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Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Harrisburg, PA

Legal help for injured motorcyclists and passengers in Dauphin County

With the Susquehanna River as a background, Harrisburg and South Central Pennsylvania offer scenic and beautiful routes for motorcyclists. Bikers enjoy the freedom and excitement that come with driving a motorcycle – in addition to saving on fuel, they are just plain fun to ride. However, motorcycles come with a trade-off, which is that they simply do not provide as much protection as passenger vehicles.

When a motorcycle meets a reckless driver, the bike almost always comes out on the losing end. However, the Harrisburg injury attorneys at KBG Injury Law want to help. With a long history of successful results for our clients, we understand how to handle your injury case, from the insurance claims process all the way through trial – if that is what it takes to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Talk to us today to see how we can help you.

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How common are motorcycle accidents?

Because motorcycles feature an open design, rather than the closed design of passenger cars and trucks, they are much less crashworthy and therefore leave riders more at risk of severe injury in the event of a crash or collision. The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports 5,014 motorcyclists died in motorcycle accidents in 2019 across the country. Closer to home, in 2020, Pennsylvania saw a total of 3,503 motorcycle accidents with 217 fatalities.

According to the III, “Operating a motorcycle requires a different combination of physical and mental skills than those used in driving four-wheel vehicles. Motorcyclists and their passengers are more vulnerable to the hazards of weather and road conditions than drivers in closed vehicles.”

What are common causes of motorcycle accidents?

Whenever anyone gets behind the wheel, he or she owes other motorists a duty of care to obey all traffic laws and operate vehicles in a safe manner. However, many motorcyclists find themselves in crashes and collisions due to the negligent actions of other drivers. Often, other drivers fail to share the road appropriately with motorcyclists, even though they have the same rights and privileges as every other motorist.

Careless and negligent drivers can cause serious motorcycle accidents if they:

  • Text and drive, or otherwise drive distracted
  • Fail to yield to a motorcycle with right of way
  • Turn or change lanes without checking mirrors
  • Drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Speed or drive aggressively
  • Open their doors without checking for bikes

Motorcyclists can also suffer injury from dangerous road conditions or defective bike parts. The Harrisburg attorneys at KBG Injury Law can explain more about the liable parties in these types of cases.

What types of injuries result from Harrisburg motorcycle crashes?

Although a motorcycle accident can cause any number of injuries, because of the limited amount of protection a bike affords, these injuries tend to be severe and life-altering. They include:

  • Bone breaks and fractures. Bikes typically hit the ground when a vehicle strikes them, which can cause a motorcyclist’s leg to get caught underneath and break. Riders may also break wrists or arms when they attempt to break a fall.
  • Road rash. This is a minor-sounding term for a serious injury. When motorcyclists make contact with or slide across the road during a crash, they can suffer severe skin abrasions. Without prompt medical attention, these can result in infection and scarring.
  • Traumatic brain injuries. Head injuries are some of the most common injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents. The CDC reports helmets reduce the risk of fatality by 37% and reduce the risk of head injury by 69%.
  • Spinal cord injuries. When motorcyclists are thrown from their bikes, they run the risk of a spinal cord injury, which can leave them paralyzed. These catastrophic injuries are permanent and disabling, resulting in life-changing consequences for the victim.
  • Internal injuries. Again, because a motorcycle has little protection for the rider, in the event of an accident, he or she is open to blunt-force trauma or penetration injuries. These can cause serious internal injuries, bleeding, and organ damage.
  • Wrongful death. In the most tragic cases, a motorcyclist does not survive an accident. The attorneys at KBG Injury Law works with families on the appropriate next steps when a loved one is killed in a motorcycle crash with a careless driver.

Our experienced legal team can help you pursue the compensation you need to pay for medical bills and other expenses – we will do the hard work while you take the time you need to recover from your injuries.

What are Pennsylvania’s motorcycle helmet laws?

Pennsylvania law requires the use of a helmet for motorcyclists unless:

  • They are over 21 years of age, and
  • Have either two years of riding experience or completed an approved motorcycle safety training course

Helmets must also meet United States DOT standards, indicated by a “DOT” sticker on the helmet.

Is lane-splitting legal in PA?

Although legal in California, lane-splitting is not legal here in Pennsylvania. Lane-splitting is when a motorcyclist drives between lanes of cars, typically when traffic has come to a stop and the biker (or bikers) want to pass the other vehicles. Lane-splitting is a risky maneuver, which is why most states have outlawed the practice. Other cars and trucks may not see the motorcycle coming up between lanes and can easily turn or merge and cause a collision. Motorcyclists may share a lane in Pennsylvania, but do remember that lane-splitting is against the law.

How long do I have to bring a motorcycle accident injury claim in Harrisburg?

Pennsylvania allows two years from the date the accident occurred to file your injury claim. Although this may seem like quite a long amount of time, when you consider factors like investigating the accident, determining the extent of your injuries and losses, and filing the proper paperwork, it is crucial you contact an attorney as soon as possible. This allows our legal team to begin prepping and building a strong case on your behalf immediately.

Is there a Harrisburg motorcycle accident attorney near me?

You can find KBG Injury Law at 717 Market Street, Lemoyne, PA, between N. 8th and N. 7th Streets. We are just a few minutes away from district and state courts. We also maintain four locations throughout the state.

Harrisburg motorcycle accident lawyers with experience

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious, life-altering injuries. When your accident happened due to another’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and losses. The attorneys at KBG Injury Law are here to help. We advocate on your behalf to ensure the liable parties are held responsible for their negligence and that you do not have to worry about who will pay your bills. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation by calling 717-848-3838 or filling out our contact form. We have offices in York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Hanover, and Gettysburg and serve clients throughout South Central Pennsylvania.