Chester Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Chester, Pennsylvania, an experienced Chester motorcycle accident lawyer from Munley Law can help you navigate your legal options. Our firm understands Pennsylvania state laws and the unique challenges motorcycle riders face following an accident.

Since 1959, Munley Law has provided exceptional legal representation to motorcycle accident victims throughout Chester and Delaware County. We represent motorcyclists injured due to other drivers’ negligence, unsafe road conditions, or defective equipment.

Our team has helped hundreds of injured riders secure compensation for medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and suffering. Understanding that motorcycle accidents cause severe injuries requiring extensive treatment and time off work, we combat insurance companies that try to minimize payouts to motorcyclists. We build strong cases by working with investigators, medical experts, and insurance specialists. Call Munley Law for a free 24/7 consultation with our Chester personal injury attorneys—you pay nothing unless we win. Don’t accept less than you deserve.

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Laws and Insurance Requirements

Pennsylvania law requires all motorcyclists to carry specific insurance coverage to operate their bikes legally. Every motorcycle policy must include at least $15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 in property damage coverage. However, these minimum requirements often fall short of covering the actual costs after a serious accident.

Riders in Pennsylvania can choose between limited or full tort insurance. While limited tort costs less monthly, it restricts your ability to recover compensation for pain and suffering. Full tort insurance preserves your right to seek all forms of compensation after an accident, which matters significantly given the severe injuries common in motorcycle crashes.

According to Pennsylvania law, riders over 21 with two years of riding experience or who have completed an approved motorcycle safety course can legally ride without a helmet. However, eye protection remains mandatory for all riders. Despite the option to ride without one, wearing a DOT-approved helmet reduces the risk of fatal head injuries by 37%.

Lane-splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, remains illegal in Pennsylvania. Motorcyclists must follow the same traffic rules as other vehicles, including maintaining a full lane position. Breaking these laws can affect your ability to recover compensation after an accident, even if another driver caused the crash.

The type of motorcycle insurance you choose impacts your options after an accident. Pennsylvania operates under a choice no-fault system for standard vehicles, but motorcycles fall outside this framework. Therefore, motorcycle accidents typically proceed as fault-based claims, where proving the other driver’s responsibility becomes essential for recovering compensation.

We regularly see cases where insurance companies try to minimize payouts by questioning liability or downplaying injuries. Understanding insurance requirements and traffic laws helps protect your rights after an accident.

Motorcycle Accident Claims in Chester

Chester’s roadways, particularly near the I-95 corridor and Route 322, see numerous motorcycle accidents yearly. Data from 2022 shows that over 15% of traffic fatalities are motorcyclists and were 22 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident. 

Most motorcycle accidents happen because other drivers fail to notice riders or misjudge their speed and distance. Typical scenarios include cars turning left across a motorcycle’s path, sudden lane changes without checking blind spots, or rear-end collisions at intersections. Road hazards like potholes, loose gravel, or construction debris pose greater risks to motorcyclists than car drivers.

Motorcycle accident claims differ significantly from car crash cases. Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame to riders, playing into common misconceptions about motorcycle safety. Even when riders follow all safety protocols, they may face unfair prejudice during the claims process. Medical costs also tend to run higher because motorcyclists lack the protective shell of a car, leading to more severe injuries even in low-speed collisions.

Taking specific steps after a motorcycle accident in Chester protects your right to compensation. Document everything at the scene and seek medical care immediately, even if you feel fine, as some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. Keep all medical records and repair estimates, and communicate with insurance companies.

Many injured riders damage their claims by speaking with insurance adjusters too soon after their accident. Insurance companies often contact victims quickly, hoping to secure statements before they understand their injuries’ full extent. These early statements can hurt your ability to recover fair compensation later.

Compensation in Chester Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries that affect every aspect of a rider’s life. Without the protection of airbags, seat belts, or a vehicle frame, motorcyclists frequently suffer traumatic brain injuries even when wearing helmets. These injuries can lead to memory problems, personality changes, and long-term cognitive difficulties that affect work and relationships.

Spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents frequently cause partial or complete paralysis. Many riders face months or years of physical therapy, with some requiring permanent medical equipment or home modifications. The financial impact extends beyond initial medical bills to include ongoing care, lost income, and assistance with daily activities.

Road rash, often dismissed as minor, can cause serious complications. Deep abrasions from sliding across pavement usually require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring. Many riders also suffer broken bones, particularly in their legs, arms, and ribs. These fractures may need multiple surgeries and can lead to chronic pain or limited mobility.

The cost of treating motorcycle accident injuries adds up quickly. Emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication often exceed $100,000 in the first month alone. Many injured riders miss work during recovery, losing income when they need it most. Some cannot return to their previous jobs due to permanent limitations.

Pennsylvania law allows motorcycle accident victims to seek compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
• Necessary medical equipment and home modifications
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage to your motorcycle and gear

At Munley Law, we work with medical experts to document the full impact of your injuries and calculate fair compensation. We understand how injuries affect your daily life and future opportunities. Our attorneys ensure all current and future costs are included in your claim.

Building Your Motorcycle Accident Case in Chester, PA

Evidence collection starts the moment a motorcycle accident happens. Photos of the crash scene, skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions form the foundation of strong cases. Witness statements and police reports help establish how the accident occurred. Medical records link your injuries directly to the crash and document their severity.

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule in motorcycle accidents. You can seek compensation if you’re less than 51% responsible for the crash, but your compensation decreases by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, you’ll receive 80% of the awarded compensation.

Insurance companies often undervalue motorcycle accident claims, especially long-term costs like future medical care or reduced earning potential. They may pressure injured riders to accept quick settlements that don’t cover the full extent of their losses. Our team handles all communication with insurance companies, protecting you from making statements that could hurt your case.

Pennsylvania gives you two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit under 42 Pa C.S.A. § 5524. However, waiting makes it harder to gather evidence and contact witnesses. Weather conditions can erase skid marks, construction crews might repair road damage, and witnesses’ memories fade. At Munley Law, we begin investigating motorcycle accidents immediately. We document the scene, interview witnesses, and collect evidence before it disappears.

We also work with accident reconstruction specialists when necessary, particularly in cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability. These experts analyze physical evidence, damage patterns, and road conditions to show exactly how the accident happened.

Don’t wait to get help after a motorcycle accident. Call Munley Law for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys will work to protect your rights immediately.

Why Choose Our Chester Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Munley Law has represented injured motorcyclists in Chester and Delaware County since 1959, securing multiple million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Our attorneys understand motorcycle dynamics and physics, which differ significantly from car accidents. We know how road conditions uniquely affect motorcycles, helping us counter common defense arguments. For families who have lost loved ones, we handle wrongful death claims arising from Chester motorcycle accidents, seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the profound emotional suffering that follows such a tragedy.

We limit our caseload to provide personalized attention and work with specialists to build strong cases. Operating on a contingency fee basis, we advance all costs so clients pay nothing unless we win. Beyond legal representation, we help clients find medical specialists, manage insurance paperwork, and develop a path to recovery.  Call today for a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.