If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, Pittsburgh motorcycle traffic laws can influence what happens next. These laws affect how liability is determined and your ability to recover compensation from the at-fault party or their insurance company. Details such as lane position and equipment compliance can significantly impact your claim. Additionally, motorcycle crash cases frequently involve complex questions regarding right-of-way, visibility, and rider conduct.
Working with one of our skilled motorbike wreck attorneys could help you understand how the law applies to your situation. We could review your case, explain your options, and guide you through the claims process with clarity and confidence. Contact Bordas & Bordas Attorneys, PLLC today to get started.
Key Motorcycle Laws That Affect Injury Claims
Under state law, Pittsburgh motorcyclists must follow specific traffic rules that do not apply to most other drivers. These rules often encompass requirements related to helmets, lighting, and safe vehicle operation, which can become a central focus when insurance companies and courts evaluate the cause of a crash.
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3525 requires motorcycles to have proper safety equipment, including mirrors and lights, that is in working condition. As a rider, you are generally expected to stay within a single lane, with limited exceptions allowing two motorcycles to share a lane. Failing to adhere to these requirements can affect how insurance companies or courts determine liability in your case, especially if they closely review the traffic laws governing motorcycle use.
How Is Fault Determined?
Any violations of motorcycle traffic regulations can become a key issue when determining fault in your Pittsburgh claim. Under Pa.C.S. § 7102, the state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you may receive reduced compensation if you share some responsibility for the accident, and you may not be able to recover damages if you are found more than 50 percent at fault.
Insurance companies often try to use alleged violations to shift blame onto riders. They may claim you were not visible enough, changed lanes improperly, or failed to follow equipment rules. Our lawyers could focus on clearly establishing what happened by gathering evidence, reviewing collision details, and challenging unsupported assumptions.
Our firm has handled cases against major companies, such as Honda and General Motors, when defective parts contributed to serious injuries. In those cases, we obtained substantial settlements for the injured parties by showing how both negligence and safety issues contributed to the accident.
Actions To Take After a Motorcycle Crash
Taking certain actions after a crash can make a difference in your recovery and your claim. Getting medical attention right away is critical, even if your injuries do not seem severe, as medical records help link your injuries directly to the wreck. Some other practical actions you can take to protect your case include:
- Reporting the collision to law enforcement
- Gathering contact and insurance information from everyone involved
- Taking photographs of the scene and your injuries
- Avoiding statements that insurance companies could interpret as admitting fault
- Keep track of all treatment and related expenses
Pa.C.S.§ 3744 requires drivers to remain at the scene of an accident and provide identifying information. Doing this can help you avoid complications that may affect your motorcycle injury claim, especially when questions arise about whether you followed traffic rules in Pittsburgh.
Speak With Our Pittsburgh Attorneys for Help With Motorcycle Traffic Regulations
While understanding Pittsburgh motorcycle traffic laws is important, applying them to your situation takes experience. We could evaluate your case, clearly explain your options, and build a strategy to hold the at-fault party or their insurance company accountable.
We have secured substantial settlements for injured clients, including cases involving defective vehicles and negligent drivers on busy highways. If you are ready to pursue compensation for your injuries, start your claim with a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys at Bordas & Bordas.
