What to Do after a Motorcycle Accident in Erie, PA

Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Help Injured Riders Successfully Pursue Claims for Compensation

Although motorcycle riders enjoy the feeling of being on their bikes, they also understand the risks that an accident poses. When you or a loved one are injured in a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own, you need skilled, knowledgeable legal representation who can help secure the full compensation that you deserve.

At Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C., our Erie motorcycle accident attorneys vigorously pursue the best possible outcome for our clients following their accident. Our client-focused approach means that we take the time to ensure that you understand every development in your case and what to expect at every step.

Steps to Take Following Your Motorcycle Accident

When you’re injured in an accident while riding on a motorcycle, there are steps you can take to best protect your rights and options for seeking compensation for the injuries and damages you suffered in your accident:

• Call 911 and/or the police. If you and/or someone else involved in the accident has been injured or is in physical distress, 911 should be called to summon emergency medical services to the scene. Even if no one requires emergency medical attention, it is still advisable to contact the police to have an officer come to the scene of the accident to investigate and prepare an accident scene report. The report will detail the investigating officer’s findings, whether anyone was cited or arrested for the accident, and possibly even the officer’s conclusions as to who was at fault for the accident. Although the officer’s determinations are not necessarily legally binding, they can be important evidence in a later motorcycle accident claim.
• Take photographs of the accident scene and of your injuries. If possible, you or someone you know should take photographs or video of the accident scene as soon as possible after the accident, including the positions of vehicles after the accident, damage to the vehicles, traffic controls at the scene, and the lighting, weather, traffic, and road conditions at the time of the accident. If you have any visible injuries, you should try to document those as well.
• Seek medical attention. If you don’t accept medical treatment at the scene of the accident, you should still follow up with your physician or medical provider, even if you do not feel like you were hurt in the accident. It may be several days or even several weeks before you experience the symptoms of injuries. However, your doctor may be able to promptly identify injuries, allowing you to conclusively link them to your accident.
• Follow up with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Finally, you should schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney who can help you to understand your rights for compensation following your accident and guide you through the process of securing the financial recovery that you need and deserve.

How Our Erie, PA Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Will Help You Fight to Get the Compensation You Deserve

When you choose Purchase, George & Murphey to represent you in your motorcycle accident case, you will receive the assistance of a group of experienced attorneys who will tirelessly work to get you the financial recovery you need to help get your life back to normal following your accident. We will hit the ground running, thoroughly investigating your accident, working with experts to build a strong, persuasive case, and pushing for a full, fair settlement from the insurance companies and at-fault parties.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. Today to Learn More about your Rights Following Your Motorcycle Accident

If you or a loved one have been seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident in Erie or elsewhere throughout northwest Pennsylvania, contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at Purchase, George & Murphey to schedule a no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your case and to allow us to guide you through the steps and process of obtaining recovery following your motorcycle accident.

About Erie, PA

Erie, Pennsylvania is a city located in and the county seat of Erie County. Sitting on the south shore of Lake Erie, the city is named for both the lake and for the Erie Nation of Native Americans who inhabited the area up until the mid-17th century, when the area fell under the control of the five nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. European settlers first came to the area as they fought for control over territory during the Seven Years’ War. Following the Revolutionary War, the area in which present-day Erie is located was granted to Pennsylvania. During the War of 1812 Erie also served as the home port for the flagship of US Navy Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, leading to Erie’s nickname of the “Flagship City”. Although originally a shipbuilding, fishing, and railroad hub, Erie later developed a substantial manufacturing industry. As manufacturing began to decline in the latter half of the 20th century, Erie’s economy shifted to accommodate other industries such as healthcare, higher education, technology, and tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Accidents in Erie, PA

Can I get coverage for my medical expenses from my motorcycle insurance like I can from car insurance?

Unfortunately no. Motorcycle insurance policies in Pennsylvania do not offer personal injury protection, or PIP coverage, like insurance policies for passenger vehicles are required to have in Pennsylvania. Instead, your initial costs for treating your injuries following your motorcycle accident will likely be paid by your health insurance. If you were not at fault for your motorcycle accident, you will be able to seek compensation for your medical expenses from the at-fault driver or party (although if your health insurance has paid for treatment for your motorcycle accident injuries it may seek reimbursement from this compensation).

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of my accident?

Possibly. Pennsylvania law follows the modified comparative negligence rule. This means that an injured party can still receive compensation for an accident he or she was partially at-fault for, so long as he or she is not more responsible for the accident than all the other at-fault parties combined. If you were to suffer head injuries in your motorcycle accident, an insurance company or jury may find that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to your injuries and therefore the compensation you will receive will be reduced by your share of fault for your head injuries.