Need Legal Help? Call 215.925.4451

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer – What to Expect in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

Phil Blackman-Pennsylvania New Jersey Personal Injury LawyerPublished on behalf of Philip Blackman, an experienced personal injury lawyer who has devoted his entire career to helping individuals and families who have been injured due to medical malpractice, car accidents, fall accidents and more. FREE Consultations: 215.925.4451

[suffusion-widgets id=’3′]

Victims of motorcycle accidents often ask what is involved in a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania. Every injury case is unique and the process varies depending on complexity of the case.

Motorcycle accident cases can be complex. Some motorcycle accident cases involve complex products liability claims, while others involve claims against property owners with defects on their property which contributed to the happening of the accident. For instance, a property owner with shrubbery or a sign that is known to obstruct sight of drivers on an adjacent roadway can face liability for a motorcycle accident. The complexity of the case is a major factor in the length of a case, legal issues which may arise, and type of evidence needed.

What is Involved in a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

In a nutshell, here are the main aspects of a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawsuit:

1. pre-litigation preparation,
2. discovery, and
3. resolution.

Prior to filing suit, a motorcycle accident victim must first choose a lawyer. It is always advisable to choose a lawyer with experience handling motorcycle accident cases. Knowledge of details like how a motorcycle performs and rides and rules of the road are invaluable in prosecuting these kinds of cases, especially in products liability cases. In these cases, motorcycle product manufacturers usually defend the case by blaming the accident on the rider’s negligence. Having a lawyer who understands the ins and outs of motorcycle riding is very important.

Once engaged, the lawyer will investigate the case to determine liability of all parties as well as chances of success. Engineering analysis, accident reconstructions, and witness investigation are just some of the kinds of pre-litigation preparation which may be necessary.

The next step involves filing a lawsuit in a Pennsylvania court. In Philadelphia, that court is the Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Trial Division, Civil Section. In some instances a case may be filed in federal court, depending on issues like diversity of citizenship of the parties or whether the case involves a federal issue or law. After a case is filed, the parties begin the discovery phase of the litigation process. This involves many things, such as:

  • paperwork discovery (medical records, photos, etc.),
  • depositions,
  • additional investigation,
  • surveillance, and
  • expert witness discovery/depositions.

After parties have conducted discovery, the next step is resolving the case. How a case is resolved depends on many factors, such as strengths/weaknesses of the case and types of legal issues like causation or damages. However, most cases resolve short of trial. Pennsylvania courts will schedule a settlement conference in an effort to get the parties to settle. If settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will listen to the evidence, hear from the parties and render a verdict.

Related Legal Articles:

For more information, contact our Pennsylvania and New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyers at 215.925.4451. Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation.

The 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

*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.

Published: July 6, 2012

Motorcycle Accident Law Library

Is Your Pennsylvania Car Accident Case Worth Pursuing?

Pursuing a car accident case in Pennsylvania depends on the factual and legal issues which vary from case to case. Most of the time, deciding whether to pursue a car accident case depends on the likelihood of a successful outcome. For some, a successful outcome may be...

Injury & Medical Treatment in PA Car, Motorcycle & Truck Accident Cases

Most personal injury/accident cases boil down to two issues: 1. strength of liability and 2. the nature and extent of the physical injuries. In many car, motorcycle and truck accident cases in Pennsylvania, fault will be clear. The other driver may have run a red...

Determining Value in Serious Car, Motorcycle or Truck Accident Cases in Pennsylvania

Determining value in a car, motorcycle or truck accident case does not happen overnight. It takes months to develop the facts of the case, especially the damages. When serious injuries result, medical treatment is often ongoing and determining whether an injury is...

PA Car & Motorcycle Accident Law -What is a Loss of Consortium Claim?

Under tort law in Pennsylvania, a spouse has a separate right to recover in an accident lawsuit such as a car or motorcycle accident case. Known as a "loss of consortium claim," this type of legal claim is based upon the harm to the relationship between the injured...

Texting and Drunk Driving – A Rising & Very Serious Problem

Over the past few years, texting and driving accidents have made major headlines all across the country. However, in the past year, we are seeing more and more cases of drunk drivers who text or otherwise use their phones. The risk of causing an accident when driving...

FREE CONSULTATIONS

    Spam:  

    *No attorney-client relationship is created by use of this email form. Do not email confidential or time-sensitive information. Call the firm for immediate assistance.

    OUR OFFICES

    Pennsylvania Office
    The Pavilion
    261 Old York Rd., Suite 504
    Jenkintown, PA 19046
    Tel: (215) 925-4451
    Fax: (215) 574-1200

    New Jersey Office
    1415 Route 70 East
    Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
    Tel: (856) 427-0614
    Fax: (856) 424-3690