Erie Motorcycle Accident Attorney
In a collision between a motor vehicle and a motorcycle, the motorcycle always loses. Motorcyclists do not have the same protections in accidents as drivers of other vehicles possess. They are therefore more prone to serious injuries such as broken bones, head/brain injuries, road rash, and spine injuries. In 2016, there were 3,321 motorcyclist injuries and 192 fatalities in Pennsylvania. At Dallas W. Hartman P.C., we believe even one motorcyclist’s death due to negligence is too many. We’re here to help accident victims and their families fight against parties responsible for causing motorcycle crashes in Erie.
Who Is Liable for Motorcycle Accidents?
Accident liability means legal responsibility for the crash. The person or entity who is liable for a motorcycle accident is generally the one who caused it. In some motorcycle accidents, it’s relatively easy to assign liability. For example, a drunk driver who smashed into a motorcycle after running a red light at an intersection would be liable for the accident. Others, however, are not such cut-and-dry cases. Some motorcycle accidents involve shared liability amongst one or more parties, including:
- Motorcycle part manufacturer. Faulty vehicle parts could result in product liability claims for crashes.
- Companies that hire drivers. If an on-duty delivery person, commercial truck driver, Uber/Lyft driver, or other company driver struck you, the company could be liable.
- The City of Erie for roadway defects. You can sue the government for failure to properly maintain its roadways.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could have more than one defendant. Police will investigate your motorcycle crash in Erie to try to determine its proximate, or main, cause. In Pennsylvania, you are still eligible for compensation as long as the courts find you 50% or less at fault for the accident. An attorney can help you maximize compensation by proving the defendant’s percentage of fault. An attorney can also assist you during insurance settlement negotiations and a personal injury trial, if one is necessary to secure the financial recovery you deserve after a serious accident.
Let an Attorney Fight for You
Don’t let a negligent driver or other party get away with causing your motorcycle accident. If someone else caused your crash and injuries, you deserve to pursue a monetary award for all of your damages. That’s what our motorcycle lawyers believe at Dallas W. Hartman P.C. The best way to maximize your compensation is with help from an attorney. Let yourself relax and tend to your injuries while your lawyer does the hard work for you.
Erie Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
After any type of vehicle accident in Erie, the other driver’s insurance company will always try to get you to settle for as little as possible. It is the insurance claims adjuster’s job to save the company money – not to get you a large settlement. Don’t say yes to an offer until you talk to a lawyer and learn the true value of your case. It will probably shock you to discover the disparity between what the insurer offered and what you could receive with a PI claim. After a motorcycle crash in Erie, call (800) 777-4081 or go online to schedule your free initial consultation.