Munley Law’s Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers, based at our office on JFK Boulevard, have nearly seven decades of experience fighting for injured riders across Pennsylvania, including a $4.3 million jury award for a motorcycle accident victim. We are board-certified trial attorneys and members of elite organizations such as the American Board of Trial Advocates and the International Society of Barristers, recognized by the American Association for Justice, Martindale-Hubbell, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Motorcycle accidents often involve catastrophic injuries and aggressive insurance tactics. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Philadelphia, we offer a free consultation and charge no fee unless we win your case.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Why Choose Munley Law for Your Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Case?
Munley Law was founded in 1959 and has recovered more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for injured Pennsylvanians, including a $4.3 million jury award for a motorcycle accident victim. Our trial lawyers are board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, members of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the International Society of Barristers, and recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and the National Trial Lawyers. Our Philadelphia office is at 1617 JFK Boulevard.
How Dangerous Are Motorcycle Accidents in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is known for its hazardous roadways, which range from the busy Schuylkill Expressway and Blue Route to the dangerous intersection of Broad Street and Roosevelt Boulevard.
Unfortunately, Philadelphia continues to have one of the highest traffic fatality rates among similarly sized cities. So it’s no wonder the number of motorcycle crashes in the city has totaled almost 1,000 in the last five years, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
Philadelphia’s Vision Zero Action Plan highlighted that seven motorcyclists lost their lives on the city’s streets between January and August 2025, averaging almost one motorcycle accident fatality per month.
There are a variety of reasons Philadelphia motorcycle drivers face greater risks of injury than other drivers on the road:
- Lack of proper training: According to PennDOT, there are roughly 355,000 registered motorcycles in the state. While hundreds of thousands of riders are licensed, participation in the free Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program remains comparatively low, highlighting a gap between licensing and formal safety training.
- Motorcycle safety features: Motorcycles lack certain safety features by design. Unlike cars, trucks, and SUVs, they do not have safety features that prevent injuries, such as airbags, seatbelts, doors, or roofs.
- Visibility: Motorcycles are harder to spot on the road than cars, trucks, buses, or SUVs. Motorcyclists are smaller and lower to the ground, making them harder for other drivers to see. On top of that, many drivers simply don’t make a habit of watching for motorcyclists.
Where Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s Vision Zero data shows crashes concentrate heavily on the city’s High Injury Network, a relatively small set of corridors that account for a disproportionate share of serious and fatal crashes. Broad Street overtook Roosevelt Boulevard in 2024 as the city’s most dangerous street, with 14 traffic deaths through September, while automated speed cameras on Roosevelt Boulevard are estimated to have saved over 50 lives since installation in 2020. Citywide, motorcyclists make up less than 10% of crashes but account for nearly two-thirds of fatalities among vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists combined).
What Are the Leading Causes of Philadelphia Motorcycle Accidents?
Negligent drivers, hazardous road conditions, and vehicle defects are the primary causes of motorcycle accidents in Philadelphia. Our Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyers have handled cases involving all types of crashes and know how to prove liability against those responsible.
Driver Negligence
Distracted drivers, who check their phones or adjust GPS systems, easily miss motorcycles in their path. Drunk drivers with impaired judgment and slowed reaction times pose an even greater threat. Many crashes occur simply because drivers fail to look for motorcycles, such as turning left at intersections without noticing an approaching rider, changing lanes without checking their blind spots, or following too closely to stop in time.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Road hazards that might be a minor inconvenience for a car can be deadly for a motorcyclist. Potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, and debris can cause a rider to lose control in an instant. Construction zones with metal plates and temporary lane shifts are hazardous. When a government entity fails to maintain safe roads or a construction company leaves hazards unmarked, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Vehicle and Equipment Defects
Sometimes a crash is caused by a flaw in the motorcycle or another vehicle involved. Defective brakes, tires, or fuel systems can cause a rider to lose control without warning. Defects in passenger vehicles, such as faulty brakes, malfunctioning headlights, and steering failures, can also lead to collisions. Our attorneys work with engineers and accident reconstruction experts to identify defects and hold manufacturers accountable.
When negligence, dangerous roads, or defective products cause your accident, you have the right to pursue compensation. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation.
What to Do Following a Motorcycle Crash in Philly
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, there are immediate steps you need to take to protect your case. First, seek medical treatment and address your health needs. Once that’s handled, there are actions you can take to strengthen your case.
Document the accident scene with photos. Take pictures of your vehicle and injuries. Ensure you or the police get statements and contact information for any eyewitnesses.
