According to national statistics, there are approximately 5,000 people killed in motorcycle accidents each year. Another 90,000 victims sustain serious to severe injuries. Motorcycle accident victims who survive their injuries are often left with permanent damage and disabilities. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Virginia motorcycle crash, you may be able to pursue damages against the person responsible for the crash.

A Virginia motorcycle accident attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can explain what your legal options may be and how much financial compensation you may be entitled to. Call our office today for a free consultation. In the meantime, the following is a brief overview of the personal injury process.

The Role of Negligence in Motorcycle Accidents

Although accidents can happen for any reason, many motorcycle crashes occur because of the negligent actions of another driver. As drivers, we all owe a duty of care to other motorists we share the road with, but, unfortunately, there are many drivers who fail to heed traffic laws. Some of the more common types of negligence driving behaviors the motorcycle accident attorneys from our firm have seen include:

  • Distracted driving behavior, such as texting or other cell phone use
  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
  • Failure to drive according to road or weather conditions
  • Failure to obey traffic signs or lights
  • Failure to yield
  • Following too closely behind
  • Speeding

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

These negligent driving behaviors can also cause other types of vehicle accidents, but because motorcycles offer little protection to riders the way other vehicles do, the injuries in motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic ones. Common injuries include:

  • Back injuries
  • Brain injuries
  • Damage to internal organs
  • Fractured bones
  • Lacerations and road burn
  • Neck injuries
  • Paralysis

Proving Negligence

Many people have a misconception that those who ride motorcycles are risk-taking thrill-seekers. It is not uncommon in a motorcycle accident for the at-fault party and/or their insurance company to try to blame the motorcyclist for the crash. The truth is that the majority of people who ride motorcycles are extremely cautious and aware of the dangers that threaten them in the form of other vehicle drivers.

How an Attorney Can Help

Having a Virginia motorcycle accident attorney representing you in an injury case can help strengthen your claim. Your attorney will know what steps will need to be taken and what type of evidence presented to prove the other driver’s negligence.

Some of the strategies our legal team use include:

  • Investigate whether there is any video footage of the crash from security cameras of any businesses near the crash site
  • Obtaining all police reports and witness statements
  • Using photographs of the crash site
  • Utilizing expert witnesses, including those who are able to reconstruct the crash

Contact Our Firm Today

The experienced Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp have been advocating for victims and their families for more than 35 years and have obtained millions of dollars for motorcyclists and their families. We understand how devastating – physically, emotionally, and financially – these types of cases can be. Call our office today to schedule a free case evaluation and find out what legal options you may have.

We also offer a free motorcycle injury guide which offers information that you may find helpful.

 

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