A Serious Pedestrian Accident Caused by a Motorcycle Driver’s Negligence
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable individuals on our roads. Unlike drivers and passengers in motor vehicles, pedestrians have no physical protection when an accident occurs. While many people associate pedestrian accidents with cars and trucks, motorcycles can also cause devastating injuries when motorcyclists fail to obey traffic laws.
Friedman Schuman Layser personal injury attorney Robert H. Nemeroff recently represented a 27-year-old man who suffered severe facial injuries after being struck by a motorcycle that ran a red light at a busy intersection in Philadelphia. We were able to successfully retain a $695,000 settlement on behalf of our client. To learn more about how a personal injury attorney can help you after a motorcycle-pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania.
A Serious Pedestrian Accident Caused by a Motorcycle Driver’s Negligence
Our client was lawfully crossing an intersection in Philadelphia on a summer evening within a designated crosswalk area after receiving the pedestrian walk signal. As he was crossing the street, our client and his friend heard the rev of an engine. They saw a motorcycle traveling at a high speed with no indication of slowing down although the traffic light was red. The motorcyclist was traveling so quickly that there was no time for our client to move out of the way. As the motorcycle reached the crosswalk, it slammed into our client, forcefully knocking him down onto the street and ejecting the motorcyclist from the bike.
Our client was conscious and coughing up blood on the road when his friend reached him. A group of nurses reached the scene, helping to attend to the unconscious motorcyclist and our client. 911 was called, and ambulances arrived on the scene to take our client to the hospital.
The Serious Injuries Sustained In The Motorcycle-Pedestrian Accident
As a result of the motorcycle collision, our client sustained serious facial injuries that required extensive medical treatment, including an almost 7-hour reconstructive facial surgery. His injuries included:
- Multiple facial fractures, including a Le Fort fracture, mandibular fracture, and orbital fracture
- Loss of sensation in upper lip
- Endodontic issues due to impact trauma
- Lacerations on calves, arms, ears, and face
- Permanent facial scarring and disfigurement
In addition to the physical injuries, our client endured a lengthy and challenging recovery process involving medical appointments, time away from work, and significant limitations on his ability to participate in normal daily activities. As a former Division 1 athlete, time away from exercising and physical limitations throughout the long recovery process were especially difficult. Additionally, our client has permanent scarring and disfigurement from his injuries, including scars on his chin, forehead, and dimpling on his cheek. These lasting physical changes have taken a substantial emotional and psychological toll on him.
Investigating Liability
Following the accident, Robert H. Nemeroff and his personal injury team conducted a thorough investigation to establish liability and preserve important evidence, including:
- Obtaining the police accident report
- Reviewing witness statements
- Examining traffic signal timing and intersection conditions
- Gathering medical records and evaluating economic losses
- Working with experts to determine the extent of our client’s injuries and future medical needs
All the evidence gathered by our team, as well as the expert testimonies, demonstrated that the motorcyclist’s failure to obey the traffic signal directly caused the collision and our client’s serious injuries.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Motorcycle-Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents involving motorcycles can present complex legal and insurance issues. An experienced personal injury attorney can help injured victims by:
Conducting a Comprehensive Investigation
Prompt investigation following a motorcycle accident helps preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and establish liability before important information is lost.
Calculating the Full Value of a Claim
Many motorcycle accident victims underestimate the long-term impact of serious injuries. Attorneys work to recover compensation for damages such as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Rehabilitation and ongoing treatment costs
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. An experienced legal team advocates for the injured person’s interests and works to secure fair compensation.
Preparing for Litigation When Necessary
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a personal injury attorney can pursue litigation on your behalf and present the case in court.
An Injury Lawyer Can Help in Protecting Your Rights After a Motorcycle-Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents involving motorcycles can result in life-altering injuries and significant financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver or motorcyclist, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.
You don’t have to go through the aftermath of a pedestrian-motorcycle accident alone. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your options, navigate the legal process, and pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. Contact Friedman Schuman Layser to schedule a consultation with our Fort Washington motorcycle-pedestrian accident attorneys and learn how a personal injury attorney can help you after a motorcycle-pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania.