Were you injured in a motorcycle crash in Hazleton, Pennsylvania? Contact McDonald & MacGregor, LLC at (570) 209-7062 to schedule a free consultation. Our award-winning Hazleton motorcycle accident lawyers can help you file a claim against the responsible party and/or their insurance company.
Our law firm brings 93 years of combined experience to every case. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for injured Pennsylvanians and know how to fight insurance companies that try to downplay or deny your claim. When your health and future are on the line, hiring our experienced Hazleton personal injury attorneys in your corner could make all the difference.
Call today or reach out online to learn more about your legal options after a motorcycle crash in Hazleton, PA.
Why Should I Choose McDonald & MacGregor, LLC After a Motorcycle Accident in Hazleton, PA?
Not every personal injury law firm is equipped to handle the challenges of a motorcycle accident case in Pennsylvania, especially considering its unique insurance laws. At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, we’ve built our reputation on successfully standing up for injury victims across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Here’s what makes our Hazleton personal injury lawyers different:
- Nearly a full century of combined experience: Our team has decades of combined trial-tested experience handling complex personal injury and wrongful death cases.
- Millions recovered: We’ve secured life-changing settlements and verdicts for accident victims and their families.
- Courtroom strength: Insurance companies know we’re not afraid to take cases to trial. That gives us leverage in negotiations.
- Local commitment: We know Hazleton, Luzerne County, and the broader Pennsylvania court system inside and out. We are also heavily involved in our local community.
- Personal attention: We limit our caseload to give each client the time and dedication they deserve.
Ready to form an attorney-client relationship or want more information? Reach out to our Hazleton motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
Motorcycle Accident Insurance Issues in Pennsylvania
Motorcycle cases in Pennsylvania often involve complex insurance questions. Unlike most car accident claims, motorcycle accidents are not covered under the state’s “choice no-fault” insurance system. That means you aren’t automatically limited to your own PIP benefits and can go straight after the negligent driver for damages.
Still, insurance companies are quick to deny liability or argue your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed. Coverage may also vary depending on whether the at-fault driver has adequate insurance or your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) applies.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys can sort through these issues and determine the best strategy for your case. Contact us today to get started with a free case review.
How Much Is My Hazleton Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?
Every accident is different at the end of the day, so there’s no universal answer to how much your claim may be worth. The value depends on many factors, including the type of injuries you’ve sustained and their impact on your daily life.
Considerations that may impact how much your case is worth include:
- The extent of your medical treatment and whether you’ll need ongoing care
- Whether you can return to work or must adjust to a reduced earning capacity
- The degree of pain, suffering, and emotional trauma you’ve endured
- The availability of insurance coverage and policy limits
- Whether you share any responsibility for causing the crash
As motorcycle accidents frequently involve catastrophic injuries, they may be worth substantially more than the average car accident claim. During your free consultation, our Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers will evaluate your claim and give you a clearer idea of its potential value.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Crash in Pennsylvania?
If someone else’s negligence caused your motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to many forms of compensation. In Pennsylvania, victims can usually seek two main categories of damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages cover your financial losses and include things like:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages if you had to miss work
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to the same job
- Property damage, such as repairs or replacement of your motorcycle
- Other out-of-pocket costs related to the accident
Non-economic damages cover the more personal losses and emotional impact of the crash, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Loss of companionship
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available. These are not meant to compensate you but to punish the at-fault party if their actions, such as drunk driving, were especially reckless or intentional.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Hazleton, Pennsylvania?
At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, you won’t have to pay anything up front to hire us. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Hazleton work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover money for you.
When your case is resolved, our fee is taken as a percentage of the compensation we win on your behalf. If we don’t secure a settlement or verdict in your favor, you don’t owe us anything in attorney’s fees. We’ll also agree to terms at the beginning of your case so there won’t be any surprises.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for the Motorcycle Accident in Pennsylvania?
Potentially, because Pennsylvania uses a modified comparative negligence rule. You can usually still recover compensation if you are less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your total award will likely be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 10% at fault and your case is worth $100,000, you could still recover $90,000.
Because of this rule, proving fault is one of the most important parts of your case. Insurance adjusters often exaggerate or misrepresent the rider’s share of blame. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer with our team can push back against these arguments and make sure fault is assigned fairly.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Hazleton, PA
Motorcycle riders don’t have the same protections as those in enclosed vehicles. That’s why the injuries from these crashes are often devastating.
Our Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorneys can help clients recover damages for injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Crushing injuries
- Amputations
- Severe fractures and broken bones
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Back injuries
- Road rash and burn injuries
- Nerve damage
- Soft tissue injuries like torn ligaments and tendons
- Wrongful death of a loved one
No matter the severity of your injuries, our goal is to ensure you receive fair compensation to cover your medical needs and financial future.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law gives you two years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this statute of limitations deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation in court.
There are only limited exceptions that could shorten or extend this period, such as cases involving minors or when the defendant leaves the state. Because these situations are rare, it’s important to get legal help as soon as possible to file your claim on time.
What Is Negligence and How Do I Prove It?
Negligence is the foundation of most motorcycle accident cases in Pennsylvania. In simple terms, negligence means someone failed to use reasonable care, and that failure caused another person’s injuries. For motorcyclists, this often involves a driver acting carelessly or breaking traffic laws.
To prove negligence, your lawyer will need to establish four elements:
- Duty of care: Every driver on Pennsylvania roads has a duty to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of duty: A driver violates this duty when they act carelessly, such as by texting or driving under the influence.
- Causation: It must be shown that the driver’s careless behavior directly and proximately caused your motorcycle accident.
- Damages: You must have suffered measurable harm, such as financial losses or pain and suffering.
You’ll need to prove each of these elements with evidence. The standard of proof in most personal injury cases is “by a preponderance of the evidence,” typically meaning about a 51% or higher likelihood. Forms of evidence you can bring include medical records, financial documents, photos and videos, and more.
Contact Our Hazleton Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Motorcycle crashes are among the most serious accidents on Pennsylvania roads. The injuries can be catastrophic, and the insurance companies are often aggressive in their efforts to pay you as little as possible. You do not have to accept these tactics willingly or without recourse.
At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, we’ve spent decades helping injured riders and their families secure the justice they deserve. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
Call our Hazleton motorcycle accident lawyers today to schedule your free consultation.
