Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Cheltenham, PA, Providing Legal Services in Montgomery County and Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania
Motorcyclists face unique dangers on the road, and when an accident occurs, the consequences can be catastrophic. Unlike passengers in cars, riders have little protection, making them vulnerable to severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Cheltenham, PA, you need a skilled legal team to help you recover the full compensation you deserve. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Cheltenham motorcycle accident lawyers have successfully represented injured motorcyclists and their families, fighting against negligent drivers, insurance companies, and other responsible parties.
Our firm understands the biases that motorcyclists often face, with insurance companies and at-fault drivers attempting to shift blame onto riders. We have the experience, resources, and aggressive legal approach necessary to counter these unfair tactics and secure maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in Cheltenham, don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation and let us protect your rights.
Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Handles in Cheltenham, PA
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Cheltenham motorcycle accident lawyers have a proven track record of success in representing injured motorcyclists and their families. We understand that motorcycle accidents often result in severe, life-changing injuries, and we are committed to holding negligent drivers and other responsible parties accountable.
Motorcycle accidents differ from typical car crashes due to bias against riders, unique accident dynamics, and the high likelihood of serious injuries. Our legal team has deep experience handling all types of motorcycle accident cases, including:
- Cheltenham Left Turn Accidents: One of the most dangerous types of motorcycle crashes, left-turn accidents occur when a driver fails to yield and turns into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. These crashes often lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
- Cheltenham Lane Splitting Accidents: Lane splitting—when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic—can be safe when done properly, but many drivers fail to check their blind spots or suddenly change lanes, causing collisions.
- Cheltenham Speeding Accidents: When a reckless driver exceeds the speed limit, they have less time to react to motorcycles. Speeding-related motorcycle accidents frequently result in fatal or catastrophic injuries.
- Cheltenham Impaired Driving Motorcycle Accidents: Drunk or drug-impaired drivers pose a serious risk to motorcyclists. Impaired drivers often have delayed reaction times, poor judgment, and an inability to see smaller vehicles like motorcycles, leading to devastating crashes.
- Cheltenham Unsafe Lane Change Accidents: Many drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes, cutting off motorcyclists, or forcing them off the road. These accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the lack of protection for riders.
- Cheltenham Defective Motorcycle Accidents: Sometimes, an accident isn’t caused by another driver but rather by a defective motorcycle part or poor road design. If brakes fail, tires blow out, or mechanical defects cause a crash, we help victims pursue claims against manufacturers, dealerships, or maintenance providers.
- Cheltenham Turning or Intersection Accidents: Intersections are one of the most dangerous places for motorcyclists. When drivers run red lights, fail to yield, or misjudge an approaching motorcycle’s speed, they put riders in extreme danger.
- Cheltenham Lane Changing Accidents: Improper lane changes by distracted or careless drivers can lead to serious motorcycle crashes. Drivers who fail to signal, merge suddenly, or cut off motorcyclists can cause collisions that result in devastating injuries.
- Cheltenham Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents: A rear-end collision that would cause minor damage to a car can be fatal for a motorcyclist. When a distracted driver fails to stop in time, motorcyclists can be thrown from their bike, suffer severe spinal cord injuries, or be crushed between vehicles.
- Cheltenham Rollover Motorcycle Accidents: Rollover accidents can occur when a motorcyclist loses control due to sudden braking, poor road conditions, or being hit by another vehicle. These crashes often result in multiple-impact injuries and extensive medical treatment.
- Cheltenham Head-On Collision Motorcycle Accidents: Head-on collisions are among the deadliest types of crashes, often causing fatal injuries to motorcyclists. When a car drifts into oncoming traffic due to distracted or impaired driving, motorcyclists have little time to react, making these accidents extremely dangerous.
- Cheltenham Road Hazard Motorcycle Accidents: Unlike cars, motorcycles are more susceptible to road hazards such as:
- Potholes
- Loose gravel
- Uneven pavement
- Debris on the road
- Oil spills
Government agencies or road maintenance crews may be liable if poorly maintained roads contribute to an accident.
