Virginia Motorcycle Accidents Lawyer
The lure of the open road has drawn many people to the freedom of motorcycles. There are more motorcycles on U.S. roads today than ever before, as evidenced through steadily increasing motorcycle registrations. In Virginia alone, the 59,925 motorcycles registered in 1994 skyrocketed to 165,584 registered in 2007. In fact, the 2007 number reflected a 9% increase from the previous year.
Virginia’s motorcycle fatalities have increased 125% over the last 5 years. Virginia motorcycle statistics for 2007 are equally grim:
- 126 motorcycle occupants were killed, representing 12.3 percent of all traffic fatalities.
- 2,284 motorcycle occupants were injured, or 3.3 percent of all traffic injuries.
- There were 2,601 motorcycle crashes, representing 1.8 percent of all crashes.
Of the 126 fatalities in 2007, 61 occurred among riders aged 21 to 35 years old. The same age range had the most injuries as well - 863, down slightly from the previous year.
Because motorcycles provide virtually no protection, accidents involving motorcycles result in serious injuries or even death for their riders. The most common motorcycle injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Broken bones, especially in the feet and legs
- Severe skin abrasions (known as road rash)
- Internal bleeding and trauma
- Spinal cord and neck injuries
Head injuries are among the leading cause of motorcycle accident fatalities despite the fact that Virginia law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets. Virginia also requires all motorcycle operators to wear a face shield and safety glasses or goggles, unless the bike is equipped with safety glass or a windshield.
Research into the case of motorcycle accidents has revealed that the majority of crashes are not the fault of the motorcyclist, but of other motorists. The 2007 edition of Virginia Traffic Crash Facts reveals that in 40% of the accidents involving motorcycles there was no violation on the part of the motorcyclist. Inclement weather is not a big factor in crashes. In 97% of the reported motorcycle accidents, the weather was clear or cloudy.
In a majority of accidents involving motorcycles, the driver of the other motor vehicle simply did not see the motorcycle. However, this does not excuse those motorists from responsibility. Victims of motorcycle accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A wrongful death case may be filed by the family when the accident injuries prove fatal.
The firm of Marks & Harrison has represented dozens of motorcycle wreck victims. In one unusual case, we were able to get our client $120,000 in compensation for a fractured knee after her motorcycle instructor startled her during a training class.
The personal injury attorneys of Marks & Harrison have been representing injured people and their families in Richmond and throughout Virginia for almost 100 years. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, or if you have lost a loved one in an accident, contact us for a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation. Our VA personal injury lawyers will analyze your case and advise whether you are entitled to compensation. If we don't think you need an attorney, we will tell you right away.
Contact us today by calling toll free at 1-800-283-2202. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also submit a Case Evaluation online or send us an email at lawyers@marksandharrison.com.
Contact Us
Contact us today by calling toll free at 1-800-283-2202. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also submit a Case Evaluation online.