The Best Bethlehem Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

In a motorcycle accident, liability can extend to various parties. These may include the other driver involved, the motorcycle manufacturer if a defect contributed to the accident, or even those responsible for private road maintenance if those road conditions played a role.

Determining liability requires a thorough investigation. Bethlehem motorcycle accident lawyers can help identify all responsible parties so accident victims get the help and compensation they need.

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence standard with a 51% bar. This means that an individual can recover damages in an accident as long as they are less than 51% at fault.

However, compensation is reduced by a person’s percentage of fault. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. This rule dictates that only those not primarily responsible for an accident can receive compensation.

Most motorcycle crashes happen at intersections and on busy urban roads where traffic is dense and unpredictable. These areas are particularly hazardous due to frequent stops, turns, and the potential for other drivers to overlook motorcycles.

Rural roads with sharp curves and high-speed limits are also common sites for motorcycle accidents. Making note of high-risk locations can help motorcyclists stay vigilant and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

If you weren’t wearing a helmet during a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania, it can contribute to the severity of your injuries and potentially impact your claim. However, under Pennsylvania's "eggshell skull rule," people are still entitled to seek compensation for injuries regardless of whether or not they were wearing a helmet.

This legal doctrine means that the defendant must take the victim as they find them and cannot use the victim's pre-existing vulnerabilities or lack of helmet use to reduce their liability. It's crucial to consult with a Bethlehem motorcycle accident lawyer to navigate these complexities so that well-deserved compensation doesn’t slip through your fingers.

Yes, a motorcycle crash is considered a personal injury case. When a motorcyclist is injured due to the negligence or recklessness of another driver, they have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. This allows them to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Consulting with dedicated personal injury attorneys, like those at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, can help victims navigate the legal process and potentially achieve a favorable outcome for their motorcycle case.

After a motorcycle crash, victims may be entitled to various bases of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The specifics of each case can vary widely, but seeking the assistance of award-winning Bethlehem motorcycle accident lawyers like those at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo can influence the outcome.

With a proven track record of success, our firm has secured favorable results for many clients throughout Northern Pennsylvania, helping them take home the support and compensation they need.

In Pennsylvania, the law of comparative negligence plays a key role in determining whether motorcycle accident victims can receive full compensation.

For example, if a victim is awarded $100,000 in damages but is found to be 30% at fault, their compensation would be reduced by 30%, leaving them with $70,000. If they are found 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover any damages at all.

This law ensures that fault is shared proportionally. It also means that one of the keys to securing fair compensation is to accurately establish fault. If you’re not sure how much fault you share in the accident, schedule a free consultation with one of our Bethlehem motorcycle accident lawyers. They can help you determine if you have a case.

One of the main origins of motorcycle accidents is left-turn collisions, where a vehicle turning left at an intersection fails to see an oncoming motorcycle. Other frequent causes include speeding, which reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. Drunk driving or impaired riding, which significantly impairs a rider's ability to operate their motorcycle safely can also increase the likelihood of a dangerous or deadly crash.

These types of accidents highlight the critical need for vigilance and responsible driving behaviors from all road users to improve motorcyclist safety.

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which are severe due to the lack of protection for riders. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can have long-lasting effects on cognitive and physical functions, and fractures, especially to the arms, legs, and ribs, due to the impact with the ground or other vehicles.

Other serious injuries include spinal cord injuries, which may lead to paralysis, and internal injuries, which may require extensive medical treatment. In the most tragic cases, motorcycle accidents can result in wrongful death, causing immense grief, loss, and difficulties for a victim's family.

If the other driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to fully cover your damages, you may still have options to seek compensation. First, you can turn to your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage as long as you have purchased this optional insurance.

If you carry UIM coverage, it can help cover the difference between the at-fault driver's insurance and the total amount of your damages. For example, if your damages are $100,000 but the at-fault driver’s policy only covers $50,000, your UIM policy may cover the remaining $50,000, depending on your policy limits.

If UIM coverage isn’t sufficient or available, you may consider filing a lawsuit directly against the underinsured driver to recover additional damages. However, this option is often limited by the driver’s financial ability to pay.

If you don’t have UIM coverage, you may have to rely on the at-fault driver's insurance, which could leave you without the funds you need. Consult with a Bethlehem motorcycle accident attorney to explore all available options.

After a motorcycle accident, the first step is to be safe and seek medical attention for any injuries. Contact local authorities to report the accident and obtain an official police report. Document the scene by taking photos and videos and gathering contact information from any witnesses. Avoid discussing fault with anyone at the scene.

