A motorcycle crash can leave you with devastating injuries, a long recovery process, and financial hardship from missed work. If you’ve been injured while riding a motorcycle, one of our Harrisonburg motorcycle accident lawyers is here to help.
Victims and their families have a lot to deal with, but they don’t have to face these challenges alone. At Martin Wren, P.C., our personal injury lawyers in Harrisonburg, VA, are committed to fighting for the rights of motorcycle accident victims.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, reach out to us for a free legal consultation. Let us help you recover.
Do You Need a Harrisonburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Whether you’ve sustained severe injuries or lost a loved one in a crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Before you negotiate with any involved parties or their respective insurance companies, discuss your case with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney in Harrisonburg, VA.
During your initial consultation, one of our lawyers will let you know whether you have a legal case against potentially negligent parties. If you choose to move forward, an experienced attorney at Martin Wren, P.C., will pursue a fair settlement or court award on your behalf.
We understand the complexities of these cases and will fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical care and rebuild your life.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
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
- 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 motorcycle off, thereby forcing it to make an unsafe road maneuver.
If your motorcycle injury attorney can prove this series of events, they can hold the negligent driver accountable for your single-vehicle accident.
Available Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident in Harrisonburg
Virginia personal injury laws allow victims to pursue damages against the liable party or parties. When you talk with a motorcycle crash attorney 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 changed career trajectory
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Mental anguish or emotional distress
- Permanent scarring from severe road rash
- 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, 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 has been injured in a motorcycle wreck, you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who will aggressively advocate for you during this challenging time.
Our team has a track record of impressive verdicts and settlements and will pursue the maximum amount of money available in your case.
Harrisonburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 434-817-3100
Prejudice Against Motorcyclists
Unfortunately, there is a strong cultural bias against motorcycle riders. It’s not unheard of for insurance companies to try and use this bias to cheat victims out of fair compensation.
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Harrisonburg, VA, understands the laws pertaining to these collisions and the tactics that may be used against you. With this in mind, we fight to safeguard our clients’ rights as motorcycle riders.
Our lawyers will carry out a thorough investigation of all evidence and assess the impact of your injuries to develop a strong, winning case.
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’s often a car or dangerous obstacle that leads to the incident rather than the motorcycle rider.
Motorcycle crashes are one of the deadliest types of traffic accidents that can occur. Federal data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that more than 80% of motorcycle accidents result in either death or serious physical injuries to riders.
Exposure
While any vehicle crash can result in death or injury, riding a motorcycle greatly increases that risk. This is 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.
Motorcycles offer none of these features, so the rider is at an increased risk of injury or death. Another factor that also puts motorcycle riders at risk is that bikes are often unseen by other vehicles because of their size. As a result, vehicles that are changing lanes, exiting parking lots, and pulling out of streets often hit bikers.
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. However, helmets do not reduce accidents.
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Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The nature of motorcycle accidents often results in a unique set of injuries, some of which can be life-altering. Understanding the severity of most motorcycle accident injuries can help victims and their loved ones realize the importance of seeking experienced legal representation.
Some of the more common motorcycle injuries a Harrisonburg, VA, motorcycle accident lawyer sees here at Martin Wren, 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 emotionally and financially. The road to recovery can be long and difficult, from mounting medical bills to the emotional toll of adjusting to life after the accident.
Time Limit for Taking Legal Action After a Virginia Accident
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Virginia, it’s crucial to be aware of the legal timeframe for pursuing a personal injury claim. 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 cases against the state or local governments, there are notice periods that may require you to provide notice by a certain time or lese the claim is lost. Certain exceptions may alter these deadlines, but a personal injury attorney from our firm can tell you exactly how much time you have left.
Also, the sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can move to gather and preserve key evidence in your case.
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Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Harrisonburg, VA
Our Harrisonburg motorcycle accident lawyers are well-versed in 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.
Don’t settle with an insurance company for less than your injuries are worth. Contact our office to learn about your legal options. Let us help you recover.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
