York Motorcycle Accident Attorneys, PA
Helping riders and passengers injured in wrecks in South Central Pennsylvania
There is nothing quite like the freedom and enjoyment that comes with riding a motorcycle, especially in the Keystone State. Unfortunately, if a car or truck crashes into your bike, you face significant odds of suffering severe injury. How do you protect yourself (and your motorcycle) from harm? If you are in an accident, how will you pay for repairs and medical bills?
If you are in a motorcycle accident, ensure you seek advice and representation from York personal injury attorneys who understand your needs, are experienced in regularly handling motorcycle injury claims, and have the trial experience to see your case through to the end. The attorneys at KBG Injury Law are the advocates you need. We understand the devastating injuries caused by motorcycle crashes and accidents – let us help you secure the compensation to which you are entitled.
How can we help?
- How common are motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania?
- What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?
- What are the different types of motorcycle accidents?
- Does Pennsylvania have a helmet law?
- Is lane splitting legal in Pennsylvania?
- How is fault determined in a motorcycle accident?
- Who pays my medical bills after a York, PA motorcycle accident?
- Is there a York, PA motorcycle accident lawyer near me?
- Meet our experts
How common are motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania?
Riding a motorcycle is proven to be more dangerous than driving a car. Estimates from 2019 show that per mile traveled, motorcycle fatalities were nearly 29 times those of passenger cars. In 2020, there were 3,503 motorcycle crashes in Pennsylvania and 217 fatalities involving motorcycle drivers or passengers.
Often, these accidents are the result of negligent or reckless motorists. When another driver’s actions cause your motorcycle accident and injuries, you are likely eligible to take legal action.
What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Left turns: Approximately 40 percent of motorcycle accidents occur when another vehicle turns left in front of the motorcyclist. Motorists may not see the bike or fail to take the time to check their blind spots before making a left turn.
- Lack of experience: Inexperienced drivers are not familiar with their vehicles and may not understand how to share the road with motorcyclists.
- Inclement weather and other dangerous conditions: No matter your experience as a driver or motorcyclist, wet or slippery roads could lead to trouble.
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit or too fast for the road conditions is especially dangerous for motorcyclists, as motorists need more time to stop and can collide with a bike without warning.
- Driving under the influence: Making the decision to drive while intoxicated is dangerous to any vehicle on the road.
- Lane changes: When another driver fails to check their blind spots before changing lanes, you are left vulnerable to a motorcycle accident.
- Mechanical defects: A defective component on your motorcycle may malfunction and lead to an accident.
The York attorneys at KBG Injury Law will work to determine the cause of your accident and injuries, using our network of experts and professionals.
What are the different types of motorcycle accidents?
A motorcycle accident can happen in a variety of ways, but four main situations can lead to a serious collision:
- Head-on: One of the most serious types of motorcycle accidents is when a motorcycle hits another vehicle head-on. A distracted or impaired driver may veer out of their lane or make another mistake that can severely injure or even kill an oncoming motorcyclist.
- Rear-end: These accidents often happen when drivers change lanes, or when you are stopped waiting for a traffic signal. An inattentive driver can collide with your motorcycle from behind, throwing you from your bike and resulting in serious injuries.
- Broadside: This is an all-too-familiar situation. You have the right-of-way on your motorcycle, but another driver cuts you off while making a turn, or failing to yield, resulting in a side collision.
- Sideswipe: A sideswipe typically occurs on highways with two or more lanes. An inattentive motorist who is driving parallel to a motorcyclist may veer into a motorcyclist’s lane and collide with their bike.
Does Pennsylvania have a helmet law?
It is no longer a requirement to wear a helmet in Pennsylvania. However, for this to apply, you must be over age 21, been licensed to drive a motorcycle for at least two years, or completed an approved motorcycle safety class.
Although you may not legally be required to wear a helmet, it still might be the smart thing to do when riding a motorcycle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), helmets decrease the risk of death by 37 percent, and they reduce the risk of head injury by 69 percent.
Is lane splitting legal in Pennsylvania?
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist drives between cars. Lane splitting is not legal in Pennsylvania and, in fact, is currently only legal in California. As a motorcyclist, you may be tempted to lane split when traffic has come to a stop, but it is not worth the risk.
Lane splitting is not only illegal, but it is also very dangerous. Why? Other vehicles may not see you, and they might make a turn and crash into you. Just being that close to another vehicle greatly increases your risk of an accident with it, and because lane splitting is illegal, it is unlikely the court will side with you in the event you suffer injury.
