Motorcycle Accidents

Norristown Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Gabriel Levin
Reviewed by Attorney Gabriel Levin, Owner/Founder at The Levin Firm.

Table of Contents

Motorcycle accidents remain a serious issue across Pennsylvania, causing thousands of injuries each year.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation:

  • 3,284 motorcyclists were injured in a single year
  • 184 motorcycle accidents resulted in fatalities

These numbers highlight just how dangerous motorcycle crashes can be.

Why Motorcyclists Face Greater Danger

Motorcyclists are far more vulnerable than drivers of passenger vehicles. Unlike cars and trucks, motorcycles do not provide:

  • Seat belts
  • Airbags
  • Structural protection from impact

Without these safety features, riders are exposed to the full force of a collision, significantly increasing the risk of severe or life-threatening injuries.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Even the most careful riders can be injured due to the negligence of others. Many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers:

  • Fail to check blind spots
  • Do not yield the right of way
  • Are distracted or inattentive
  • Misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or distance

These careless actions can have devastating consequences for motorcyclists.

The Serious Impact of a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle accidents often result in:

  • Catastrophic injuries
  • Long-term medical treatment
  • Emotional and financial hardship for victims and families

In many cases, recovery can take months or even years.

Speak With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights.

At The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, we can evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Potential Injuries Causes by Motorcycle Accidents

With no access to seat belts and air bags, motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer serious injuries in accidents than are other motorists. Even minor accidents can have serious results when a motorcycle is involved, some of which could include:

  • Spinal cord damage;
  • Compound bone fractures;
  • Organ damage and internal bleeding;
  • Severe lacerations and road rash;
  • Burns;
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Treating an injury sustained in a motorcycle accident is often prohibitively expensive as it usually requires some or all of the following procedures or forms of treatment:

  • Multiple reconstructive surgeries;
  • Amputations;
  • Physical therapy;
  • Prescription medications;
  • Multiple hospital stays;
  • The purchase of special medical equipment;
  • Appointments with specialists; and
  • At-home nursing care.

Unfortunately, the costs of being involved in a motorcycle crash do not end here as many injured parties must take weeks or months off from work to fully heal. In some tragic cases, a victim may lose his or her life, leaving family members to not only come to terms with their loss, but also to find a way to cover funeral expenses. In other situations, an injured party may never be able to return to work, which can make it almost impossible to stay on top of mounting medical bills and other expenses. Fortunately, accident victims who can demonstrate that another party’s negligence was the cause of their crash can collect compensation for their losses, which could include:

  • Past and future medical costs;
  • Lost wages;
  • Loss of future income;
  • Property damage;
  • Pain and suffering; and
  • Emotional distress.

Furthermore, even if a motorcyclist contributed to the accident, he or she can still recover damages. This is because Pennsylvania follows the legal theory of modified comparative negligence, which allows injured parties who were partially at fault for their accidents to collect damages as long as they were less than 51 percent responsible. However, the amount that they are able to recover will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Motorcycle helmet laws vary by state. In Pennsylvania, not all riders are required to wear a helmet—but certain individuals must comply with specific legal requirements.

Who Is Required to Wear a Helmet?

Under Pennsylvania law, the following riders must wear a helmet:

  • Motorcyclists under 21 years old

Riders over 21 may be exempt only if they can provide proof of:

  • At least two years of motorcycle riding experience, or
  • Completion of an approved motorcycle safety course

If these conditions are not met, helmet use is still required.

Why Wearing a Helmet Is So Important

Even when not legally required, wearing a helmet is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37%
  • Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%

Additional research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that helmets can also significantly reduce:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Facial injuries

Can Not Wearing a Helmet Affect Your Case?

Yes—choosing not to wear a helmet can impact your personal injury claim.

In some cases:

  • Insurance companies may argue your injuries were more severe due to lack of a helmet
  • Judges or juries may consider this when determining compensation
  • Your total recovery may be reduced under comparative negligence rules

Protect Yourself On and Off the Road

While helmets cannot prevent every injury, they play a critical role in reducing the severity of motorcycle accidents.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, understanding how helmet use may affect your claim is important.

Call an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents tend to be particularly painful and difficult to treat, making it especially important for injured parties to seek compensation for their medical bills. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Norristown, please contact The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers today by calling (215) 825-5183, by initiating a live chat with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, or by submitting one of our standard contact forms.

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The Levin Firm welcomes the opportunity to meet and work with you on your personal injury case.
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