As soon as possible, reach out to a seasoned Bethlehem motorcycle accident lawyer like the ones at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo. Our team can provide you with expert legal guidance, helping you navigate the complexities of your case and working to secure what you deserve.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means people have two years to initiate legal proceedings against the party responsible for the other’s injuries.

Note that there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, if the accident involves a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended. Additionally, if the injuries were not immediately apparent and discovered later, the timeline might adjust accordingly. The latter point can also relate to motorcycle accident wrongful death cases.

Survivors and families are recommended to act promptly and consult with a highly qualified motorcycle crash attorney so that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.

Motorcycle riders often face bias in accident claims due to stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding motorcycling. Many people assume that motorcyclists are reckless or overly aggressive, which can lead to unfair fault determinations.

This bias may cause insurance companies, law enforcement, and juries to view motorcycle riders as more responsible for accidents, regardless of the actual circumstances of the accident. This is why it’s key to both gather solid evidence of injury and also work with an experienced Bethlehem motorcycle accident lawyer who can overcome and counteract any potential bias.

Reach out to a Bethlehem motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after you've been involved in an accident. Early consultation helps preserve critical evidence and witnesses are interviewed while their memories are fresh. Along with that, you can receive guidance on how to navigate the immediate aftermath.

Prompt legal advice can also help avoid common mistakes when dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies might look to misinform you of your rights and your policy as well as diminish a financial case outcome. Legal experts can help protect their clients from those bad actors.

Consulting with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Bethlehem can be a major step to safeguarding your rights and maximizing your compensation. A lawyer can navigate the complexities of personal injury law, gather essential evidence, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies on your behalf.

Additionally, an attorney can help you understand the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. At a Bethlehem motorcycle accident law firm like Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, you’ll find dedicated professionals committed to advocating for your best interests.

Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo provide comprehensive legal assistance for motorcycle accident cases. Our first-rate Bethlehem motorcycle accident lawyers thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence. All of this helps lay the foundation for a strong case to prove liability.

We handle all communications with insurance companies and opposing parties, protecting your interests throughout the process. Our team works tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. With a proven track record of successful outcomes, Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo are dedicated to achieving justice for motorcycle accident victims.

Choosing a Bethlehem motorcycle accident lawyer like the ones at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo for your motorcycle case ensures you receive top-tier legal representation from a firm with a proven track record of success. Our first-rate team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of motorcycle accident victims and securing the compensation they deserve. Some of our notable recoveries include:

$855,575 for a motorcycle rider who needed extensive medical treatment post-accident

$1.35 million for a motorcycle crash wrongful death case

$1.65 million in a wrongful death motorcycle accident case

With such significant recoveries, our firm demonstrates its commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. Trust Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo to provide the skilled and compassionate representation you need during this challenging time.

Starting with Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo for your motorcycle accident case is relatively straightforward. Contact us by giving us a call or filling out our online form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. During this initial meeting, we review the details of your accident, discuss your legal options, and outline the next steps in pursuing your claim.

Our team is committed to providing personalized, compassionate service to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

During the first meeting with a motorcycle lawyer, several critical questions might be addressed to help you understand your case and the legal process. These questions can include:

What are my legal rights and options following the motorcycle accident?

How strong is my case based on the initial evidence and facts?

What kind of compensation can I potentially receive for my injuries and damages?

What is the process for filing a personal injury claim, and how long might it take?

What steps should I take immediately to protect my claim and gather the necessary evidence?

Knowledgeable accident injury lawyers like the ones at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo can provide clear and comprehensive answers, helping you make informed decisions about moving forward with your case.

When you first meet with a motorcycle accident lawyer, it's essential to bring comprehensive documentation to support your case. This includes:

Accident Report: The police report detailing the incident.

Medical Records: All medical records and bills related to your injuries, including diagnosis, treatment plans, and receipts for expenses.

Insurance Information: Copies of your insurance policy, any correspondence with your insurer, and documentation of claims filed.

Photographic Evidence: Photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle.

Witness Information: Contact details and statements from any witnesses to the accident.

Employment Records: Documentation of lost wages and any impact on your ability to work.

Bringing these documents helps your lawyer assess the strength of a case and formulate an effective legal strategy faster.

Most motorcycle accident lawyers, including those at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront fees. Instead, the lawyer's fees are a percentage of the settlement or court award you receive.

You only pay if your lawyer successfully recovers compensation for your case. This arrangement allows you to pursue legal action without worrying about the immediate financial burden of legal fees. Always discuss the specific fee agreement with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand all terms and conditions.