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Last month, a 37 year old motorcyclist from Greencastle was killed when his motorcycle collided with a box truck. The truck driver did not stop at the scene of the accident and later turned himself in. That driver is now facing 8 charges, including homicide. According to the online news article, the driver was driving on a suspended license at the time of the accident. What’s of particular interest to me is why this man was driving a box truck or work truck. If he was working at the time of the accident, his employer would face liability for the accident. The family of the innocent rider certainly deserves justice and that may mean filing suit against all responsible parties.
Pennsylvania laws are not pro motorcycle riders. In 2002, Pennsylvania helmet laws were relaxed for riders over the age of 21. Since 2002, the number of fatal motorcycle accidents has risen. Also, the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law requires that auto insurance companies provide a minimum of $5,000 of medical coverage to drivers of cars and trucks. The same law doesn’t require insurance companies to provide the same benefit – $5,000 of medical coverage – to motorcycle riders.
Motorcycle accidents cause some of the most devastating injuries among all car accidents. Extensive hospitalization is usually necessary. So who pays for medical bills in motorcycle accident cases? Well, unless the rider opted for a pricey medical coverage insurance rider, then it would be the rider’s personal health insurance. If there is no insurance, then the rider and his or her family are left facing a mountain of bills. However, lawsuits in motorcycle accident cases against negligent parties may result in financial compensation for medical bills, as well as financial compensation for lost wages and pain and suffering.
If you’d like to have your case reviewed by our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania motorcycle lawyers, call 215.925.4451. Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation.
*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
The motorcycle accident lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman handle cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities