Understanding Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accidents
The Case of a Man Killed in Collision
One family in Pennsylvania may be looking into more information on their legal options after a recent fatal incident. Reports stated that an SUV was exiting a parking lot behind a car parts store when it was involved in a collision with a motorcycle. The motorcyclist was traveling east at the time of the accident, and the 21-year-old man ended up underneath the SUV.
Though the man was wearing a helmet, he suffered fatal injuries. It was not mentioned whether the driver of the SUV suffered any injuries. Authorities do not suspect that alcohol or speed played a role in the crash, but they are continuing to investigate to conclusively rule out such potential factors.
Legal Principles Related to Motorcycle Accidents
Negligence: In Pennsylvania, proving negligence involves demonstrating that the other party failed to exercise reasonable care, leading to the accident. This means showing that the driver did not act as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. In this case, if it is found that the SUV driver did not adequately check for oncoming traffic before exiting the parking lot, they could be deemed negligent.
Comparative Negligence: Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule, where a victim can still recover damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. This legal principle ensures that victims can receive compensation proportionate to their degree of fault. For example, if the investigation reveals that the motorcyclist was not speeding or under the influence but could have taken evasive action to avoid the SUV, the motorcyclist might be found 20% at fault. In such a scenario, the motorcyclist’s family could still recover 80% of the damages.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
- Ensure your safety and that of others involved.
- Gather evidence, such as photos of the scene and contact information of witnesses.
- Contact law enforcement to file an official report.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
Seeking Legal Help
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: A PA motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case, gather crucial evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
How We Can Help: Our law firm offers comprehensive legal services, including investigation of the accident, negotiation with insurance companies, and aggressive representation in court. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
Call to Action
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers. We are dedicated to helping you receive the compensation you deserve.
Para nuestros clientes que hablan español, también ofrecemos servicios en español. Hable hoy con nuestros abogados de accidentes de motocicleta para obtener la ayuda que necesita.
Source: wtae.com, “SUV-motorcycle crash in Murrysville leaves 1 dead“, Aug. 3, 2016
