Pittsburgh
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

On This Page

1. What should I do after a motorcycle accident in Pittsburgh?
2. Who is at fault in most motorcycle accidents?
3. Do I need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident in Pittsburgh?
4. Choosing Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Your Pittsburgh Case
5. How Our Lawyers Can Help with Your Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident
6. How much is my Pittsburgh motorcycle accident case worth?

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

November 11, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

What should I do after a motorcycle accident in Pittsburgh?

After a motorcycle accident in Pittsburgh, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor. Make sure a police report is filed, especially if the crash occurred on major roadways like I-376, Route 28, or I-279. Take photos of the scene, gather witness information, and avoid speaking to the insurance company before talking to a Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyer. Early legal guidance can protect your right to compensation.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash, do not assume that the accident was your fault. A negligent driver or another liable party’s insurance company may cover your damages. The Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyers at Berger and Green can tell you more about your rights to compensation that can cover your medical bills, wage loss, and pain and suffering. Our Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers have more than 40 years of legal experience we can use to build strong personal injury insurance claims or lawsuits. We will work tirelessly on your behalf so you can focus on healing. We offer free case evaluations and no attorneys’ fees or costs unless we recover a settlement or verdict in your case.

Who is at fault in most motorcycle accidents?

In many Pittsburgh motorcycle crashes, the at-fault driver is a passenger vehicle operator who failed to yield, turned left in front of a rider, or changed lanes without checking blind spots. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation if you are less than 51% at fault. An experienced attorney can investigate the crash and challenge unfair blame placed on the motorcyclist.

Do I need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident in Pittsburgh?

While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts — especially in motorcycle cases. A Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyer can gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, calculate full damages, and, if necessary, take your case to court. Berger and Green offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Choosing Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Your Pittsburgh Case

At Berger and Green, we understand that after a serious injury, you need more than just legal advice—you need support, compassion, and results. We know you’re hurting. We can help.

With over 40 years of experience and tens of thousands of clients served, our team brings deep knowledge and proven success to every personal injury case we handle. Three of our attorneys are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction held by lawyers who’ve secured million-dollar outcomes for their clients. But we’re more than just numbers. 

Our client-first approach means we listen to your story, communicate openly, and tailor our strategy to your needs. Whether it’s a free case evaluation, a home or hospital visit, or helping you understand what’s next, we’re here to ease the legal process so you can focus on recovery.

Hear From Our Clients

Every member of our team is committed to building effective cases and fighting for compensation for the clients we represent. Read about some of Berger and Green’s personal injury results, and see what previous clients say, including the following:

• Matthew Metcalf: The team at Berger and Green did everything they possibly could for me. They were attentive, professional, and caring…I would highly, highly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal representation regarding personal injury. Their honesty about the process was what stuck out to me the most.
• David Baier: I am so happy I made the decision to go with Berger and Green as my attorneys…they were so knowledgeable and helpful every time we called. A sincere thank you to the entire staff at Berger and Green for helping me win my case. I highly recommend them to everyone.

You can read additional recommendations and watch video testimonials on our client reviews page to learn more about how we fight for injured clients and their compensation.

We Represent You at No Upfront Cost

Our law firm will represent you on a contingency fee basis with no upfront or out-of-pocket expenses for you. Here is how you benefit from this fee structure:

• We forward all case-related expenses
• We hire expert witnesses when needed
• We cover all investigative costs
• We start on your case promptly

We receive compensation only after we secure it for you with an insurance settlement or court-ordered financial award.

How Our Lawyers Can Help with Your Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident

The Pittsburgh motorcycle accident attorneys at Berger and Green can help you obtain the money you need for your damages. We can file your claim and possibly your lawsuit, gather evidence, speak with witnesses, evaluate your losses, and protect your rights.

Our motorcycle accident lawyers will fight to win a fair settlement for your injuries from insurance companies that may otherwise try to convince you to settle quickly for the lowest possible amount. We are familiar with insurance companies’ tactics to downplay injuries and devalue claims, and we won’t let them handle your claim this way. We fight for the full compensation you rightfully deserve.

