Surviving a Motorcycle Accident
Any motor vehicle accident is serious, but if you’ve been hit while on your bike you’ll need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Richmond, Virginia who can help you get the compensation and closure you deserve.
It’s no secret that motorcycles are dangerous, but as you may know, the freedom they offer is too much to ignore. As a responsible motorcyclist, you know that you have to be extra careful and attentive every time you ride, but can you be sure that everyone else on the road is being as cautious as you are?
Cars and motorcycles are completely different animals, and the with all the bells and whistles that are being crammed into cars these days, the drivers may as well be completely different animals as well. When you’re on your bike, you’re alert. You’re present. You’re alive. But the soccer mom who’s texting and driving, or the habitual buzzed driver, or anyone else who fails to live up to their responsibility behind the wheel – they’re dangerous, and they certainly aren’t paying attention.
There’s no safety net on a bike. But there’s a safety net for the aftermath. A motorcycle accident has the potential to completely change your life, and a qualified personal injury lawyer in Richmond VA can help you pick up the pieces. Read on to learn more about what makes motorcycle accidents so dangerous, and see how MartinWren, P.C. can help.
The Accident is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
When cars collide, there’s a chance that the occupants of both vehicles will be relatively unhurt. With all the safety features present in modern cars, even accidents that total one or both vehicles can be (relatively) harmless for the drivers and passengers. And of course, if the cars just bump into each other at low speeds, the headache of dealing with the paperwork may exceed the actual accident.
On a motorcycle, every accident is major. Even a parking lot collision can lead to serious breaks and long term injuries. You’ll have to deal with medical procedures that exceed your paychecks and you may even lose your job on account of your injuries. Recovery is a lengthy process, and while you can expect insurance to cover some of the cost, you can never count on them to release your funds as soon as possible.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and the other party wasn’t paying attention, or was neglecting their responsibility to keep others on the road safe, you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket. Fortunately, you can count on a qualified lawyer to help you get the compensation you need to stay afloat.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
Get Help from MartinWren, P.C.
At MartinWren, P.C., we understand that a motorcycle has the potential to completely change the way you live your life, and we know that if someone else was responsible for your injuries, they should be held accountable.
You shouldn’t foot the bill if someone else caused your injuries. Reach out to us today, and see how a motorcycle accident lawyer in Richmond, VA can help you move on.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Virginia, you need to have a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer Richmond, VA residents can vouch for who will aggressively advocate for you and will make sure you receive all the financial compensation you are entitled to for all the losses your injuries cause you to sustain.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents are an unfortunate inevitability with so many miles of highway traveled by motorcyclists in Virginia. It is important that you always put health and safety first when an accident occurs, moving to the shoulder of the road as soon as you are able or signaling for assistance in the event you are unable to move on your own accord. If you are seriously injured, 911 should be called to report the accident and request emergency assistance.
Regardless of whether or not you need emergency assistance, remain at the scene of the accident while medical and/or law enforcement personnel travel to your location to assist. Unfortunately, most riders involved in motorcycle accidents sustain injuries severe enough to need emergency medical care. Suppose you are fortunate enough to be able to walk away from the scene. In that case, you should still seek medical attention immediately because you may have suffered an injury with delayed symptoms, which can be dangerous.
Richmond Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 434-817-3100
Motorcycle Accident Injuries May Be Serious
In the case of motorcycle accidents, the personal injuries suffered may be grave. Without the all-sides protection offered by a car or truck, a motorcycle can flip, skid, or be in a collision that may result in fractures, road rash, severe burns, knee and joint injuries, head, and traumatic brain injuries, and even death. Regardless of what injuries you have sustained, a Richmond, VA motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
Pursuing Damages
Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of cars, trucks, and other vehicles on state and federal roads and highways. Obtaining a license, abiding by speed limits and other traffic regulations, and refraining from cycling while under the influence of alcohol are responsibilities shared by all.
Just as other drivers owe car and truck drivers a safe driving duty, so are motorcyclists. Such is the balancing of liberty and equality on the road. The negligence or intentionally wrongful conduct of a driver or even a fellow biker can result in a motorcycle accident and cause personal injuries. You have the same rights as other vehicle occupants to seek financial damages for your injuries, and other losses, as any other driver.
An experienced Richmond, VA motorcycle accident lawyer from MartinWren, P.C. will work hard to get you the damages you may be entitled to for your losses. Besides the cost of medical bills, motorcycle accident-related damages may include lost income due to missed work, pain and suffering, permanent disability, scarring, and more, depending on the specific conduct of the at-fault party. Call our office today for a free consultation and find out how we can help.