- And More: Our Cheltenham motorcycle accident lawyers also handle cases involving:
- Cheltenham Multi-Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents
- Cheltenham Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accidents
- Cheltenham Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Defective Helmets
- Cheltenham No-Contact Motorcycle Crashes (Caused by Swerving to Avoid a Car)
- Cheltenham Motorcycle Passenger Injuries
Legal Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Claims in Cheltenham
Motorcycle accident claims can be far more complex than standard car accident cases. Insurance companies, negligent drivers, and even the legal system often carry biases against motorcyclists, leading to disputed liability and lower settlement offers. Additionally, motorcycle accident claims may involve multiple liable parties, commercial insurance policies, and in-depth accident investigations.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Cheltenham motorcycle accident lawyers understand these challenges and work tirelessly to protect the rights of injured riders. We fight to overcome bias, expose negligence, and ensure that our clients receive full and fair compensation.
1. Bias Against Motorcyclists in Personal Injury Cases
One of the biggest challenges in motorcycle accident claims is the bias that exists against riders. Insurance adjusters and juries often assume:
- Motorcyclists are reckless or risk-takers
- Speeding was a factor in the accident
- The rider was partially responsible for their injuries
How We Fight Back:
- Gather and present clear evidence proving the other party’s negligence.
- Use accident reconstruction experts to recreate the crash and show what really happened.
- Challenge unfair stereotypes in negotiations and, if necessary, in court.
2. Dealing with Commercial Insurance Policies and Large Corporations
If a commercial vehicle, such as a delivery truck, rideshare vehicle, or company-owned car, is involved in the accident, victims often face major legal obstacles when filing a claim.
Why Commercial Insurance Policies Complicate Cases:
- Higher policy limits mean insurance companies fight harder to avoid large payouts.
- Trucking companies and rideshare services (like Uber and Lyft) have corporate legal teams.
- Commercial policies may involve multiple layers of coverage, requiring in-depth legal analysis.
How We Fight Back:
- Review all available insurance policies to identify the maximum compensation.
- Hold employers responsible if the driver was working at the time of the accident.
- Negotiate aggressively and file a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation.
3. Multiple Liable Parties in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes can be caused by more than just another driver. In some cases, multiple parties may be liable, including:
- Truck drivers and trucking companies if a commercial vehicle was involved.
- Municipalities if poor road conditions (potholes, missing signs) contributed to the accident.
- Motorcycle manufacturers if defective parts (brakes, tires, helmets) lead to injuries.
- Repair shops if improper maintenance or faulty repairs caused the crash.
How We Fight Back:
- Investigate all possible sources of negligence to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
- File claims against multiple defendants if necessary to maximize compensation.
- Consult accident reconstructionists, engineers, and industry experts to strengthen your case.
4. Hit-and-Run or Uninsured Motorist Motorcycle Accidents
If a driver flees the scene or lacks adequate insurance, obtaining compensation becomes more difficult. However, there are still legal options:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage – If you have UM/UIM coverage on your own motorcycle insurance policy, it can help cover your medical expenses and lost wages after a hit-and-run.
- Pennsylvania Assigned Claims Plan (PACP) – If you do not have motorcycle insurance but were hit by an uninsured driver, you may be able to seek limited compensation through PACP.
How We Fight Back:
- Work with law enforcement and private investigators to track down hit-and-run drivers.
- Ensure that insurance companies honor your UM/UIM policy and pay out the compensation you are entitled to.
- Explore alternative legal avenues, such as personal asset claims against the negligent driver.
5. Motorcycle Accident Cases Involving Catastrophic Injuries
Due to the lack of protection on motorcycles, accidents frequently result in severe or life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
- Amputations & Permanent Disabilities
- Severe Road Rash & Disfigurement
How We Fight Back:
- Calculate the full cost of your injuries, including future medical care, therapy, and lost earning capacity.
- Consult with medical experts to prove the long-term impact of your injuries.
- Demand compensation that reflects the total financial, physical, and emotional toll of your accident.
6. Lowball Settlement Offers from Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often downplay the severity of motorcycle injuries and offer unfairly low settlements. They may try to:
- Blame you for the accident to reduce your payout.
- Argue that your injuries are pre-existing or not as severe as claimed.
- Pressure you into accepting a fast settlement before you understand your damages.
How We Fight Back:
- Handle all negotiations and prevent insurers from using deceptive tactics.
- Provide medical evidence and expert testimony to prove the full extent of your injuries.
- Take the case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.
How Our Cheltenham Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Overcome These Challenges
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we understand the legal, financial, and emotional hardships that motorcycle accident victims face. We take on the insurance companies and negligent parties so that you can focus on healing.
- We conduct in-depth accident investigations to gather solid evidence.
- We aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to maximize settlements.
- We take cases to trial when necessary to fight for full and fair compensation.
- We handle all legal complexities so that you don’t have to worry about paperwork or deadlines.
Why Choose Us?
- Decades of experience handling complex motorcycle accident claims
- Proven record of winning high-value settlements and trial verdicts
- Client-focused approach with personalized legal strategies
- No upfront fees – We only get paid if we win your case
Potential Outcomes and Strategies for Motorcycle Accident Claims in Cheltenham
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Cheltenham motorcycle accident lawyers understand that no two motorcycle accidents are alike. Each case requires a customized legal strategy to ensure that injured riders receive the full compensation they deserve. We develop aggressive, evidence-based strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, whether through negotiation, mediation, or trial litigation.
Below, we outline potential legal strategies we employ and the different possible outcomes for motorcycle accident claims in Cheltenham, PA.
Legal Strategies for Motorcycle Accident Claims
1. Proving Fault and Overcoming Bias Against Motorcyclists
Many insurance companies and defendants try to shift blame onto motorcyclists, falsely claiming that riders are inherently reckless. This is a common legal challenge that we counter through solid evidence and expert testimony.
Our Strategy:
- Use traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction experts, and witness testimony to prove the driver’s negligence.
- Collect police reports, crash scene photos, and medical records to support your claim.
- Discredit unfair stereotypes about motorcyclists by presenting clear factual evidence of the other party’s wrongdoing.
Potential Outcome: The insurance company acknowledges fault, leading to a higher settlement or a successful court verdict awarding full damages.
2. Maximizing Compensation Through Expert Testimony
Motorcycle accidents often cause severe, life-changing injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries, offering a settlement that fails to cover future expenses.
Our Strategy:
- Work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and projected long-term costs.
- Use economic experts to calculate lost wages, future lost earnings, and diminished quality of life.
- Include pain and suffering damages, ensuring fair compensation for emotional distress.
Potential Outcome: A settlement that covers all current and future medical expenses, plus compensation for pain and suffering and lost wages.
3. Holding Multiple Parties Accountable for Maximum Compensation
Some motorcycle accidents involve multiple liable parties, such as reckless drivers, trucking companies, municipalities (for road hazards), or motorcycle manufacturers. Identifying all responsible parties increases the available compensation.
Our Strategy:
- Investigate the crash to determine all potential defendants.
- File claims against negligent drivers, municipalities, or manufacturers, if applicable.
- Pursue product liability claims for defective motorcycle parts.
Potential Outcome: Instead of relying on just one insurance policy, we pursue multiple claims, increasing the total compensation available to the injured motorcyclist.
4. Negotiating Aggressively with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to offer lowball settlements to motorcycle accident victims, hoping they will accept a payout that is far less than they deserve.
Our Strategy:
- Use hard evidence and expert reports to demand full compensation.
- Reject unfair settlement offers and push for a fair payout.
- If the insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly, we prepare to take the case to trial.
Potential Outcome: Many insurers prefer to settle rather than face trial, leading to a higher payout for the injured rider.
5. Taking the Case to Trial for Maximum Compensation
If an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take the case to trial. Our trial-tested attorneys are experienced in fighting for motorcyclists' rights in court.
Our Strategy:
- Build a compelling case using accident reconstruction, medical experts, and eyewitness testimony.
- Cross-examine defense witnesses to disprove false claims of rider negligence.
- Present a strong argument to the jury, proving the full extent of damages.
Potential Outcome: A successful trial verdict results in higher compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages if the defendant acted with gross negligence.
Examples of Potential Case Outcomes in Cheltenham
Case Example 1: Left-Turn Motorcycle Crash at an Intersection
- Scenario: A driver fails to yield while making a left turn at a Cheltenham intersection, causing a serious collision with a motorcyclist.
- Injuries: Multiple broken bones, head trauma, and months of rehabilitation.
- Legal Strategy:
- Prove driver negligence using traffic camera footage and accident reconstruction reports.
- Demand compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term physical therapy.
- Outcome: $750,000 settlement for the injured rider.
