You’ve had a motorcycle accident – what’s next?

Being involved in a bicycle or motorcycle accident can be both extremely frightening and dangerous. Unlike cars, bicycles and motorcycles offer very little protection during an accident since they lack sides to absorb any impact. This lack of protection becomes even more critical if the rider is not wearing proper safety equipment. If you are hit by another vehicle while on a bike or motorcycle, you could suffer from serious injuries along with substantial medical bills. The financial strain from medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other expenses, especially if you are unable to work, can leave many accident victims in a dire situation.

Unfortunately, accidents involving bicycles and motorcycles are relatively common in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. In 2012 alone, over 4,000 motorcycles and nearly 1,400 bicycles were involved in crashes in Pennsylvania. That year, there were 210 motorcycle occupant deaths and 16 bicycle occupant deaths. Although these types of accidents are less common than car accidents due to fewer people riding bicycles or motorcycles, they still occur frequently and result in significant issues for the riders.

The injuries that motorcyclists or bicyclists sustain in traffic accidents are often severe due to the minimal protection provided by their vehicles. While drivers of other vehicles might walk away relatively unharmed, cyclists often suffer serious injuries and major damage to their bikes or motorcycles. Even collisions with stationary objects, such as concrete medians or traffic barriers, can cause serious harm to the rider. Therefore, it is crucial for riders to wear protective gear like helmets and pads, and reflective gear at night, to minimize the risk of collision and injury. However, even with these precautions, accidents can still result in hospital visits and hefty medical bills. If this happens to you or a loved one, contacting a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer immediately is essential.

Motorcyclists and bicyclists involved in accidents can sustain a variety of injuries, including:

1. Whiplash: This injury occurs when the neck is suddenly and forcefully jerked back and forth. It can cause severe neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
2. Broken bones: Fractures are common in motorcycle and bicycle accidents, particularly in the arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones. These injuries often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
3. Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from concussions to severe brain damage. Even with helmets, motorcyclists and bicyclists are at risk of head injuries that can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
4. Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. This type of injury often requires extensive medical treatment and can lead to permanent disabilities.
5. Severe abrasions (“road rash”): When a rider is thrown from their bike and skids across the pavement, the friction can cause severe skin abrasions. These injuries can lead to infections, scarring, and require painful medical treatments.
6. Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma from a collision can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
7. Soft tissue injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can result in significant pain and limited mobility. These injuries often necessitate physical therapy and long-term care.

In the most severe cases, these accidents can lead to fatalities. Survivors often require surgery or other medical treatments and may suffer lasting disabilities such as paralysis, blindness or deafness, memory loss, and other long-term issues. Alongside these health concerns, victims must also manage the costs of medical treatments, prescriptions, and physical therapy following the accident.

To manage these expenses, especially when you might be unable to work, contacting a personal injury lawyer is crucial. Navigating these cases alone can be challenging, but an experienced attorney can provide invaluable assistance. After addressing your health and injuries, your lawyer will help you gather necessary information, including:

• Pictures from the accident scene
• Statements from witnesses
• Medical bills
• Insurance information of the other driver involved
• Other essential records

If you are unable to travel, your lawyer can visit you at the hospital or your home. They will then begin negotiating with the insurance company responsible for compensating you.

Having an injury lawyer is particularly important during negotiations, as insurance companies often try to offer victims less compensation than they deserve. Your lawyer will know the fair amount you are entitled to and will fight to ensure the insurance company provides it. If necessary, they are prepared to take your case to trial. We are committed to ensuring you are not left financially burdened by the medical bills resulting from your bike or motorcycle accident.