Were you recently injured in a motorcycle crash in Wilkes-Barre, PA? You may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses. Call McDonald & MacGregor, LLC today at (570) 209-7062 for a free consultation with a Wilkes-Barre motorcycle accident lawyer.
We know the unique challenges motorcyclists face, both on the road and in the courtroom. Contact our Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights and start building a case designed to maximize your compensation.
Why Choose McDonald & MacGregor, LLC After a Motorcycle Crash in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Motorcycle crashes in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, often result in catastrophic injuries. Riders face steep medical bills, extended recovery times, and difficulties returning to work or normal life. Meanwhile, insurance companies frequently try to minimize claims by unfairly blaming the motorcyclist.
You need an experienced legal team that knows how to push back at attempts to limit your compensation. At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, we have earned a reputation for successful results in personal injury and wrongful death cases.
When you hire our Wilkes-Barre personal injury lawyers, you can expect:
- Ninety-three years of combined experience handling personal injury litigation
- Millions recovered for accident victims and their families
- Personalized representation from a seasoned attorney
- Access to top experts in fields like accident reconstruction, medicine, and economics to strengthen your case
- Trial-tested litigators who will not hesitate to take your case to court
Call us today to schedule a free case review with one of our experienced Wilkes-Barre motorcycle accident attorneys.
What Is My Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of your claim depends on a wide range of factors, including the severity of your injuries and the financial impact on your life.
Some of the main considerations include:
- The nature and permanence of your injuries
- Medical treatment costs, both immediate and long-term
- Whether you can return to work
- Loss of future earning capacity if you cannot resume your previous job
- Physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- Disruption of your daily life and hobbies
- Whether you share any responsibility for the accident
- Available insurance policies and coverage limits
We never rely on generic settlement calculators. Instead, we consult with medical professionals, vocational specialists, and financial experts to calculate the true scope of your damages. Our goal is to ensure you recover every dollar you are entitled to under Pennsylvania law.
What Kinds of Damages Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover in Pennsylvania?
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Wilkes-Barre, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses such as:
- Emergency transportation and medical care
- Hospitalization and surgical costs
- Prescription medications, medical equipment, and assistive devices
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost income from time missed at work
- Loss of earning potential in cases of long-term disability
- Motorcycle repair or replacement
Non-economic damages compensate you for personal, non-monetary losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement, scarring, or permanent disability
- Loss of companionship or consortium
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer for extreme misconduct (e.g., DUI) and deter future unlawful behavior.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wilkes-Barre Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
After a serious motorcycle accident, many riders hesitate to contact an attorney because they fear high legal costs. Fortunately, most motorcycle accident lawyers in Wilkes-Barre handle cases on a contingency fee basis.
This means you do not pay anything up front to secure representation. Instead, the lawyer’s fee is collected if they successfully recover compensation on your behalf. The fee is typically a set percentage of the settlement or verdict, which is agreed upon at the start of the case. This percentage typically ranges from 33% to 40%.
If your claim is not successful, you generally will not owe attorney’s fees at all. This arrangement allows injured riders to pursue justice without the burden of hourly rates or retainer fees. We offer contingency fees in all personal injury cases.
What if I’m Partially at Fault for My Motorcycle Accident in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this system, you can generally recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will likely be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
For example, if your damages total $200,000 but you are found 20% at fault, your recovery would typically be reduced to $160,000. But once your level of fault reaches 51% or more, you usually cannot recover any money.
Having a skilled lawyer to counter claims of comparative fault is critical. Our Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorneys know how to investigate the crash and protect you from unfair blame.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Like car accidents, motorcycle crashes often happen in the blink of an eye, but they usually stem from preventable driver negligence.
In Wilkes-Barre and throughout Luzerne County, common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Blind spot accidents
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Impaired driving
- Tailgating
- Hazardous road conditions
- Poor visibility
- Mechanical failures
Our Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyers investigate every possible factor in a crash. Our goal is to identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists have little protection when a crash occurs. Even with helmets and safety gear, injuries are often catastrophic or fatal.
Our firm frequently represents clients who suffer from:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries, including partial or total paralysis
- Broken bones and complex fractures
- Road rash, lacerations, and infections
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Amputations or crush injuries
- Severe burns or disfigurement
- Chronic pain and nerve damage
- Emotional trauma, PTSD, and depression
Sadly, many motorcycle accidents result in fatalities. In these cases, our firm helps families file wrongful death claims to recover funeral costs, lost financial support, and compensation for the emotional impact of their loss.
How Do I Prove Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Winning a motorcycle accident case requires proving that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries.
In Pennsylvania, negligence is established through four key elements:
- Duty of care: You must show that the defendant owed a duty to operate their vehicle safely.
- Breach of duty: You must prove the defendant failed to uphold that duty (e.g., speeding, texting, or failing to yield).
- Causation: You must establish that the breach directly caused your crash.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
You must establish your case by a preponderance of the evidence, showing that it is more likely than not that your version of events is true. Evidence is crucial to proving these elements.
Our attorneys use the following evidence to help prove the elements of negligence:
- Police and accident reports
- Eyewitness testimony
- Photos and videos from the scene
- Medical records and expert testimony
- Cell phone or vehicle data
- Accident reconstruction analysis
Our team knows how to build strong, evidence-driven cases that hold negligent parties accountable.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law limits how long you have to take legal action after a motorcycle accident. Generally, you will typically have two years from the date of the accident to initiate legal action. For wrongful death claims, you usually also have two years from the date of death.
If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your right to recover compensation in court. Some exceptions apply, but these often involve even shorter notice periods.
This is why it is critical to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a crash.
How Can a Wilkes-Barre Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me After a Crash?
Motorcycle accident claims face unique challenges, including severe injuries, claims of comparative fault, and complicated insurance issues. An attorney can help you navigate these complexities and put you in a position for a successful claim.
Your attorney will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your crash
- Collect and preserve evidence to prove liability.
- Consult with medical, vocational, and financial experts to fully calculate your damages
- Handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies
- Push back against unfair blame-shifting tactics
- Prepare your case for trial and fight for you in court if necessary
Studies show that individuals who hire an attorney typically recover more than those who don’t. Call our legal team today to learn how we can help you maximize the value of your claim.
Contact Our Wilkes-Barre Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle crash in Wilkes-Barre or Luzerne County, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. You deserve a law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for your future.
At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, we stand by your side and pursue full justice under the law. Call today to schedule your free case evaluation with a Wilkes-Barre motorcycle accident lawyer.
