You ride your motorcycle carefully. Regardless, a motorist ignores the rules of the road and slams their car into you and your motorcycle. You are unsure of what to do next.
Receive necessary medical attention immediately. Within days of your accident, meet with a Blacksburg motorcycle accident lawyer to review your legal options.
MartinWren, P.C. has helped thousands of clients in personal injury cases. We know how to recover compensation for motorcycle accident victims and their families. Give us the opportunity to assist you with your case. Consult with a Blacksburg personal injury lawyer.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident
Just because you follow the laws to stay safe on a motorcycle does not guarantee you can avoid accidents. A driver can get distracted or commit other careless and reckless acts that lead to a motorcycle collision.
There are times when someone other than a motorist is to blame for a motorcycle crash. Outside of a driver, parties that can be liable for a motorcycling crash include:
- Motorcycle manufacturer
- Mechanic
- Highway contractor
MartinWren, P.C. learns about your motorcycling collision and how it happened. We can let you know if you have a personal injury case and, if so, how to proceed with it. Schedule a case consultation with a Blacksburg motorcycle accident attorney.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
How Much Time You Have to Submit a Blacksburg Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
The Code of Virginia defines how much time you have to sue someone based on injuries you suffer in a motorcycling accident. Per Code of Virginia § 8.01-243, the statute of limitations for submitting a personal injury claim is two years.
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Blacksburg can detail the process of filing a complaint for a personal injury. You could get compensation without a personal injury lawsuit if a liable party’s insurance company offers to cover your losses. However, an at-fault party’s insurer may do everything within its power to avoid paying you.
A liable party’s insurance carrier may dispute your claim or offer a lowball settlement. Your lawyer can negotiate a settlement with this insurance company. If no settlement agreement is reached, you maintain the option to file an injury lawsuit.
How Much Compensation You Can Get in a Blacksburg Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
The types of money damages in personal injury cases vary. A motorcycle accident attorney in Blacksburg positions you to recover economic and non-economic damages. Reasons why compensation may be awarded to motorcycle collision victims and their families include:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical care costs, past and future
- Loss of income
- Lost earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Burial and funeral expenses and other expenses in a wrongful death action
Your lawyer accounts for your quantifiable and subjective losses. They understand that you must prove that the defendant is fully responsible for your accident and injuries. Otherwise, you may be barred from recovering damages.
Blacksburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 434-817-3100
The Role of Contributory Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Case
In Virginia, the plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit cannot share the blame for their injuries with the defendant and obtain damages. This is due to the doctrine of contributory negligence. Your attorney provides insights on how to deal with contributory negligence and how this legal concept could impact your case outcome.
To understand contributory negligence relative to your motorcycle accident case, consider the following example. A jury finds that you are 10% liable for causing your motorcycling collision.
In some states, you could still get a portion of the damages you requested. Yet, in Virginia, the jury may not provide you with damages, even though the defendant is primarily liable for your accident.
Your lawyer wants to make it clear to a judge or jury that you are in no way liable for causing your motorcycling collision. As part of their efforts, they gather evidence from a variety of sources.
They may use accident scene photos, witness statements, and other proof to strengthen your case. If your attorney succeeds, you are well-equipped to achieve your desired case result.
Tips to Help You with a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
Hire a motorcycle collision lawyer who has an outstanding track record. This attorney can share information about prior verdicts and settlements and how they have helped their clients receive fair compensation. Your lawyer can provide tips to help you as the legal process moves forward, such as:
Continue to Get Medical Care
Your health is your top priority. If a doctor recommends various treatments, follow through on them. Receive the medical treatments you need to recover from your motorcycle crash injuries. Your lawyer can include the costs of these treatments in your compensation request.
Do Not Speak to a Liable Party or their Insurance Company
Beware if an at-fault party or their insurance carrier reaches out to you. Either party could contact you in the hopes that you will admit you are liable for your motorcycling accident or that you will say something that undermines the severity of your injuries.
Tell your lawyer if you receive a message from a liable party or their insurer. Your lawyer can speak about your case for you and keep you updated about all associated conversations.
Make Your Online Profiles Private
What you post on the internet has the potential to hurt your case. As such, you should set your online profiles to private or, even better, do not post at all while your case is pending. If you post anyway, a liable party or their insurance company could attempt to use any photos or videos you share in their case against you.
Remain Open to a Settlement
If you receive a settlement offer, evaluate the proposal with your attorney. You and your lawyer can weigh an offer’s pros and cons. Ultimately, your lawyer can advise you on what to do with an offer.
You make the final decision on whether to accept or decline it. If you turn down a proposal, your attorney supports your decision and will proceed through litigation and through trial.
Along with these things, connect with your lawyer if you have legal concerns or questions. Your attorney wants you to understand all that the legal process entails. They will help you make informed decisions as your litigation progresses.
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Partner with a Blacksburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Who Works Tirelessly to Help You Get Your Life Back
MartinWren, P.C. understands how difficult it can be to recover from a motorcycling accident. We take care of your legal matters as you prioritize your recovery.
Trust us to serve as your legal representative and advocate. Request a case consultation.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
