Pittsburgh
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Riding a motorcycle in Pittsburgh carries real risk, not because riders are reckless, but because other drivers so often fail to see them.

The statistics are stark: motorcyclists are far more likely to be killed or seriously injured in an accident than occupants of passenger vehicles.

When those accidents happen because of a driver’s inattention, failure to yield, or reckless behavior, injured riders deserve full accountability and full compensation.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., our Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyers understand what riders go through, both on the road and in the aftermath of a serious crash.

Call (412) 471-8500 today for a free case evaluation

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Pittsburgh

Most serious motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle are caused by that driver’s failure to share the road appropriately.

The most common scenarios our attorneys handle include:

  • Failure to see motorcycles: drivers who do not check before turning, merging, or changing lanes
  • Left-turn collisions: a driver turns left across oncoming traffic, misjudging the rider’s speed and distance
  • Rear-end collisions: following too closely and failing to brake in time
  • Distracted driving: texting, phone use, or any other inattention behind the wheel
  • Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
  • Aggressive or reckless driving, including speeding and tailgating
  • Failure to yield at intersections and stop signs

Road conditions also play a significant role in motorcycle accidents. Potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, slick surfaces, and debris, hazards that a car might roll over without incident, can be deadly for a motorcyclist.

When a road defect is responsible, a municipality or government entity may share liability.

Our attorneys account for all of those costs, both current and projected, before any settlement is discussed.

Injuries Suffered by Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Victims

The physical consequences of a motorcycle crash are often severe. Without the structural protection that surrounds vehicle passengers, riders absorb impacts directly. 

Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries: even with a helmet, the forces involved in a motorcycle crash can cause serious TBI
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Road rash: ranging from painful surface abrasions to deep tissue damage requiring surgery
  • Broken bones: collarbone, leg, wrist, pelvis, and rib fractures are all common
  • Internal injuries and organ damage
  • Amputations, either traumatic or surgical
  • Facial injuries and permanent scarring

Many of these injuries require not just immediate emergency treatment but months of rehabilitation, ongoing specialist care, and significant time away from work.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Accident in Pittsburgh

One of the most significant challenges motorcycle accident victims face is the bias that insurance companies bring to these claims.

Adjusters frequently approach motorcycle accident cases with the assumption that the rider was somehow at fault, speeding, weaving, or riding recklessly, regardless of what the evidence shows. These assumptions are often wrong, but without experienced legal representation, they can significantly reduce a settlement offer.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., we handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf from the moment you retain us. We gather the evidence needed to establish the other driver’s fault clearly, counter arguments about the rider’s alleged negligence, and negotiate from a position of strength.

If the insurer refuses to make a fair offer, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.

If any of these symptoms appear after an accident, even one that seemed minor at the time, seek medical attention immediately.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Law and Your Claim

Pennsylvania operates under a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning even if you share some responsibility for the accident, you may still recover compensation as long as your degree of fault does not exceed 51 percent.

Your award is reduced proportionally by your share of responsibility.

Insurance companies often inflate a rider’s percentage of fault to reduce payouts.

Pennsylvania law does not require all adult motorcycle operators to wear helmets. However, riders under 21 must wear one, as well as any rider who has held a motorcycle license for less than two years, or who hasn’t completed an approved safety course, regardless of age.

If you were not wearing a helmet and suffered head injuries, the insurer may argue your injuries were worsened as a result.

A prompt diagnosis both protects your health and preserves critical evidence for your legal claim.

Our attorneys are experienced in addressing these arguments and protecting our clients‘ right to full recovery.

Compensation Available in Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Cases

Following a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation
  • Future medical costs for ongoing or long-term care
  • Pain and suffering
  • Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
  • Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disability and disfigurement

Contact Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky Today For a Free Consultation

ABOUT
Why Choose Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky for Your Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Case?