Your next step should be to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer. Motorcycle insurance coverage differs from car insurance, so you need an attorney experienced in motorcycle accidents.
When you call Munley Law, our Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorneys will provide a free consultation. We will advise you on how to proceed because we work on a contingency basis. You will have no upfront or out-of-pocket costs when you hire us. We do this for all motorcycle accidents. We cover all costs of building and defending your case, and we don’t get paid until your accident case is settled or a court award is made.
What Injuries Are Common in Motorcycle Accidents?
Riders have little protection from the force of a crash, and injuries are often severe: traumatic brain injuries ranging from concussion to permanent cognitive impairment, spinal cord damage that can cause partial or complete paralysis, fractures requiring surgery and hardware, internal bleeding and organ damage that isn’t always immediately apparent, and road rash, burns, or amputations that leave lasting disfigurement. Each of these can mean extensive treatment, rehabilitation, and lost income.
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries in a motorcycle accident, our attorneys can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
What Compensation is Available in a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident?
Depending on your case, compensation may cover medical expenses (past and future), lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability or disfigurement, and in fatal cases possibly wrongful death damages. Every case is different, so a free consultation is the fastest way to understand what yours may be worth.
How Motorcycle Insurance Claims Work Differently in Pennsylvania
Motorcycle insurance in Pennsylvania doesn’t work like car insurance. Motorcyclists are excluded from the state’s no-fault system and don’t receive automatic first-party medical coverage. This means you’ll need optional MedPay coverage, personal health insurance, or a claim against the at-fault driver to cover treatment. Motorcycles are also generally treated as an exception to Pennsylvania’s limited tort rules, meaning an injured rider can typically pursue full compensation for pain and suffering without the added hurdles car owners under limited tort face. And because most auto policies exclude motorcycles from their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, riders need to purchase UM/UIM coverage specifically for their motorcycle policy otherwise a claim against an uninsured driver can be denied entirely.
How We Counter Bias Against Motorcycle Riders
Insurance adjusters and juries often carry assumptions about motorcyclists, assuming that they were speeding, weaving between lanes, or riding without a helmet. These assumptions can unfairly shift blame before the facts are examined. We counter them with the same evidence used to reconstruct any serious crash: scene photos and measurements, traffic and security camera footage, event data from the vehicles involved, phone records where distraction is suspected, and accident reconstruction experts who can establish actual speed, lane position, and sightlines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Philadelphia
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault for a Motorcycle Accident in Philadelphia?
Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation if you were partly at fault for a motorcycle accident in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the crash. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. An experienced lawyer at Munley Law can help minimize your assigned liability.
What If the Driver Who Hit Me in Philadelphia Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If you were struck by an uninsured driver while on a motorcycle, you may still have options for a claim through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy. These claims can be complex and often require negotiation with your insurer. Legal representation is important to ensure your insurer treats your claim fairly. We help clients explore every available compensation source.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Case?
To prove negligence, you must show that another driver had a duty to operate their vehicle safely, breached that duty through careless or reckless behavior, caused your accident, and that you suffered injuries and damages as a result. Our attorneys gather evidence—including police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony—to establish each element and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Philadelphia?
In Pennsylvania, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, evidence can disappear and witness memories fade over time, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation.
How Much Is My Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of your case depends on factors including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, and pain and suffering. Every case is different, and the best way to understand what your claim may be worth is to speak with one of our attorneys for a free consultation.
Does Pennsylvania Law Require Motorcyclists to Wear a Helmet?
Pennsylvania requires helmets for riders under 21 and those who have been licensed for less than two years or haven’t completed a safety course. Eye protection is required for all riders unless the motorcycle has an enclosed cab. Even if you’re not legally required to wear a helmet, doing so can prevent serious injuries and strengthen your case if you’re involved in an accident.
Contact Our Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Who you choose to represent you makes a difference. Munley Law gets results. Call, chat, or fill in our online contact form for a free evaluation of your case. We have won large settlements and jury awards for others involved in motorcycle accidents.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Philadelphia and are not sure what to do next, Munley Law is here to help.
Daniel W. Munley
Daniel W. Munley is a highly regarded and deeply caring motorcycle accident lawyer. During his accomplished career he has assisted numerous motorcycle accident victims in getting the help they need to recover, with more notable cases including a $4.3 Million Jury award for a motorcycle accident victim. Daniel has also received numerous accolades, such as being triple board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and receiving a AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell.
