Accidents can happen unexpectedly, leaving those involved with serious injuries, property damage, and legal complexities. While car and motorcycle accidents are both common on Pennsylvania roads, the claims process for each can be quite different. If you’ve been involved in a car or motorcycle accident, understanding these differences is crucial to ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. For instance, motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders, while car accidents typically involve different insurance issues.
Navigating the complexities of personal injury claims in Pennsylvania can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the differences between car and motorcycle accident claims. This is where our team at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. can assist. With decades of experience handling both car and motorcycle accident claims, we may be able to help you secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Our team is dedicated to advocating for accident victims throughout Pennsylvania.
Insurance Differences in Car and Motorcycle Accidents
One key difference between car and motorcycle accident claims in Pennsylvania lies in how insurance policies treat each type of vehicle. Pennsylvania is a no-fault state for car accidents, meaning that your own insurance typically covers your medical bills, regardless of who caused the accident. This is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, motorcycles are treated differently. Motorcyclists are not required to carry PIP insurance, and they must rely on their own health insurance, or if they have none, then the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover their medical expenses.
Additionally, while car drivers can often purchase “full tort” or “limited tort” coverage, which impacts their ability to sue for pain and suffering, these options do not apply to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists maintain full tort rights, meaning they can sue for non-economic damages like pain and suffering after an accident, regardless of the severity of their injuries. This difference can make motorcycle accident claims more complex, as proving liability becomes essential.
Another factor to consider is the higher insurance premiums associated with motorcycles. Due to the increased risk of serious injury, motorcycle insurance tends to cost more than car insurance. This disparity can affect how settlements and compensation are calculated in the event of an accident, making the claims process for motorcycle accidents more detailed and requiring careful consideration.
Different Injuries and Damages in Car vs. Motorcycle Accidents
The nature of injuries sustained in car and motorcycle accidents also plays a significant role in how claims are handled. Motorcycle riders are far more vulnerable to serious injuries because they do not have the protective shell cars offer. Injuries in motorcycle accidents tend to be more severe, often including broken bones, head injuries, and spinal damage. These injuries may result in longer recovery times and higher medical bills, making compensation claims for motorcycle accidents potentially larger and more involved.
On the other hand, car accidents, while they can also cause significant injuries, more often result in minor injuries like whiplash, bruises, and soft tissue damage. The presence of airbags and seatbelts provides added protection for drivers and passengers in cars, reducing the likelihood of severe harm. Because of this, car accident claims may not involve the same level of medical documentation or long-term care considerations that motorcycle accident claims do.
Beyond physical injuries, the types of damages sought in each type of accident can vary. Motorcycle accident claims often involve compensation for extensive medical treatments, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering, especially if the injuries are life-altering. In contrast, car accident claims may focus more on property damage and short-term medical expenses, depending on the severity of the crash.
Fault and Liability in Car and Motorcycle Accidents
Determining fault and liability is another area where car and motorcycle accident claims differ. In Pennsylvania, both car and motorcycle accidents are subject to the state’s comparative negligence rule, which means if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if a motorcyclist is found to be 20% at fault for an accident, they can still recover 80% of the damages.
However, motorcyclists often face biases when it comes to determining fault. Insurance companies and juries may perceive motorcyclists as more reckless, which can complicate the claims process. It is crucial to present clear evidence, such as police reports and witness statements, to counteract these biases and establish liability accurately.
Moreover, the unique dynamics of motorcycle accidents, such as the increased likelihood of skidding or being thrown from the bike, may require additional expert testimony to fully understand how the accident occurred. This can make the claims process for motorcycle accidents longer and more complex than for car accidents, which tend to be more straightforward when it comes to determining liability.
How Can Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. Help with Your Claim?
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we understand how overwhelming the claims process can be after a car or motorcycle accident. Our talented team of attorneys has years of experience navigating the complexities of both types of cases. Whether you are dealing with severe injuries from a motorcycle crash or property damage from a car accident, we can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your options.
When you work with us, you will have access to a dedicated team that will handle every aspect of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. We are proud of the trust we’ve earned over the years, including our recognition as one of the top law firms in Pennsylvania. Contact our team today to learn how we may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. at (215) 822-7575 or reach out through our contact form to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you every step of the way.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
November 11, 2024