Motorcycle accident claims require attorneys who understand the medical severity of riding injuries, the bias riders face in the claims process, and how to build a compelling case in the face of that bias.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., we bring more than 40 years of Pittsburgh personal injury experience to every case, along with the calm, thorough approach that complex claims demand.

We know how to build cases that cut through the bias, establish the truth of what happened, and recover the full compensation our clients are owed.

We have spent more than 40 years fighting for injury victims throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, and we know how to push back against the insurance company tactics and biases that motorcyclists frequently face.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation
“

I was so frustrated about my particular situation, I didn’t want to talk about it so I just sent them an email one night … they responded immediately. Everyone, every single person I came in contact with in that office was outstanding. I was worried because I started with Eve and she was absolutely fantastic, but she moved on. Before doing so she took the time to call me and assured me that I was in good hands so I began working with Gary. Professional, realistic, accessible, and compassionate. I don’t have a single complaint about how I was treated. One of the best decisions I have ever made. Don’t hesitate to consider them concerning personal injury issues.

– J. B.
“

I highly recommend Mike Murphy and John Perkosky. They kept us informed every step of the way. Both are incredibly caring and were readily available to answer any questions we had. I felt completely confident in their abilities and am extremely grateful for all that they did. Mike and John fought hard to get us the best possible outcome for our case.

– C. G.
“

Ben Gobel was extremely helpful with my case! He was thorough and transparent. I trusted him and did not have very many questions as they were addressed throughout the process, I left pleased with the outcome of my settlement.

– J. B.
“

Mr Perkosky was THE BEST lawyer we have ever worked with. Not only did he bring us comfort and confidence in my case, but he went over and above with understanding, support, extremely hard work ethic, and patience. Mr Perkosky and his team set the bar high and I would HIGHLY recommend them.

– A. R.
“

As a fellow attorney, I only send my clients in need of personal injury and med mal assistance to Ben Gobel at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky. Mr. Gobel is extremely attentive to my clients’ needs and achieves excellent results.

– N. K.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Claims

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Pennsylvania does not require all adult motorcycle operators to wear helmets. If you were not wearing one, the insurer may argue your head injuries were partly your own fault, but this does not bar your claim. Our attorneys are experienced in addressing these arguments under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rules.

Lane splitting is not legal in Pennsylvania, so it could be raised as evidence of shared fault. However, under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rules, you may still recover compensation as long as your share of fault does not exceed 51 percent. Our attorneys evaluate the specific facts of every case and fight to minimize any fault attributed to our clients.

Failing to see a motorcycle is a description of inattention, not a legal defense. Drivers have a duty to look carefully for motorcycles before turning, merging, or changing lanes. We gather evidence to establish what happened and hold inattentive drivers accountable.

Do not accept any offer before consulting with an attorney. Early settlement offers are typically far below the true value of your claim. Once you sign a release, you cannot pursue additional compensation. Contact our office before accepting or signing anything.

If a pothole, debris, or other road hazard played a role in your crash, a municipality or government entity may share liability. These claims are subject to specific rules and deadlines in Pennsylvania. Contact an attorney promptly if a road condition may have been a factor.

You may be entitled to recover medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, motorcycle repair or replacement, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and compensation for permanent disability or scarring.

Every case is different. Some settle within months; others take longer, particularly if liability is disputed or injuries are severe. Our attorneys at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible without compromising the compensation you deserve.

Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Who Ride to Bat for Injured Riders

Motorcyclists injured on Pittsburgh’s roads face a claims process that is often stacked against them from the start.

Insurance companies bring biases that have nothing to do with the facts, and without experienced legal representation, injured riders frequently walk away with far less than they deserve.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., our Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyers have spent more than 40 years fighting to change that outcome for riders throughout Allegheny County.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in the Pittsburgh area, call (412) 471-8500 today for a free case evaluation.

Call (412) 471-8500 today for a free case evaluation.

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    The results obtained in any particular case depend upon the specific facts and circumstances of that case. Past verdicts and settlements do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in future cases.

    245 Fort Pitt Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, US