Most of us realize just how tragic motorcycle crashes can be, even in cases where the victim survives. Motorcycle accident injuries are often catastrophic in nature, with long-term, if not permanent, health issues and extended recovery periods. Medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages are often devasting to the victim and their family. If you or a family member has been injured in a motorcycle crash, reach out to Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to speak with one of our Virginia personal injury attorneys and find out what legal recourse you may have.
Collateral Damages in a Motorcycle Crash
The effects of motorcycle accidents are so far-reaching that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have classified them as a national public health issue. The following are some of the facts the CDC considered when making this classification:
- The number of people killed in motorcycle accidents each year continues to rise at a highly alarming rate. In fact, since the year 2000, there has been a frightening 85 percent increase in motorcycle accident deaths. Motorcycle accident fatalities happen almost 30 times more frequently than they do in passenger vehicle accidents. It is estimated that almost 90,000 motorcyclists are hurt in crashes each year.
- Motorcycle accidents do not just affect the lives of the victims. According to the CDC, the yearly economic burden placed on society because of motorcycle accident deaths and injuries is an astronomical $12 billion. These costs occur in a number of ways. Consumers pay higher insurance premiums and taxes to cover the costs of medical and other expenses caused by motorcycle accidents. Many of the charges from motorcycle accident hospitalization and rehabilitation are paid by Medicaid. There is also loss tax revenue because of victims’ inability to work, even if this is only a temporary issue while the victim recovers.
Contact a Dedicated Virginia Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be facing high medical bills and other financial difficulties. In addition to your medical bills, you may be entitled to financial compensation for lost wages if you could not work while recovering, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, permanent disability, scarring, and more.
Our Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys understand how overwhelming these cases can be. The legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has been advocating for victims and their families for more than 30 years and will use all available resources to get the best possible outcome for our clients, like the $200,000 settlement we obtained for a client who suffered a broken hip and a fractured vertebra when a highly intoxicated driver crashed into his car.
We also offer a free motorcycle injury guide which provides information that you may find helpful.
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