Case Example 2: Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Crash on Cheltenham Avenue
- Scenario: A hit-and-run driver sideswipes a motorcyclist, causing them to crash. The at-fault driver fled the scene and could not be identified.
- Injuries: Severe road rash, spinal injuries, and PTSD.
- Legal Strategy:
- Use uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to recover compensation from the rider’s own insurance policy.
- Negotiate aggressively to maximize the policy payout.
- Outcome: $300,000 uninsured motorist claim payout.
Case Example 3: Motorcycle Accident Due to Road Hazard (Pothole on Church Road)
- Scenario: A motorcyclist hits a deep pothole, causing them to lose control and suffer a high-speed crash. The pothole had been reported multiple times but was never repaired.
- Injuries: Severe back injuries, requiring surgery.
- Legal Strategy:
- File a claim against the municipality responsible for road maintenance.
- Use public records to show the city was aware of the hazard but failed to fix it.
- Outcome: $500,000 settlement from the city for failing to maintain safe road conditions.
How van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Can Help with Your Motorcycle Accident Case
When you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Cheltenham, you need a dedicated legal team that understands the unique challenges of motorcycle accident claims. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Cheltenham motorcycle accident lawyers provide comprehensive legal representation to protect your rights and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
From conducting a detailed accident investigation to fighting insurance companies and representing you in court, we take a strategic and aggressive approach to every case. Below are the key steps we take to support our clients and secure the best possible outcome.
1. Conducting a Thorough Accident Investigation
A successful motorcycle accident claim begins with a detailed investigation to determine fault and gather the necessary evidence. Our legal team works to establish who was responsible for your crash and hold them accountable.
How we investigate motorcycle accidents:
- Obtain police reports and review official findings.
- Analyze traffic camera footage and accident scene photos.
- Interview witnesses to build a solid case.
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists to prove how the crash occurred.
- Gather medical records to document the full extent of your injuries.
Why This Matters: Insurance companies will try to blame motorcyclists for their own injuries. Our detailed accident investigations disprove false claims and ensure that the at-fault party is held responsible.
2. Proving Liability and Countering Anti-Motorcycle Bias
Motorcyclists often face bias from insurance companies, which may try to reduce or deny claims by arguing that riders are reckless or partially responsible for their own injuries.
How we fight back:
- Challenge insurance company tactics that unfairly blame the motorcyclist.
- Use black box data from commercial vehicles if a truck was involved in the crash.
- Work with accident reconstructionists to demonstrate fault.
- Present compelling evidence, such as traffic laws the at-fault driver violated.
Why This Matters: Without strong legal representation, insurance companies may unfairly shift blame onto the injured rider, reducing the payout or denying compensation entirely. Our firm fights to eliminate bias and prove the driver’s negligence.
3. Handling Insurance Negotiations and Maximizing Compensation
Insurance companies prioritize profits over people and often offer lowball settlements that fail to cover a motorcyclist’s medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How we handle insurance companies:
- Take over all communications with the insurance company.
- Reject unfair settlement offers and push for higher compensation.
- Use medical experts and financial specialists to calculate long-term expenses.
- Pursue compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage.
Why This Matters: Without aggressive legal representation, insurance companies may pressure you into settling for far less than you deserve. Our Cheltenham motorcycle accident lawyers fight to maximize your payout and ensure every dollar of damage is accounted for.
4. Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit If Necessary
While most cases are settled outside of court, some insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement. If negotiations don’t result in just compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Our trial-ready legal strategy:
- File a motorcycle accident lawsuit against the at-fault party.
- Prepare a compelling argument for trial, using accident reconstruction reports, witness testimony, and medical expert analysis.
- Cross-examine the defense’s witnesses and insurance adjusters to expose weaknesses in their case.
- Seek punitive damages if the at-fault driver acted with reckless disregard for safety.
Why This Matters: Many law firms avoid taking cases to trial and pressure clients into accepting quick, low-value settlements. Our firm has a strong track record of winning at trial, forcing insurance companies to take our demands seriously.
5. Helping Clients Recover Compensation for All Damages
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe, long-term injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments. We work to ensure that all damages are covered in your claim.
Types of compensation we pursue:
- Medical Expenses: Covers hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical costs.
- Lost Wages & Loss of Future Earnings: Compensation for time off work and reduced earning capacity due to disabilities.
