Protecting Motorcycle Riders

Fault in motorcycle accidents is typically determined by analyzing the evidence, which may include police reports, witness statements, traffic laws, accident reconstruction, and even surveillance or dashcam footage. Pennsylvania follows a “modified comparative negligence” system, meaning if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we conduct an exhaustive investigation to establish clear liability. We analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, debris patterns, traffic signal data, and more to reconstruct the accident. We often work with certified accident reconstruction experts and consult with law enforcement professionals to challenge the insurance companies’ findings.

Motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed due to negative stereotypes. We fight hard to ensure our clients are seen for who they truly are- responsible riders who fell victim to someone else’s negligence. The truth is, many motorcycle accidents are caused by distracted or inattentive drivers who fail to yield or check blind spots. We make sure that negligence is fully exposed.

Yes, in Pennsylvania, you may still be entitled to compensation even if you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. However, the fact that you were not wearing one could become an issue if the injuries you suffered were head-related. The at-fault party or their insurer might argue that your injuries were more severe due to the lack of a helmet and attempt to reduce your compensation.

That said, your right to pursue damages does not disappear simply because you weren’t wearing protective gear. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we’ve successfully represented numerous riders in similar scenarios. We bring in medical experts to explain which injuries were directly caused by the crash and which, if any, could have been prevented by wearing a helmet.

We push back hard against insurance companies who try to deflect blame onto victims. Whether you were legally allowed to ride without a helmet or simply made an error in judgment, we focus on the negligence of the at-fault party- their distraction, speeding, or reckless driving. The law is on your side, and so are we.

Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: past, present, and future
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Property damage
• Punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we don’t just seek the obvious. We look at how your injuries have affected every aspect of your life- your relationships, career, hobbies, and daily function- and build a comprehensive case that accounts for both tangible and intangible losses.

We also work to minimize or eliminate liens from health insurance and disability providers, ensuring more money ends up in your pocket. Our team has secured settlements in the hundreds of thousands- and even millions- for injured riders. Our job is not finished until every dollar of compensation you’re owed is pursued with determination.

Unfortunately, many injured motorcycle riders find themselves hit by drivers who carry minimal or no insurance at all. In these cases, your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage can become your lifeline.

UM/UIM coverage is optional in Pennsylvania but highly recommended- and if you have it, we can help you access it. These coverages can step in to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when the at-fault driver is unable to fully compensate you.

Our team at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. has years of experience dealing with UM/UIM claims. We handle the paperwork, policy interpretation, negotiations, and if needed, arbitration or litigation against your own insurer to ensure you receive the benefits you’ve paid for.

It’s worth noting that insurance companies- yours included- do not always play fair. That’s why you need an advocate who knows how to enforce your rights under the policy and hold insurers accountable, even if they’re the ones you’ve been paying all along.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents, is two years from the date of the crash. That means you must file a lawsuit within two years, or you risk losing your right to compensation forever.

However, we strongly urge you not to wait. The sooner you act, the better chance we have to preserve critical evidence, locate witnesses, and build the strongest possible case. Over time, evidence can disappear and memories can fade, making your claim more difficult to prove.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we initiate investigations immediately upon taking a case. We often work with investigators, accident reconstructionists, and medical experts from day one. We also handle all communication with insurance companies and ensure that your rights are preserved throughout the process.

Don’t let delays jeopardize your case. Call us right away for a free consultation- we’ll handle the legal deadlines while you focus on healing.

Motorcycle accident claims are often more complicated due to the severity of injuries, the legal nuances, and biases against motorcyclists. Riders lack the protective structure of a car, so the injuries they suffer- such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or compound fractures- are often catastrophic and long-lasting.

Insurance companies may try to place undue blame on motorcyclists, painting them as reckless even when the other driver was clearly at fault. This can impact settlement negotiations and jury perceptions.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we understand the physics of motorcycle crashes, the medical implications of serious injuries, and the prejudices riders face. We go beyond the police report. Our attorneys work with biomechanical experts, forensic investigators, and medical professionals to present a compelling case that clearly establishes liability and maximizes compensation.

Additionally, motorcycle insurance policies often involve multiple layers- bodily injury, UIM/UM, medical payments, property damage- which require careful navigation. With our depth of experience, we ensure nothing gets missed, and every available source of recovery is pursued.

No, not before speaking with an attorney. The other driver’s insurance company is not on your side. Their goal is to minimize the amount of money they pay out, and they are trained to ask questions that can later be used to devalue or deny your claim.

You may be asked for a recorded statement, to sign medical authorizations, or to provide unnecessary information. All of this can be used against you. Even innocent comments like “I’m okay” or “I didn’t see them” can be twisted to imply fault or downplay your injuries.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we handle all communication with the insurance companies on your behalf. We know their tactics, and we don’t let them play games with your future. Once we’re on the case, you can focus on healing, knowing that your claim is in experienced and aggressive hands.

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For instance, if you were awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. Insurance companies often try to exploit this rule by exaggerating your share of responsibility.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we challenge any attempts to unjustly shift blame onto you. We dig deep into the facts, interview witnesses, and use expert testimony to accurately assign fault. Many times, what insurers try to label as “contributory negligence” is simply a reflexive response to being on a motorcycle during a crash.

Even if you think you might be partially at fault, don’t assume you’re ineligible for compensation. Contact us for a free consultation, and we’ll evaluate your case honestly and thoroughly.

Because results matter- and so does experience. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we have a long and successful history of representing injured motorcycle riders throughout Lancaster and surrounding areas. We’ve recovered over $112 million for our clients, including numerous six- and seven-figure settlements specifically for motorcycle accident victims.

What sets us apart is our trial-readiness. Insurance companies know which firms are prepared to go the distance, and we’ve taken over 100 cases to jury verdict. This puts pressure on insurers to settle fairly- and when they don’t, we’re not afraid to take the fight to court.

We also take a hands-on approach. From the moment you hire us, we guide you through the legal, medical, and insurance-related aspects of your case. We connect you with top doctors, manage paperwork, reduce liens, and ensure you get every dollar you deserve.

When your future is at stake, don’t settle for less. Trust the team that Lancaster riders have relied on for over 15 years- Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C.