How is fault determined in a motorcycle accident?
In most states, when two drivers are in an accident, someone is at fault. The person at fault is responsible for paying the damages resulting from the accident. Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. When involved in a motorcycle accident, the threshold for making a case largely depends on the severity of the injuries suffered in the accident. Our York personal injury attorneys can explain this in more detail at your consultation.
You may also file suit to recover pain and suffering damages, for mental or emotional trauma as well as physical pain. We can help demonstrate this with witnesses or expert testimonials, typically from a doctor. Note that you typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania, though some exceptions may apply. It is in your best interest to contact an attorney quickly.
Who pays my medical bills after a York, PA motorcycle accident?
You and your health insurance provider cover your medical bills if you get in a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle insurance typically does not offer first-party benefits, meaning your medical bills will not be covered, regardless of who is at fault. However, you can file a claim against the person who caused you harm in an accident and seek compensation for those medical costs.
Depending on your motorcycle insurance provider, you may have the option to purchase medical payment coverage. However, medical payment coverage usually only covers up to a few thousand dollars. If you suffered severe injuries, medical bills could easily exceed $100,000 or more. Do not hesitate to contact a motorcycle accident attorney at KBG Injury Law to advise you on how to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Is there a York, PA motorcycle accident lawyer near me?
KBG Injury Law is located at 110 North George Street, near Interstate 83 and Routes 30, 74 and 462. You can find us in downtown York, less than a block from the York County Courthouse.
Let our York, PA motorcycle accident lawyers help with your case
When you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are a lot of complicated factors that go into making sure that you receive the compensation to which you are entitled. At KBG Injury Law, our goal is simple — to help injured people. You do not have to deal with the burden of an accident alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Call 717-848-3838 or toll free at 800.509.1011 or fill out our contact form. We have offices in York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Hanover, and Gettysburg. We serve clients throughout South Central Pennsylvania.
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Meet Our Experts
Brian P. Strong
Brian P. Strong is a personal injury and wrongful death lawyer at KBG since 2002, and has successfully achieved large verdicts for his clients. A member of multiple bar associations, he also actively supports community organizations. He started his career as a judicial clerk, then as a prosecutor, before focusing on civil litigation. Outside work, he enjoys outdoor activities and is an avid supporter of Susquehanna Service Dogs and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
Craig Milsten
Craig Milsten, an AV-Preeminent rated trial attorney, is known for his numerous courtroom victories and specializes in personal injury and insurance bad faith cases. With degrees from The American University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, he has held leadership positions in the York County Bar Association. Prior to his law career, he was a sportswriter for the Washington Post. Craig is also an active community volunteer, raising significant funds for health initiatives.
Edward Kennett
Ted Kennett has spent over 30 years advocating for individuals harmed by negligence, specializing in various types of accident and negligence cases. A Temple Law School graduate, he has extensive experience, ranging from the District Attorney's office to litigation before the Supreme Court. With numerous accolades, including membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and an "AV-Preeminent" rating, Ted is currently Chair of the Lancaster Bar Association Professionalism/Ethics Section.
Evan Kline
Evan Kline, with nearly 30 years of experience, has represented hundreds of clients in complex injury claims, securing large verdicts. He is "AV-Preeminent" rated and a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Nationally recognized for his use of technology in law, he speaks at numerous conferences. A believer in prioritizing clients over cases, Evan joined KBG Injury Law in 2001, having previously worked with a large Harrisburg firm and insurance companies.
Timothy Salvatore
Tim Salvatore, with nearly 30 years of legal experience, specializes in complex injury claims, often representing motorcyclists. Previously representing insurance companies, he found fulfillment in advocacy for injured individuals and joined KBG over two decades ago. A Widener University School of Law graduate, he serves in multiple local associations and has an "AV-Preeminent" rating, as well as membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Wesley A. Addington
Wesley A. Addington, a Lancaster County native and Widener Law School graduate, focuses on representing injured individuals at KBG's personal injury and wrongful death team. Prior to KBG, he gained experience in general practice law offices, the Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office, and a personal injury office in Lehigh Valley. He believes in informing clients about their rights and providing plain language advice. Wes is a member of the York County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations.
Brad K. Muller
Brad K. Muller, a York County native and University of Baltimore School of Law graduate, began his legal career as a Judicial Clerk and then as a prosecutor in the York County District Attorney’s Office. Currently, at KBG Injury Law, he uses his expertise to assist clients achieve justice. Brad holds various roles within the York County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. His personal interests include cooking, board games, and traveling.