Understanding Electric Motorcycle Accidents in Pennsylvania

Understanding Electric Motorcycle Accidents in Pennsylvania

With climate change’s impacts becoming increasingly apparent every year, global vehicle manufacturers are embracing the green agenda. As such, electric vehicles and motorcycles are becoming more common and just as powerful as their gas-powered counterparts. 

While this is a step in the right direction, it does come with a fair share of caveats, such as an elevated risk of accidents. In this comprehensive article, you will learn about electric motorcycle accidents, their causes, the chain of liability, and what to do if you are a victim. Keep reading below: 

Exploring the Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents

In the state of PA, electric motorcycles account for only a fraction of the vehicles on the road. Even so, these two-wheelers still represent many road crashes. For instance, in 2020, there were 215 fatal motorcycle crashes with 217 fatalities. Here are the different types: 

• Head-on collisions- Occurs when a vehicle and a motorcycle collide head-to-head. Due to the lack of cushion on the part of the motorcycle, such crashes often result in death. In such a case, the family of the deceased can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party. 
• Left turn accident- Occurs when a car attempting to make a left turn rams into an oncoming motorcycle. Most of the time, the motorist making the left turn is at fault. 
• Lane-splitting accidents- occur when riding in between lanes. Liability falls on the rider as this habit is prohibited in Pennsylvania. 
• Speeding and DUI crashes- Such negligent actions cause many preventable accidents in PA and the greater United States. 

With that being said, who is liable? It depends on the specifics, but possible parties include: 

• Drivers 
• Pedestrians 
• Electric motorcycle riders 
• The electric motorcycle manufacturer 

Remember, Pennsylvania adopts the modified comparative negligence rule. “In jurisdictions implementing the modified comparative negligence rule, victims are only eligible for compensation when their share of fault is below 50 percent,” says Personal injury attorney Rich Godshall of Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. 

That being said, the path to restitution in the event of a motorcycle crash dramatically depends on the steps you take immediately after. Here is a rundown of what you should do:

Step 1: Call 911

The first course of action should be calling for help. If you are not in a position to do so, ask someone else, say a bystander, to help you out. 

Step 2: Seek Treatment 

It would help to get checked out even when you have no visible injuries because some symptoms may take some time to manifest. At the same time, getting treated solidifies your claims as it creates documentation of your injuries, their impact, and medication. 

Step 3: Consult an Attorney 

Filing a claim with the guidance of a qualified Pennsylvania attorney is advised for many reasons. These professionals understand how the legal system works and will help you file suit according to proven recommended practices. For these reasons, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. 

Step 4: Gather Documentation 

Personal injury claims are based on the preponderance of evidence. As such, you should collect as much proof as possible, including medical files such as receipts, prescriptions, and doctor appointment notes. 

Conclusion 

Electric motorcycle accidents are becoming more commonplace with the age of electric motors. If you find yourself a victim and it is another party’s fault, you can seek compensation via a personal injury claim. Consult with a qualified Pennsylvania personal injury attorney for guidance on what steps to take.