A motorcycle crash can leave you with devastating injuries, a long recovery process, and financial hardship from missed work. If you got hurt while riding a motorcycle, a Harrisonburg motorcycle accident lawyer is here to help you get compensation for your losses from the at-fault party.
Victims and their families have a lot to deal with, but they do not have to face these challenges alone. At MartinWren, P.C., we have many years of combined legal experience and are committed to fighting for the rights of motorcycle accident victims. Additionally, we’ve secured millions in compensation for our clients.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, reach out to us for a free legal consultation. A Harrisonburg personal injury lawyer from our firm can guide you through the legal process. Let us help you recover.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Harrisonburg?
Hiring an attorney after a motorcycle crash can improve your chances of getting maximum compensation for all of your losses. Our team has extensive experience handling personal injury cases, and we’re ready to provide the dedicated support you need every step of the way.
You can rely on us to:
- Answer questions about your claim and Virginia law
- Identify the party responsible for your motorcycle crash
- Gather evidence like witness statements and accident reports to support your claim
- Track all of your losses
- Handle insurance settlement negotiations
- Assist with a personal injury lawsuit when necessary
You can count on us to provide the personalized support you deserve after a collision, so reach out now and go over your legal options. We have the training and experience to provide the personalized care you deserve.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call (434) 817-3100
Available Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident
Virginia personal injury laws allow victims to pursue damages against the liable party or parties. When you talk with a motorcycle accident law firm in Harrisonburg, VA, you will find out what types of damages you might recover.
These will typically depend on the seriousness of the accident and other specific factors. Generally, recoverable damages may include the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages from the inability to work
- Lost earning capacity due to a changed career trajectory
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Mental anguish or emotional distress
- Permanent scarring from severe road rash or other injuries
- Disfigurement and humiliation
- Loss of limb and other physical injuries
- Permanent disability
- Inconvenience
- Property damage to your bike, helmet, and clothing
- Wrongful death damages, such as medical expenses, funeral expenses, grief, and loss of companionship
- Punitive damages (if the at-fault party’s behavior or actions were particularly egregious, such as driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash)
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a motorcycle wreck, you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Harrisonburg who will aggressively advocate for you during this challenging time and explain the types of damages in a motorcycle accident case in further detail.
Our team has a track record of impressive verdicts and settlements and will pursue the maximum amount of money available in your case. We know how to strengthen your motorcycle accident claim, and we’re ready to take charge today.
Time Limit for Taking Legal Action After a Virginia Accident
It is crucial to be aware of the legal timeframe for pursuing a personal injury claim after a motorcycle crash. Virginia has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including those stemming from motorcycle accidents.
According to the Code of Virginia § 8.01-243, you generally have only two years from the accident date to initiate legal action against those responsible for your injuries.
In addition, cases against the state or local governments have shorter notice periods that may require you to provide notice by a certain time, or else the claim is lost. Claims against the state are governed by the Virginia Tort Claims Act, Va. Code sec. 8.01-195.6.
Harrisonburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (434) 817-3100
The Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents
Virginia is well known for its motorcycle enthusiasts; however, driving a two-wheeled vehicle can pose dangerous risks.
In fact, riders are far more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries than those in a car. What is more concerning is that it is often a car or a dangerous obstacle that leads to the incident rather than the motorcycle rider.
Exposure
While any vehicle crash can result in death or injury, riding a motorcycle greatly increases that risk because there is no protective barrier between the rider and the other vehicle or object that smashes into them. What could be a fender bender to a car could be a life-altering or life-ending crash for a motorcycle rider.
For example, passenger vehicles have a steel case surrounding them that protects them from impact. Vehicles also provide seat belts to help prevent victims from being ejected in the event of a crash.
Road Intersections
Intersections are also incredibly dangerous locations for motorcycle riders. At intersections, there are frequent collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles trying to make a left turn into the motorcyclist, who has the right of way.
Safety Gear
Riders should always wear safety gear, including helmets. While helmets do not reduce accidents, they can help limit the severity of potential injuries, thereby reducing the medical bills you could face after an accident.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The nature of motorcycle accidents often results in a unique set of injuries, some of which can be life-altering. Some of the more common motorcycle injuries a Harrisonburg motorcycle accident attorney sees here at MartinWren, P.C. include the following:
- Amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations
- Severe road rash
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences, not just physically but also emotionally and financially. We can help you seek compensation for all the losses associated with your accident.
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Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Every motorcycle accident has circumstances and factors that led to the collision. Poor weather conditions, dangerous roadways, rider error, and defective equipment are just a few of the elements that contribute to accidents. However, many crashes are the result of reckless actions by other motorists, such as:
- Lane changing without checking blind spots or signaling
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Improper turns
- Tailgating
- Road rage
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failure to share the road
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving
Keep in mind that a car does not have to collide with a motorcycle to cause an accident. For instance, the driver of a car could cut a bike off, thereby forcing it to make an unsafe road maneuver. If we can prove this series of events, they can hold the negligent driver accountable for your single-vehicle accident.
Contact Us After a Motorcycle Crash
A Harrisonburg motorcycle accident attorney with our firm can help you navigate the legal complexities surrounding motorcycle accidents. We know how to overcome the outdated biases against bikers and get the justice you deserve.
MartinWren, P.C. is a statewide practice and offers free consultations at a time and location that is convenient for you. We will gladly meet with you at your home or the hospital, even on nights and weekends.
Call (434) 817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
