Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Biker Injury Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA Helps Motorcycle Crash Victims Get Compensated in Allegheny County and Across Pennsylvania

It should come as no surprise to motorcyclists (and others) that motorcycle accidents are disproportionately common in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. After all, many drivers are unsure of how to share the road with motorcyclists, and they may engage in negligent behaviors that put the motorcyclist in a highly vulnerable position. Additionally, when motorcyclists are injured, the injuries tend to be quite severe. Without the aid of thick materials to absorb the impact force of a collision, motorcyclists may suffer life-altering and catastrophic injuries in accidents that would otherwise cause very little damage to those in a car or truck. Here at Baldwin Matzus, LLC, a seasoned Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyer can assist you with your claims.

We are tireless advocates for our clients, and we believe that the key to successful litigation lies in comprehensive, aggressive representation. We often negotiate favorable settlements, but we are also willing and able to take a case to trial, if necessary. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation about your PA motorcycle accident case.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Pennsylvania

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by the fault of another, chances are that the defendant may be liable for negligence relating to one or more of the following:

• Excessive speeding
• Distracted driving
• Intoxicated driving
• Failure to yield right of way
• Failure to use signals when turning
• Illegal turns
• Existence of road hazards (i.e., potholes, uneven roads, etc.)
• Product defects
• And more

Depending on the circumstances, the court may award damages that include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death
• And more

Successful motorcycle accident litigation is not simply about “winning” your case. You must also secure maximum compensation for your injuries. For example, if you succeed in proving that the defendant is liable for your motorcycle crash, but you are awarded only $100,000 out of a potential $200,000, then that might be considered something of a disappointment. It is therefore critical that you present strong evidence in support of your damage claims.

Modified Comparative Fault Law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

In the motorcycle accident context, many injured plaintiffs may have acted negligently themselves, to some degree — and this can cause quite a bit of confusion with regard to damage recovery. Plaintiffs may be concerned that they are not entitled to compensation if they are partly responsible for their own accident-related injuries.

Fortunately, the state of Pennsylvania applies modified comparative fault principles to personal injury lawsuits, including those that involve motorcycle accidents. Modified comparative fault is actually a simple rule: injured plaintiffs may recover damages for losses they sustain as a consequence of another’s fault, so long as their own contribution of fault is less than 50 percent of the total.

How does this work? Suppose that you are injured in a motorcycle accident while you are splitting lanes. In Pennsylvania, lane-splitting is illegal. As such, it seems that — by splitting lanes — you acted negligently and contributed at least partly to your own injuries. The court finds, however, that the larger percentage of fault contribution lies with the defendant, who saw that you were splitting the lane but recklessly shifted lanes at the last second, thus causing you to collide with their vehicle and suffer serious injuries. Now, if the court determines that you are 49 percent at fault, you would still be entitled to recover damages. (Although your damages award would be reduced proportional to your fault contribution.)

Speak to an Experienced Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Baldwin Matzus

Here at Baldwin Matzus, LLC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we have decades of experience representing injured plaintiffs in a range of accident scenarios, including motorcycle accidents. We understand the challenges that motorcyclists face in the courtroom, and we know how defendants often employ strategies that are intended to paint a picture of the plaintiff-motorcyclist as a reckless operator who contributed to their own injuries. Unlike many other PA firms that focus on personal injury litigation, we are committed to our clients and to the provision of comprehensive advocacy. We make ourselves fully available to answer questions and concerns as they arise, and we engage transparently with our clients throughout the litigation process.

Call today or submit an online case evaluation form to schedule a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyer at Baldwin Matzus.