Unlike car accidents, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to catastrophic injuries due to the lack of physical protection. In Virginia, however, you can recover the costs of your injuries and other damages if the accident was due to someone else’s negligence.
With over 50 years of experience as Virginia personal injury lawyers, we’ve helped countless families recover rightful compensation to move forward with their lives. We understand Virginia’s legal system in and out and are committed to helping motorcycle accident victims build strong compensation claims.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Our Virginia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
After a motorcycle accident, our experienced team at Tronfeld West & Durrett offers comprehensive support, helping you with all aspects of your claim. This includes:
- Investigating the scene of the accident: We promptly gather evidence from the accident scene, including photos, videos, and witness statements, to establish the facts of the case.
- Determining liability: We analyze every detail to identify the responsible party, demonstrating negligence and holding them accountable for your damages.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, but we fight for a fair settlement that covers all your expenses and future needs.
Our decades of experience allow us to bring a wealth of knowledge and resources to your case. We can help you determine the best legal strategy and build an evidence-based case to enhance your chances of securing rightful compensation. When working with us, you can rest assured of having an expert legal team protecting your rights and best interests on your behalf.
Serving Motorcycle Accident Victims Across Virginia
Our experienced team of lawyers provides legal support to motorcycle accident victims across Virginia. We offer personalized attention and tailored legal strategies to clients in various cities, including:
- Virginia Beach
- Richmond
- Chesapeake
- Norfolk
- Fredericksburg
- Petersburg
- Alexandria
- Newport News
- Mechanicsville
- Chesterfield
Our local team is committed to providing the legal assistance you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life, without upfront costs.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Virginia
After a motorcycle accident in Virginia, determining the root cause and the corresponding negligent parties is crucial for securing compensation. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers failing to pay attention to motorcyclists on the road due to texting, phone use, or other distractions.
- Speeding: Excessive speed and other reckless maneuvers reduce a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid a collision with a motorcyclist.
- Unsafe road conditions: Potholes, poor signage, or lack of proper road maintenance create hazardous conditions for motorcyclists.
- Driving under the influence: Impaired drivers due to drugs or alcohol pose a significant risk to motorcyclists and to everyone on the road.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer in Virginia will work to identify your accident’s cause by investigating the scene, analyzing evidence like photos, videos, and witness statements, and consulting with experts. Then, we use this evidence to demonstrate the responsible party’s negligence directly led to the accident.
Proving Fault in a Virginia Motorcycle Accident
One of the most important elements in a motorcycle accident claim is proving legal negligence. In Virginia, you can hold another party responsible for your injuries if you can demonstrate that they were negligent. To establish negligence, four key criteria must be met:
- Duty of Care: The defendant (the party being sued) must have owed you a duty of care. For drivers, this means operating their vehicle in a safe and lawful manner.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant must have violated this duty of care by acting negligently, recklessly, or illegally. This could involve distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence.
- Causation: The breach of duty must have directly caused the accident. In other words, the defendant’s actions must be linked to the crash and your resulting injuries.
- Damages: Finally, the accident must have resulted in measurable damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
In motorcycle accident cases, multiple parties could potentially be held liable for your injuries. This might include:
- Another driver who was distracted, speeding, or driving recklessly.
- A motorcycle manufacturer if a defective part, such as faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the crash.
- Local government entities if poor road maintenance, potholes, or dangerous road conditions led to the accident.
Proving fault can be complex, which is why working with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is crucial. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we carefully investigate every aspect of the crash to identify who is at fault and build a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Virginia
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road, and accidents often result in severe, life-changing injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A sudden blow or jolt to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury, often resulting in symptoms such as memory loss, headaches, or cognitive delays. In severe cases, TBIs can lead to long-term disabilities or a persistent vegetative state.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A spinal cord injury can occur when the spine is bruised or severed, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation, and in many cases, the paralysis may be permanent.
- Road Rash: When a rider slides along the roadway during a collision, friction can scrape away layers of skin, leading to painful abrasions known as road rash. In severe cases, road rash can damage underlying muscles and bones, potentially leading to scarring or nerve damage.
- Broken Bones: The lack of protection for the body makes broken bones common in motorcycle accidents. Riders can suffer fractures in their arms, legs, and even facial bones, which may require reconstructive surgery and long-term recovery.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, we advise taking these crucial steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, some symptoms can take time to surface. Moreover, obtaining medical treatment provides important evidence for your legal case (like medical records and bills).
- Gather evidence at the scene: If you’re able, take photos, collect contact information from witnesses, and record any details that might help prove fault later.
- Consult with an attorney: Before speaking to insurance adjusters or signing any documents, consult with an attorney at Tronfeld West & Durrett to ensure you understand your rights and options.
When you’re in a motorcycle accident, your health and your case depend on fast, decisive action. The law in Virginia gives you a narrow window—two years from the date of the accident—to file a personal injury claim (Va. Code § 8.01-243), and if you miss that, you lose your chance for compensation. We advise getting started right away by securing medical care and gathering critical evidence. .
Types of Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims In Virginia
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you can recover the following types of compensation after a motorcycle accident in Virginia:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for current and future medical bills, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work and any future loss of earning potential due to injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Damages awarded for physical pain and emotional trauma resulting from the accident.
- Property damage: Compensation for repairs or replacement of your motorcycle and any other damaged property.
To calculate damages, we thoroughly evaluate medical bills, future care costs, lost wages, property damage, and other non-economic factors. Our goal here is to secure full compensation that covers your current and future needs, ensuring recovery without financial strain.
How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements in Virginia?
Each case is different, so the value of a motorcycle accident settlement in Virginia varies significantly. Generally, the value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and the long-term impact on your life.
For example, serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, often result in higher settlements due to the lifelong impact they have. Insurance limits, fault determination, and available evidence also influence the final settlement amount.
Depending on the circumstances, settlements can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. To get a better idea of what your case may be worth, we encourage you to speak with one of our attorneys. During a free consultation, we can assess your case, compare it to previous case results, and give you an estimate of your claim’s potential value.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Virginia
Motorcycle accidents in Virginia continue to be a serious issue. In 2021, 102 motorcyclists lost their lives in crashes across the state, with an additional 1,504 suffering injuries. Many of these accidents were caused by speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving, with 35% of fatal crashes involving speeding and 33% involving alcohol impairment.
Despite Virginia’s helmet law, motorcyclists remain vulnerable to catastrophic injuries. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of death by 37% and the risk of head injuries by 69%, but even with these precautions, motorcyclists are at a significant risk on the road.
Contact a Virginia Motorcycle Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
With over 50 years of experience in personal injury law in Virginia, our attorneys are well-equipped to handle even the most complex cases. Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no fee unless we win your case.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we believe that every motorcycle accident victim deserves high-quality legal representation. To get a free consultation and discuss your case with an experienced lawyer, contact us today.