The Clock Is Ticking to Take Action

If you wish to file a lawsuit, know that you only have so much time to do so. According to Pa. C.S.A. § 5524, you generally have two years. This may seem like a long time, but it benefits our lawyers to have as much time as they can get to create a solid case and potentially achieve the best possible outcome for you.

In personal injury cases, the statutory clock starts running on the day of the accident, as do survival actions. The clock on wrongful death lawsuits starts at your loved one’s passing. Various circumstances of the accident can alter the filing deadline, such as the age of the plaintiff. Our personal injury law firm’s familiarity with personal injury law means we can ensure the statute of limitations is accurately interpreted and applied.

It is best for you to get started as soon as possible. It is imperative to collect all available evidence right away and get in touch with eyewitnesses while you still can. Do not let time run out because, after the two-year mark, the court will likely bar you from pursuing the compensation you deserve.

How much is my Pittsburgh motorcycle accident case worth?

The value of a motorcycle accident claim depends on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, long-term disability, and pain and suffering. Serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fractures often result in higher settlements. A Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case and pursue maximum compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Motorcycle Accident Damages You May Recover

Our lawyers can determine what damages you can seek after your motorcycle accident and place a value on them. Some common economic and noneconomic damages in a motorcycle accident that you may recover include:

• Past and future medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, long-term care, and any other necessary medical costs
• Pain and suffering, including disfigurement, scarring, temporary or permanent disability, emotional trauma, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment
• Lost wages from missing work
• Diminished earning capacity if you have to take a lower-paying job due to your injuries
• Property damages, including the cost of motorcycle repairs, vehicle replacement, or damaged personal items, like cell phones or jewelry
• Wrongful death compensation and survival damages if your loved one suffered a fatal injury 

You may qualify for some or all of these damages. Our accident attorneys will fight to recover every penny you deserve.

Types of Accidents Our Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Handle

There are many instances that can cause a motorcycle accident. Below are just a few of the reasons they’ve seen cause an accident.

• Speeding Accidents: Speeding significantly increases the risk of severe injuries for both motorcyclists and other drivers. We represent clients injured in crashes caused by excessive speed.
• Improper Lane Change Accidents: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes can easily collide with a motorcycle. We help injured riders pursue compensation when another vehicle veers into their lane without warning.
• Left-Turn Accidents: Many motorcycle accidents occur when a driver makes an unsafe left turn at an intersection, cutting off an oncoming motorcyclist. We advocate for riders hurt in these dangerous and often preventable collisions.
• Lane-Splitting Accidents: Although lane splitting is illegal in Pennsylvania, it sometimes happens in congested traffic. We assist riders who are injured in these complex cases, whether or not they were lane splitting at the time of the crash.
• Drunk Driving Accidents: Alcohol is a significant factor in many fatal motorcycle accidents. We represent victims injured by impaired drivers and fight for accountability and full financial recovery.

Leave the Negotiation Process to Our Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

The negotiation process after a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. It can be even more distressing when you are recovering from the severe injuries that often follow motorcycle accidents, or your family is coping with the loss of a loved one.

While you focus on recovering from your injuries, we will:

• Create your initial settlement demand letter
• Receive and review each settlement offer made to you
• Explain the pros and cons of each offer made to you
• Protect you from speedy or lowball settlement offers
• Keep you informed every step of the way
• File your potential lawsuit on time

When we negotiate a fair and appropriate financial settlement for you, we also make sure the insurance company treats you fairly and does not engage in bad-faith insurance practices.

You, not our law firm, will make the final decision to accept or reject a settlement offer. We ensure you have the information you need to make an informed decision. Our goal is to fight for the best possible outcome for your case.