- Pain and Suffering: Recovery for physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD, and diminished quality of life.
- Property Damage: Covers motorcycle repairs or replacement.
- Wrongful Death Compensation: If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash, we pursue justice on behalf of their family.
Why This Matters: Many insurance companies lowball settlements and ignore long-term costs like physical therapy, future surgeries, or lost income. We ensure that every damage is accounted for so you receive full and fair compensation.
6. No Upfront Fees – We Only Get Paid If You Win
We believe that motorcycle accident victims shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees while recovering from their injuries. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
Our client promise:
- No upfront costs or hidden fees.
- We cover all case expenses, including investigations and expert witnesses.
- You only pay if we secure compensation on your behalf.
Why This Matters: Many accident victims hesitate to hire an attorney because they fear high legal fees. Our Cheltenham motorcycle accident lawyers remove all financial risk so that you can focus on healing while we handle the legal fight.
About Motorcycle Accident Claims in Cheltenham
Motorcycle accidents in Cheltenham, PA, often occur on high-traffic roads and intersections, where negligent drivers fail to recognize or respect motorcyclists’ right of way. The lack of protection on motorcycles means that even a low-speed crash can result in devastating injuries. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Cheltenham, PA, understand the risks riders face and fight to ensure injured motorcyclists receive the full compensation they deserve.
High-Risk Roads for Motorcycle Accidents in Cheltenham
Certain roads in Cheltenham are more dangerous for motorcyclists due to high-speed traffic, frequent lane changes, and unpredictable drivers. Some of the most common accident locations include:
Cheltenham Avenue – A busy commercial road where motorcyclists face aggressive drivers, sudden lane changes, and distracted motorists.
Old York Road (PA-611) – A major thoroughfare with heavy commuter traffic, leading to rear-end and intersection collisions.
Washington Lane – Known for dangerous left turns and T-bone motorcycle crashes at intersections.
Church Road – A curved, winding route where speeding and road hazards contribute to motorcycle accidents.
Tookany Creek Parkway – A scenic but narrow roadway where drivers often fail to yield to motorcyclists at intersections.
Why This Matters: If you were injured in a motorcycle accident on one of these roads, you may have a strong personal injury claim. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Cheltenham, PA, will investigate the crash, identify all liable parties, and fight for the maximum compensation available.
Common Injuries in Cheltenham Motorcycle Accidents
Because motorcycles lack the protective features of passenger vehicles, riders often suffer severe, life-changing injuries in crashes. Some of the most frequent injuries we see in Cheltenham motorcycle accident claims include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Even with a helmet, riders can suffer severe head trauma, leading to long-term cognitive and neurological impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis – Motorcycle crashes often cause severe spinal injuries, sometimes leading to permanent disability or paralysis.
- Broken Bones & Fractures – High-impact motorcycle crashes frequently result in shattered legs, arms, ribs, and collarbones.
- Road Rash & Skin Abrasions – Riders thrown from their bikes can suffer deep skin abrasions, sometimes requiring skin grafts or reconstructive surgery.
- Internal Organ Damage & Internal Bleeding – Blunt force trauma from a crash can cause life-threatening internal injuries.
- Amputations & Severe Limb Injuries – Crush injuries in motorcycle crashes sometimes result in the need for limb amputation.
Why This Matters: Even minor motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. Our legal team ensures that all past, present, and future medical expenses are covered in your claim, so you never have to worry about how to afford your recovery.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Cheltenham
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Cheltenham, take the following steps to protect your rights and strengthen your legal claim:
- Call 911 immediately and request medical assistance.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and visible injuries.
- Get contact information from witnesses and all involved parties.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine—some injuries take hours or days to appear.
- Do NOT admit fault or discuss the accident with the other driver’s insurance company.
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to begin your legal claim.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Cheltenham, PA, provide aggressive legal representation to help victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing.
Contact The Experienced Cheltenham Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Cheltenham, you don’t have to face the legal battle alone. The Cheltenham motorcycle accident lawyers at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim are here to fight for your rights and secure the maximum compensation you deserve. We understand the unique challenges that injured motorcyclists face, and we are committed to holding negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable.
Time is limited to file a claim, and delaying legal action could affect your ability to recover compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling our office or filling out our online contact form. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing and moving forward.
