understands the complexities of motorcycle accident law in Pennsylvania. At the Law Offices of Dale E. Anstine, consultations are free and there is no fee unless we win for you. Reach out today!

Top 3: Answers to Common Motorcycle Accident Questions

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Motorcycle Accident FAQs

What Motorcycle Insurance Should I Have?

If you are a rider, it’s important to not only understand how to operate your bike and how to avoid a serious motorcycle accident, but also what motorcycle insurance you should have to ensure you are protected in the event of an accident. Insurance coverage for bikes is different from automobiles, so it is important to keep in mind the following:

  • You DO NOT have no-fault medical coverage!  In a car accident, you have your own medical coverage, but motorcyclists are exempt. Make sure you have private insurance (either on your own or through work) and make sure your private insurance does not exclude motorcycle accident victims, as some policies now do.
  • Uninsured and underinsured coverage.  Make sure you have uninsured and underinsured coverage on your bike. It is legal in Pennsylvania for a car owner to carry only $15,000 in coverage. In most motorcycle accidents, this will not even cover your medical expenses. Protect yourself with your own additional coverage. Often, insurance carriers will not let you use your car coverage so make sure you have it on your bike.

What Precautions Can I Take to Be a Safe Rider?

Thousands of motorcyclists are killed in accidents each year in the United States. There are risks involved when hitting the open road on a motorcycle, but there are also many precautions riders can take to keep themselves safe and help prevent accidents. The York, Gettysburg and Hanover motorcycle accident lawyers at Dale E. Anstine recommend:

  • All the gear, all the time. While laws vary from state to state on what motorcyclists are required to wear on the ride, the motorcycle accident attorneys at Dale E. Anstine encourage riders to wear all the gear, all the time (ATGATT). Full face motorcycle helmets, leather jackets, riding pants, and motorcycle boots and gloves can protect riders from extensive injuries in the case of an accident. There are many reasons riders choose to not follow ATGATT (too hot, bulky, restrictive, etc.), but those excuses may not matter when a motorcycle crash occurs. It’s ultimately the individual choice of a rider, but we always encourage wearing proper riding gear.
  • Check your bike before you ride. Before every ride, do a quick inspection of your bike to ensure it is fit for the road. Check to make sure you have enough air in the tires, the brakes are in working order and that there are no fluid or oil leaks beneath the bike.
  • Watch for damaged pavement and obstacles.  Motorcycles have less contact with the road than cars, which is why it is important to watch for damage on the roadway, such as potholes. Other obstacles to keep an eye out for include fallen branches, loose gravel and oil spills, which could cause the bike to skid out of control. If you cannot avoid an obstacle, slow down before riding over it and lift yourself slightly off the seat to absorb the shock.
  • Follow traffic signs and be aware. Decrease the risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident by obeying traffic laws, following the posted speed limit and not taking any unnecessary risks. Always leave yourself enough room between the car in front of you in case they suddenly stop. Plus, keep an eye on the vehicles around you to ensure they are paying attention and can see you. Many accidents occur because motorcyclists end up in another driver’s blind spot and cannot be seen.

What Should I Do If I'm In a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident?

 

No-contact motorcycle accidents are more common than you may think. Have you ever had someone pull out in front of you, you lay your bike down and the other driver leaves the scene? If so, that would be considered a no-contact accident. If you are in a no-contact accident, the first step is to immediately call for help if you or someone riding with you have been injured. You will also want to immediately report the accident to the police and your insurance company. Take photos of the scene and any damage to your bike as this will be beneficial to your case.

After being involved in a no-contact motorcycle crash, it is important to get an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side. Although uninsured coverage on your bike can protect you in a no-contact/no-identity accident if it was promptly reported, there are still many legal complexities when fighting for compensation. Reach out to the York, Hanover and Gettysburg motorcycle accident lawyers at Dale E. Anstine today to learn how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve if involved in a no-contact accident.

Get a Fighter on Your Side

There is a high level of complexity to motorcycle accident laws in Pennsylvania. For example, did you know if your bike is totaled in an accident you may be able buy it back for salvage, part it out and make out better? These and other aspects of the law can have major impacts to your rights to compensation following an accident. Get an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side who understands the legalities of motorcycle accidents and will fight to ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact our motorcycle accident lawyers today. Consultations are always free and there are no fees unless we win for you!

Additional Resources

To learn more about motorcycle accident injuries and your rights to compensation, check out the following blogs or reach out to our team of motorcycle accident lawyers in York, Gettysburg and Hanover, PA!

We Fight. You Win. NO FEE unless we win for you!

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