Proving Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident

A Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm can identify the party that is liable for your injuries. It could be a negligent motorist, an employer of a motorist, or a governmental agency, to name a few possible parties. In order to have a strong case, we will need to show that the four elements of negligence are present. These four elements are:

• Duty of care: The negligent party owed you a duty of care. They had a legal obligation to act responsibly and keep you and others safe.
• Breach of duty of care: The negligent party breached their duty of care by being irresponsible.
• Causation: The negligent party caused your accident and injuries.
• Damages: You have damages from the accident, such as medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Unfortunately, anti-motorcycle bias can influence how your claim is handled. Insurance adjusters, police officers, and even jurors may unconsciously assume that motorcyclists are reckless or responsible for their own injuries—even when another party is clearly at fault.

This bias can lead to unfair claim denials or reduced settlement offers. At Berger and Green, we actively work to counteract these prejudices by presenting clear evidence, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction when necessary. We don’t let stereotypes stand in the way of justice. You deserve to be treated fairly, and we’ll fight to make sure your claim is judged on the facts—not unfair assumptions.

How a Motorcycle Accident Can Happen

Due to their smaller size, motorcycles can disappear into other vehicles’ blind spots or fall out of view behind larger vehicles such as commercial trucks. Drivers may change lanes or make turns without seeing the motorcycle until it is too late.

Motorcyclists must maneuver through traffic and respond to road and weather conditions differently than other drivers. A motorist unexpectedly pulling out in front of a motorcyclist can cause the motorcyclist to crash because they did not have a sufficient amount of time to react properly. Other motorcycle accident causes may include:

• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Texting, eating, grooming, or engaging in other distractions behind the wheel
• Following a motorcycle too closely
• Vehicle problems such as defective auto parts or negligent maintenance
• Negligent road conditions

Evidence to Prove Your Case

Our Pittsburgh personal injury attorneys will gather evidence to prove that another party is responsible for your motorcycle accident. This may include:

• Medical records
• Eyewitness accounts
• Physical evidence, debris, and photographs from the crash scene
• Photographs of your injuries
• Police reports
• Cell phone or surveillance video
• Expert testimony
• Bills, receipts, pay stubs, and other proof of your financial losses

We want to build the most robust case possible so that you receive maximum compensation.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Pittsburgh

What you do immediately after a motorcycle accident can greatly influence your recovery and legal case:

1. Call 911 and report the accident to law enforcement.
2. Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
3. Take photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
4. Gather information from the other driver and any eyewitnesses.
5. Do not admit fault at the scene or to the insurance company.
6. Speak to a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.

Hiring a lawyer right away can preserve critical evidence, prevent you from saying something that could harm your claim, and ensure you meet Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations. Early legal representation helps level the playing field against insurers who may rush to offer low settlements or shift blame.

Cases Our Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Handle

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), per vehicle miles traveled in 2023, motorcycle riders were 28 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than passenger vehicle occupants. At Berger and Green, our attorneys have experience handling wrongful death, personal injury, bike crashes, dirt bike wrecks, and other serious accidents. In addition, we handle catastrophic injury cases involving:

• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injury (SCIs)
• Severe road rash and soft tissue injuries
• Facial injuries
• Burn injuries
• Broken bones
• Organ damage
• Fatal motorcycle accidents
• Passengers involved in motorcycle accidents

Understanding Pennsylvania Motorcycle Laws

Motorcyclists in Pennsylvania must follow specific laws that impact both safety and insurance eligibility. For example, all riders under 21 must wear helmets, and riders over 21 must wear them unless they have at least two years of experience or have completed a PennDOT-approved safety course. Protective eyewear is required for all riders regardless of age.

Additionally, Pennsylvania operates under a unique insurance system. Motorcyclists are not required to carry personal injury protection (PIP), which means they must often pursue compensation for medical treatment from the at-fault party’s insurance. This makes having uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage essential.

Understanding these laws is key not only for safety but also for strengthening your legal claim. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate how these statutes affect your case and ensure that your rights are protected under Pennsylvania law.

Let a Pittsburgh Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Berger and Green Help Today

If a negligent party is responsible for your accident and injuries, you should not bear the costs of your treatment and other damages. Our Pittsburgh, PA, motorcycle accident lawyers will take on your case and tirelessly fight for the monetary award you deserve.

Contact us to speak with a compassionate member of our team. We offer no-obligation, no-cost consultations. Connect with an attorney near you today.