Riders hurt on the Benjamin Franklin Highway (Route 422) or I-376 often hear the same thing from the other driver’s insurer: you must have been speeding. Adjusters may lean on stereotypes about riders to shift blame. Conlon Tarker, P.C., brings over three decades of combined experience to motorcycle accident claims and answers blame arguments with evidence.
What Causes Motorcycle Crashes in Lawrence County?
Drivers regularly say they never saw the motorcycle. Common causes around New Castle, Ellwood City, and New Wilmington include:
- Left turns across a rider’s path at intersections
- Blind-spot lane changes on I-376
- Loose gravel on rural roads
- Potholes and broken pavement
- Drivers pulling out from side streets along Route 18 and Route 19
Motorcycle wreck injuries tend to be serious because riders have little protection. Injured riders are often taken to UPMC Jameson in New Castle or to a nearby trauma center. Keep photos of your gear, helmet, and bike, because damage patterns can help show how the crash happened.
How We Handle a Lawrence County Motorcycle Claim
Conlon Tarker is a nearby Butler firm that serves injured riders throughout Lawrence County, including Neshannock Township and Shenango Township. When you hire us, our team will:
- Send investigators to the crash site to gather evidence
- Answer the insurer’s blame arguments with facts
- Use accident reconstruction when the fault is disputed
- Charge no fee unless you are compensated
One of our case results is $900,000 for a retired rider hit by a driver who turned left in front of him. Your own result will depend on your facts.
Can You File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in PA Without a Helmet?
Pennsylvania law allows some riders age 21 or older to ride without a helmet. Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3525, the helmet requirement does not apply to a rider 21 or older who has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two full calendar years or who has completed an approved motorcycle safety course. Riding without a helmet does not automatically prevent a claim against a driver who caused the crash.
Limited Tort Rules and Compensation for Injured Riders
Pennsylvania’s limited-tort election applies to private passenger motor vehicle policies. Because the statutory definition of a private passenger motor vehicle is a four-wheel vehicle, the limited-tort restriction generally does not apply to injuries sustained while riding a motorcycle. A motorcycle injury claim may include:
- Medical bills and future care
- Lost income
- Bike repair or replacement
- Disability and home modifications
- Pain and suffering
The value depends on your injuries and how long they keep you from work and riding. An early offer from the insurer may not account for care you will need later.
Talk With Us Before Giving the Insurance Company a Statement
The other driver’s insurer may ask you for a recorded statement. You can speak with an attorney before deciding how to respond. Call 724-285-7700 or request your free consultation online.
