How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

Injured bikers often face an uphill battle after a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle insurance companies have unfair biases against bikers that cause them to push back against negligence claims and lawsuits. They often try to pin the blame for the accident on the biker in an attempt to reduce their liabilities. When this happens, injured motorcyclists may not recover enough money to pay their medical expenses and lost wages. They may not be able to get their bike repaired, and they may struggle with unnecessary financial burdens. Even with enhancements in motorcycle safety, traffic accidents involving motorcycles lead to very serious injuries and even death.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania, it is important that you have a motorbike accident lawyer who will fight for you. At Justice Guardians, we provide free consultations for motorcyclists who have been injured in a motorcycle accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are experienced and well-versed in dealing with the insurance industry, and we will fight for your rights to fair compensation.

Local hospitals that treat motorcycle accident injuries:

• Germantown Medical Center
• Chestnut Hill Hospital
• Jefferson Germantown Hospital
• Einstein Medical Center

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident in Pennsylvania?

There were 360,493 registered motorcycles in the state in 2020, making it the 5th in the country per Statista. If you've been in a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania, and are injured as a result, then you need to file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and it's designed to ensure that people aren't able to wait an unreasonable amount of time before seeking legal recourse.

When filing your lawsuit, it's important to remember that aside from the statute of limitations, there are other factors that impact how quickly or slowly your case can be resolved. For instance, if your case goes to trial, then this will take significantly longer than if you were able to resolve the matter through mediation or negotiation with the other party.

Additionally, if you're seeking compensation for damages caused by another person's negligence or wrongful act, then you must be able to provide evidence proving their responsibility. Being prepared and having all relevant information easily accessible can make the process go more smoothly and quickly.

What Happens if I Miss the Filing Deadline?

Filing a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania can be a long and complicated process. If you miss the filing deadline, or statute of limitations, for your claim, you may find yourself unable to get compensation for your losses due to being past the cutoff date.

Missing the filing deadline for your motorcycle accident claim is serious business in Pennsylvania – so make sure to give yourself plenty of time! An experienced attorney can help you every step of way and make sure that all paperwork is filed correctly so that your claim isn’t at risk of being thrown out because your missed the deadline.

An experienced Pennsylvania legal professional with knowledge of personal injury cases can help victims navigate their options and make sure they submit papers within these stringent deadlines-- giving them the best chance at getting justice and compensation.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, 215 of the 3,398 motorcycle crashes were fatal. These accidents often have serious consequences that require legal help to sort out. If you've been in a motorcycle accident, here are some reasons why you need a lawyer.

• For Guidance Navigating the Legal System - Navigating the legal system can be daunting and confusing if you don't have any experience with it. Without the guidance of an experienced lawyer, it's easy to miss important filing deadlines or overlook laws that could affect your case. Hiring a lawyer takes all of this stress off of your shoulders as they know how to best protect your rights and manage your case for a favorable outcome.
• To Fight for Maximum Compensation - Lawyers understand how complicated insurance coverage is in cases involving motorcycle accidents and will fight to get you the maximum compensation available under the law following an accident. They skillfully negotiate with the involved insurance companies on your behalf and will aggressively push for full compensation by presenting compelling arguments on your behalf when necessary.
• To Collect Evidence & Obtain Testimony from Witnesses - Gathering evidence to prove fault in a motorcycle accident is often needed for successful resolution of the case, something lawyers are skilled at doing quickly and efficiently. Whether it's obtaining photos of skid marks, witnessing statements or tracking down medical records, lawyers will take care of finding all evidence relevant to your case so that you won't have to worry about missing something crucial while trying to recover from your injuries.
• To Represent You in Court - If settlement negotiations fail and you decide that taking your claim to court is best, having an experienced attorney by your side is key to getting the best outcome possible under California state law in court proceedings related to motorcycle accident cases. An attorney is knowledgeable regarding trial strategy and what pieces of evidence should be presented before juries who hear rider claims from motorcycle accidents—both developing and using these critical elements effectively during a trial could help victims receive fair compensation.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims?

Motorcycle accident victims can suffer from a range of debilitating injuries and damages, ranging from physical disabilities and medical bills to emotional trauma. As such, it's important for victims of motorcycle accidents to know what types of damages they may be entitled to.

• Compensatory damages are available for motorcycle accident victims. This includes reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other direct costs associated with the accident.
• Punitive damages are often awarded in cases when the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness (such as speeding), which may also be awarded to the victim in addition to any other compensatory damages already granted. Punitive damages are usually added so that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.
• Economic damages refer to any tangible losses a victim suffers due to an accident—so typically, this will cover things like medical bills or lost income due to disability following an accident. Finally, non-economic damages encompass compensation related to pain and suffering caused by an injury sustained during an accident.

It's important for motorcyclists who have been involved in an accident due to another person’s negligence or recklessness to understand what type of compensation they are entitled in order to ensure their rights are protected under the law.

Contact a PA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

At Justice Guardians in PA, we believe that everyone deserves justice after a serious motorcycle accident and, as such, we fight aggressively for all our clients on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not owe unless we win your case. Our PA law firm has helped collect millions for injured motorcyclists just like you. This ranges from head-on collisions to being hit by a truck. Speak with our motorcycle accident attorney team today.