Handling Conversation with Insurance Adjuster
After a motorcycle accident, you have to priortize your physical and mental health, repairing your damaged bike, and taking other steps so you can receive the maximum compensation possible. In the days after notifying your insurance company about the accident, you are likely to be called by an insurance adjuster. This person does not have your best of interest in mind. In fact, it is their job to reduce or deny your claim by whatever means necessary.
Depending on the accident and your comfortability, it may be better for your lawyer to handle this conversation for you instead. An insurance adjuster would rather speak with the victim than a lawyer, but that’s because lawyers cannot be taken advantage of. Lawyers are professionals who understand personal injury law in a way that the everyday person doesn’t. The insurance adjuster is hoping that you don’t know your rights and true worth of your claim.
An insurance company has to calculate the value for each injury claim. Regardless of what your injuries are, there are other factors you cannot control which will be used to assess your claim, such as:
- The value of your motorcycle
- The defendant’s insurance company
- The defendant’s insurance policy coverage
- Proof of pain and suffering
No matter how friendly the insurance adjuster seems, they are not your friend. The adjuster plans to use your statements in a way that’s against you, or even intimidate you. A lawyer knows how to protect you from this kind of treatment. After a personal injury accident, an insurance adjuster will utilize various methods to get you to say certain things on record or sign documents. They may also ask leading questions that were made to place fault on you or cause confusion.
If an adjuster tries to pressure you into a conversation, politely refer them to your lawyer from MartinWren, P.C. to take over. It is crucial to the outcome of your claim to put off providing a recorded statement until you have spoken with a lawyer. As your lawyer may suggest, stay calm, ask the name of the adjuster you are speaking with, and give out only very limited personal details. If you decline an official statement, the adjuster may still try to conversate with you casually to learn more about the accident. Don’t provide information about the details of your injuries yet, and resist the push to accept a settlement amount. Keep in mind that these initial settlement offers are often a fraction of your claim’s total worth.
Motorcycle Accident Infographic
Common Motorcycle Accident Questions – Answered
As a motorcycle accident lawyer Richmond, VA victims recommend can share that the probability that a victim will sustain severe injuries in an accident is high. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in an accident than those traveling by motor vehicle. While riding a motorcycle is an activity that many people enjoy, the risk can be significant when faced with an accident. While there are various ways that an accident might occur, the damages that result may be due to another partys’ negligence. There may be an opportunity to seek compensation for these losses. MartinWren, P.C. knows that moving forward with legal action can be challenging, especially when managing devastating physical injuries, which is why our team can play a critical role in managing the case and answering the many questions victims have.
What types of injuries do motorcycle accident victims often sustain?
Motorcycle accidents can happen in several ways, many of which are the result of speeding, reckless driving, and distracted driving to name a few. Injuries from such accidents can be severe for motorcycle enthusiasts and may include:
- Broken Bones
- Lacerations
- Head Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Road Rash
Why are motorcyclists more at risk for severe injuries?
There are several reasons motorcycle riders may be at risk for more severe injuries than passengers of motor vehicles. Not only can they be more difficult for other drivers on the road to see, but there is also very little to protect them in a collision. When an accident occurs, there are no airbags to protect them or safety features that are regularly made available in vehicles. Victims can be thrown from the motorcycle or even pinned between two cars.
What damages might a victim be entitled to?
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Richmond, VA, can share that injuries from such accidents are severe, resulting in substantial damages. Common damages include:
- Property Damage
- Medical Expenses (current & future)
- Lost Wages
- Lost Earning Capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Physical Impairment
- Wrongful Death Damages
How is it determined whether to pursue a claim with an insurance company versus a lawsuit?
After a lawyer reviews the case, they can better determine the most appropriate way to proceed. It will likely be appropriate first to pursue a claim with the insurance company in most cases. This allows the opportunity to settle the case quicker by negotiating a fair settlement offer for the victim. Typically when parties involved cannot reach a settlement through the claims process, it may be best to file a lawsuit.
How long does it take to settle?
Timeframes for settling the case can range. At times, a resolution may be reached in a few months but know that sometimes it may take longer. Additionally, the process can take even longer, sometimes a year or more, before the case is resolved when a lawsuit is pursued.
When considering the proper next steps, it’s best to move forward with an experienced legal team like the one MartinWren, P.C. can offer. Damages from motorcycle accidents can be considerable because of the magnitude of injuries, and victims will likely require compensation to cover these losses. Reach out to our Richmond, Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer to get started.
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Motorcycle Accident Infographic
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