May’s arrival brings with it warmer weather and that means motorcycle enthusiasts are getting their bikes out of storage and taking to the roads. This increased number of motorcycles, unfortunately, means that there will also be more motorcycle crashes and tragic deaths. Last year, 101 people were killed in motorcycle accidents on Virginia’s roads. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, call our office to speak with one of our Virginia Beach motorcycle accident lawyers to learn your legal options.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and Virginia law enforcement is encouraging awareness and education on roadway safety with the goal of reducing the number of accidents and victims. From now until October, Virginia State Police are offering Ride 2 Save Lives motorcycle safety courses. The courses are for intermediate and experienced riders and focus on honing motorcyclists’ safety practices. Some of the topics include interstate highway riding, negotiating curves, picking up a downed motorcycle, as well as motorcycle maintenance.
The free courses will be held one Saturday each month at different locations throughout the state. More details, as well as enrollment information, can be found on the state police website.
Motorcyclist and Vehicle Driver Responsibilities
Both motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers are responsible for how they behave and act on the road. However, because their vehicles are smaller than cars and SUVs, motorcycle operators face far greater dangers than persons inside cars or SUVs, even though motorcyclists enjoy all the privileges and benefits of operators of vehicles. Motorcyclists should adhere to the following safe driving behaviors:
- Stay aware of what is going on around you. At all times, keep an eye on the vehicle in front of you and those approaching from behind.
- Keep enough space between you and other vehicles. This will give you room if another vehicle is following you or passing you, and it will also allow you to pass or follow vehicles safely.
- Make sure you are scanning the path in front of you by at least 10 to 15 seconds.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing whenever you are riding and drive in the best lane position possible to stay visible to other drivers.
- Always make sure to use your turn signals and that all your lights – headlights, brake lights, and running lights – are in good working order.
- Always be prepared to act quickly to implement collision-avoidance maneuvers.
Other vehicle drivers should always be aware they may be sharing the road with a motorcycle at any time and adhere to the following safe driving behaviors:
- Keep in mind at all times that your vehicle has blind spots, and since motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles, they are harder to see. Always double-check these spots when merging or turning.
- When you are behind a motorcycle, leave enough room between the bike and your vehicle. You also want to slow down to give the motorcyclists enough room and time to react if something comes up down the road.
- Use caution when taking left-hand turns. One of the most dangerous – and most frequent – causes of motorcycle accidents is a vehicle driver taking a left turn, cutting in front of the motorcycle, and traveling the other way.
Damages Available in a Motorcycle Accident Case
In a motorcycle accident case, the damages available typically encompass various aspects that will compensate the victim for losses incurred due to their injuries. These damages can be broadly categorized into two main types: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are those with a clear monetary value and include both past and future medical expenses incurred as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. These include hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation costs, medication, and any other costs associated with medical treatment necessary for recovery.
Economic damages may also cover lost wages or income if the victim is unable to work due to their injuries. Future earning potential can also be considered if the injuries result in long-term disability or impairment.
Non-economic damages are less tangible but equally important. These include pain and suffering: physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the accident and subsequent injuries. Loss of enjoyment of life, disability, disfigurement, and loss of consortium (damages suffered by the victim’s spouse or family due to the injuries) are also considered non-economic damages.
In cases of extreme negligence or misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded. These are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Let Our Personal Injury Law Firm Help
Some of the most frequent injuries that motorcycle accident victims suffer include brain injuries, broken bones, paralysis, and spinal trauma. These injuries often leave them with permanent disabilities that not only create physical limitations but also result in significant financial losses.
Determining the extent of damages in a motorcycle accident case involves a thorough assessment of the circumstances surrounding the accident, the severity of injuries sustained, and the impact on the victim’s life.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case evaluation and find out what legal recourse you may have for your injuries. Our firm is dedicated to helping our clients get the financial compensation they deserve for the losses their injuries have caused and has a proven track record of success, having secured more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts.