Motorcycle Accidents
Virginia Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Representing Riders Across the State
Motorcycle riders are at higher-than-average risk of suffering a serious injury in a crash. If a wreck does happen, then it makes sense that a motorcyclist will need legal counsel that is well above average, too.
At Reinhardt | Harper | Davis, we are proud to be considered a leading personal injury law firm in Virginia.
For years, we have fought for the rights of injured clients, including motorcyclists who were hit by negligent drivers. At our firm, going above and beyond for our clients is not just the norm, it is the expectation.
Learn how to start a motorcycle accident claim in Virginia. Call (804) 294-2966 now.
Mistakes That Cause Motorcycle Accidents
After a motorcycle accident, it is not uncommon for insurance companies and motorists to start pointing the finger at the motorcycle rider. There tends to be an unfair assumption that motorcyclists are reckless, so they must have caused the crash.
The truth is often the complete opposite. With an investigation, it can often be discovered that the motorcycle accident was not caused by the rider at all.
A driver can cause a motorcycle accident if they:
- Fail to check mirrors and blind spots: One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is when a driver does not check blind spots and mirrors before turning, changing lanes, or merging. Typical inattention can be a serious problem, too. Drivers know to look for large vehicles with two headlights. When looking at a smaller vehicle frame with one headlight, though, the driver can see it without acknowledging that it is there.
- Tailgate a motorcyclist: Motorcycles can come to a complete stop much faster than larger cars and trucks can. If a driver is tailgating a motorcyclist and the rider hits the brakes abruptly to avoid a crash, then the driver behind them will most likely slam right into the motorcycle, even if they hit the brakes immediately.
- Make unsafe left turns: While waiting for a left-hand turn at an intersection and without a green arrow, drivers must be extremely careful when judging approaching traffic and the safe time to make the turn. A driver who is not familiar with the speed and size of a motorcycle can misjudge its rate of approach and turn directly in front of the rider, causing an unavoidable and devastating wreck.
- Open the car door without looking: A “dooring” accident occurs when a motorist opens a vehicle door in front of an approaching motorcyclist. The motorcycle rider must either hit the door or dangerously swerve into the next lane without time to check if it is safe.
Our law firm can also help with motorcycle accident cases involving motorcycle part defects and damaged roadways. In these cases, the liable parties can be a motorcycle manufacturer or a municipal transportation department, respectively.
Taking claims against these parties can be a challenge due to their strong defense teams, so be sure to reach out to our firm if you think a part or road defect caused your crash.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
A motorcycle accident can and often does result in life-changing injuries. When we get a call from a client who has been in a motorcycle accident, we know that they need committed legal counsel more than ever before.
Motorcyclists often suffer these serious injuries in a crash:
- Head and brain injuries: Even with a motorcycle helmet on, a motorcycle rider is at significant risk of suffering a head or brain injury. A single blow to the head in a wreck can cause permanent damage.
- Back and spine injuries: A motorcycle rider who is thrown off their ride in a crash can land harshly on their back, causing a back and spine injury. In many cases, a spine injury will cause permanent paralysis.
- Road rash: If a motorcyclist slides on the asphalt during a crash, they can suffer road rash or a severe abrasion of the skin. Catastrophic road rash can destroy soft tissue down to the bone and can be life-threatening if not treated with emergency medical care.
- Fractured or broken arms/legs/limbs: Motorcycle riders are at a greater risk of breaking or fracturing bones. There can be devastating consequences to their limbs if they are thrown from their bike.
Value of a Motorcycle Accident Claim
You deserve full compensation for your damages after being in a motorcycle accident. To get it, you will probably have to fight the insurance company that represents the other motorist or liable party. Do not challenge them alone, though.
Let our Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers work on your case and act on your behalf, so you can be confident that your case’s value is maximized.
The value of a motorcycle accident claim will be based on the following and more:
- Medical bills: Any medical care you require should be fully covered, including medical treatments far into the future. For example, if you need monthly physical therapy for years to alleviate the chronic pain caused by a back injury, then those sessions should be covered.
- Lost wages: If you missed work while recovering from your injuries, then those lost wages should be provided to you. The claim’s value can also increase if your capability to earn future income has been reduced by a permanent disability.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress: You can receive compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured, as well as the emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries. This type of damage is called non-economic or general.
Call for Real Representation for Injured Riders
Filing and pursuing a motorcycle accident claim can be a lot of work and stress. To give yourself a chance to rest and recover peacefully, as you deserve, come to Reinhardt | Harper | Davis. Our Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys are standing by to hear from new and returning clients. Let us help you uncover your legal options and take action.
For a FREE consultation, call (804) 294-2966 at any time.
Motorcycle Accident FAQ
- Do I have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Virginia?
Virginia uses a comprehensive motorcycle helmet law that requires anyone who is operating or riding on a motorcycle to wear a helmet that meets or exceeds recognized safety regulations. If you did not have a helmet on when you were in a motorcycle accident, then it could ruin your case by increasing your liability for your injuries (see “contributory negligence” question below). Play it safe for yourself and your chances of making a financial recovery in case an accident does happen—always wear a motorcycle helmet. - Is motorcycle lane splitting legal in Virginia?
Virginia traffic laws do not permit lane splitting or the act of riding a motorcycle between two occupied lanes of traffic. If you were unlawfully lane splitting when a driver hit you, then you could be found partially liable for the accident and your injuries because the driver could argue they had no reason to expect you to be there. In Virginia, partial liability is all it takes to stop a claim from progressing. - Where do the worst motorcycle accidents happen?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the worst motorcycle accidents usually happen at intersections and due to driver inattention. A driver who is not watching the road carefully can pull into an intersection and right in front of an approaching motorcycle, resulting in a catastrophic wreck. - What is “contributory negligence” in a motorcycle accident case?
In Virginia, motorcycle accident claims – and other personal injury claims – are governed by a strict contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, an injured party cannot recover any damages after an accident if they were at fault at all for it. In other words, if you were just 1% liable for the motorcycle accident that left you badly injured, then the motorist who is 99% liable and their insurance provider will owe you nothing. This harsh liability rule makes it even more important than usual to hire a talented motorcycle accident attorney.