An activity that can be freeing and thrilling can quickly turn your life upside down because of someone else’s negligence. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are four times more likely to be injured than occupants in passenger cars.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash that was not your fault, call a Warrenton motorcycle accident attorney at Marks & Harrison now. We have extensive experience pursuing motorcycle accident cases and getting our clients the help and support they need to move on with their lives. We firmly believe you should not bear the financial consequences of an accident someone else caused – and we’re ready to fight hard so that you don’t have to.
Contact us today to speak to a Warrenton motorcycle accident lawyer in a free consultation.
Why Are Motorcycle Accident Injuries More Severe Than Car Accident Injuries?
Motorcycle accidents frequently cause more serious injuries than car crashes because motorcycle riders do not have seatbelts, airbags, or steel frames to protect them. Because motorcycle riders are vulnerable to direct hits and ejection from their bikes in collisions, they are more at risk for traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and other severe injuries. Warrenton car accident lawyer.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
While many factors play a role in motorcycle accidents, most result from the same common causes. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA):
Some of the most common contributing factors in motorcycle accident cases include the following:
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Failing to monitor blind spots
- Aggressive driving
- Reckless driving
- Improper lane changes
- Manufacturing defects
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Poor road conditions
Negligence is a common element among many of these causes. If someone else’s negligence led to the collision, they can be held responsible for your injuries and accident-related expenses. A Warrenton motorcycle accident attorney can investigate the crash to determine the cause and hold the at-fault party accountable.
What Are the Most Frequent Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident?
The nature and severity of motorcycle accident injuries can vary depending on how the accident occurs. However, many motorcycle accidents leave riders with devastating and life-altering injuries. Some common motorcycle crash injuries include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Burns
- Abdominal injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Road rash
Many of these serious injuries require extensive emergency treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care – all of which can result in costly medical bills. But you shouldn’t have to bear the cost on your own. While you focus on recovering from your injuries, your lawyer can work on pursuing the compensation you deserve through a motorcycle accident claim.
Are There Steps to Take to Make Myself Safer While Riding My Motorcycle?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers a few suggestions for staying safe on a motorcycle, including:
- Use protective gear – Wearing a helmet is the best way to protect yourself on a motorcycle. You can also wear boots, gloves, and brightly colored clothing.
- Be sure you are road-ready – In Virginia, you must pass written and on-cycle tests to receive the proper motorcycle endorsement on your license. To ensure you have the instruction and experience to ride, you can also complete a motorcycle rider education course.
- Inspect your motorcycle regularly – Always check tire tread depth, test brakes, and make sure headlights and turn signals are operational before riding.
What Are Virginia’s Motorcycle Laws?
Motorcycle riders in Virginia are subject to certain laws, in addition to the rules of the road with which all drivers must comply. For example, motorcycle riders can ride only on the permanent seats attached to their motorcycles rather than standing on the footpegs. The law also prohibits riders from carrying passengers unless their motorcycles are designed to carry more than one person (Virginia Code § 46.2-909).
In Virginia, helmets are mandatory for all riders of traditional, two-wheeled motorcycles. They must also use eye protection, such as goggles, a face shield, or a windshield (Virginia Code § 46.2-910).
What Should I Do If I Am in a Warrenton Motorcycle Accident?
You can take the following steps to preserve your legal rights after a motorcycle accident:
- Gather evidence – Take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved in the crash, and any nearby signs or traffic signals. Speak to eyewitnesses about what they observed, and be sure to get their contact information.
- Seek follow-up medical treatment – Even if an emergency room doctor sees you after the accident, follow up with your primary care physician or at an urgent care facility. Medical records showing that you prioritized your health after the accident will make a big difference if you file a motorcycle accident claim.
- Call a personal injury attorney – Contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident so they can begin their investigation and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf.
How Do You Prove the Other Driver Was Responsible for the Accident?
At Marks & Harrison, we have extensive experience investigating motorcycle accidents and holding responsible parties accountable. We can establish which party was at fault for the accident by gathering compelling evidence and crafting intelligent legal strategies. We’ll look for evidence such as eyewitness statements, photographs of vehicle damage, and video footage from nearby surveillance cameras or dashcams. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can build a strong case on your behalf to try to prove the other driver’s fault and maximize your compensation.
Can I Be Compensated for My Damages?
If someone else is to blame for the accident, your attorney can pursue money for your injuries and other financial losses. You could be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
A Warrenton motorcycle accident lawyer can gather evidence to calculate the value of your losses, such as your bills for medical treatment and paystubs showing missed time at work. They can then ensure you demand the full and fair compensation you need to recover.
Does Virginia Have a Time Limit for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawsuit?
In Virginia, you must file a motorcycle injury lawsuit within two years of the accident (Virginia Code § 8.01-243). Failure to file within this time frame will likely result in the judge dismissing your case, eliminating your opportunity to pursue the money you need in court.
Although two years might seem like a long time, it is crucial to contact a Warrenton motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. A lawyer can offer you immediate legal advice, protect your rights, and handle every aspect of your claim on time.
Hiring a lawyer early on allows them to preserve and document useful evidence before it deteriorates. It also makes it easier for your lawyer to accurately assess your injuries and their impact on your life, which is key to maximizing your payout.
Contact a Warrenton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault, you could be entitled to compensation for the harm you suffered. Let a Warrenton motorcycle accident lawyer from Marks & Harrison demand the compensation you are owed, which could include money for unexpected hospital bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We’re here to fight for the resources you need for your recovery. Contact our Warrenton personal injury attorney today.
We offer free consultations, so you do not have to worry about any initial costs to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer about your case. Contact us today to get started.
