1. Stampone O’Brien Dilsheimer Holloway
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, left-turn accidents, rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, accidents caused by distracted drivers, accidents caused by drunk drivers, accidents involving multiple liable parties
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence preservation, liability identification, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, expert witness consultation
Background: Joe Stampone leads the firm with deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s specific laws as they apply to motorcycle accident claims. The firm has experience standing up to insurance companies and holding responsible parties accountable. Serves clients in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Contact: https://stamponelaw.com/motorcycle-accidents/
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no upfront fees, payment only if case is won or settled)
2. The Villari Firm, PLLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, accidents where insurance companies attempt to blame the rider, accidents involving undervalued claims, claims that have been delayed or denied
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence gathering, negligence analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, jury award recovery
Background: Heidi G. Villari has more than 20 years of legal experience dedicated exclusively to representing plaintiffs in personal injury actions. Recovered over $125 million for clients. Fights for injured motorcycle riders across Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Contact: (215) 372-8889 | https://www.thevillarifirm.com/philadelphia-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
3. Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, accidents resulting in serious injuries including broken bones and traumatic brain injuries, accidents requiring complex investigation
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence handling, accident reconstruction, expert witness consultation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation
Background: Working with motorcycle accident victims in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and nationwide for more than four decades. Extensive resources for conducting thorough investigations. The firm has achieved substantial settlements for motorcycle accident lawsuits.
Location: Philadelphia, PA (also serves New Jersey and nationwide)
Contact: https://cprlaw.com/practice-areas/motorcycle-accident/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
4. Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, left-turn accidents, distracted driving accidents, drunk driving accidents, rear-end collisions, accidents resulting in severe injuries
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence gathering, negligence analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations
Background: Over 75 years of combined experience representing injured clients across Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Led by seasoned trial attorneys with passion for helping those in need. Award-winning attorneys.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Contact: (215) 999-2244 | https://rosenjustice.com/practice-areas/motorcycle-accident-attorneys-philadelphia/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Mincey Fitzpatrick Ross, LLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, product liability (defective motorcycles), wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, accidents caused by negligent drivers, accidents involving mechanical failures, accidents caused by design defects, multi-party liability cases
Legal Services: Accident investigation, liability allocation, manufacturer defect analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations
Background: Over 100 years of combined experience among attorneys. Handles both claims against negligent drivers and product liability claims against manufacturers. Comprehensive approach to motorcycle accident claims.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Contact: (215) 550-1999 | https://www.minceyfitzross.com/personal-injury/motorcycle-accidents/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Pennsylvania
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Two years from the date of the damage
Insurance State Status: Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state. Drivers can choose between full tort and limited tort coverage. However, motorcycles are not covered by no-fault insurance in Pennsylvania.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. An injured motorcyclist cannot recover any compensation if found to be 51% or more at fault. If less than 51% at fault, compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements:
- $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $5,000 property damage liability per accident
Helmet Law: Partial helmet law. Riders under 21 must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Riders 21 and older who have either two years of riding experience or have completed an approved motorcycle safety course are exempt from the helmet requirement.
Eye Protection Requirements: Required for all riders unless the motorcycle is equipped with a protective windshield.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Not explicitly addressed in Pennsylvania law. Generally not permitted and could be considered reckless driving.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Class M license required. Must be at least 16 years old. Must pass written test and skills test. Motorcycle Safety Program (MSP) training recommended.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements:
- At least one rearview mirror
- Turn signals (if manufactured after 1985)
- Functioning brakes on both wheels
- Headlight
- Tail lamp
- Horn
Passenger Requirements: Passengers must have a separate seat and footrests. No specific age restrictions.
No-Fault Exemption: Motorcyclists in Pennsylvania are exempt from the state’s no-fault insurance system. This means motorcyclists cannot receive Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits but can file claims directly against at-fault drivers without meeting injury thresholds.
Annual Motorcycle Accidents: Over 3,500 motorcycle accidents occur annually in Pennsylvania, with approximately 200 fatalities and 3,100 injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
A: In Pennsylvania, motorcyclists have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years from the date of death. It is critical to act promptly to preserve evidence and protect your right to compensation.
Q: How does Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law affect motorcycle accident claims?
A: Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation. If your fault is 50% or less, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you suffered $10,000 in damages but were 20% at fault, you would receive $8,000.
Q: What are Pennsylvania’s motorcycle helmet requirements?
A: Pennsylvania has a partial helmet law. Riders under 21 years of age must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Riders 21 and older are exempt from the helmet requirement if they have either at least two years of motorcycle riding experience or have completed an approved motorcycle safety course. All riders must wear eye protection unless the motorcycle has a protective windshield.
Q: Are motorcyclists covered by Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance system?
A: No, motorcycles are exempt from Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance system. This means motorcyclists cannot receive Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits from their own insurance for medical expenses and lost wages. However, this exemption allows motorcyclists to file claims directly against at-fault drivers without having to meet the injury threshold required for car accident victims to step outside no-fault coverage.
Q: What compensation can I recover in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident case?
A: Motorcycle accident victims in Pennsylvania may recover economic damages including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. For fatal accidents, surviving family members may recover wrongful death damages including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.