Motorcycle Accidents
Riding a motorcycle is a thrilling experience – one that comes with some inherent risks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) motorcyclist fatalities in traffic crashes happen at a rate nearly 28 times higher than that of passenger car occupants per vehicle miles traveled.
Motorcycles lack the protective walls of other types of motor vehicles and are more susceptible to adverse road conditions. Their smaller size makes them difficult to see in traffic and many motorcycle wrecks occur when drivers are unaware of a motorcyclist’s presence near their vehicle.
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another party, contact the skilled Virginia Beach personal injury lawyers at East Coast Trial Lawyers for help. We represent riders of motorcycles, scooters, their passengers, families of those who have lost a loved one, as well as pedestrians and other parties injured in a motorcycle accident.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
By far the most dangerous situation for motorcyclists occurs when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of them. If the driver of the car does not see the oncoming motorcycle or misjudges its speed, the result can be catastrophic injuries for the motorcyclist. Other driver errors that can cause motorcycle accidents include:
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Sideswiping a motorcyclist or swerving in front of them
- Overlooking a motorcyclist who is changing lanes
- Driving with an insufficient space cushion between vehicles
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Motorcycles are more susceptible to roadway defects that can cause accidents. Potholes, debris, and inadequate banking of curves can put motorcyclists at risk for accidents and injuries.
Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
When a motorcyclist collides with another motor vehicle, they are often thrown from the motorcycle resulting in serious, often devastating injuries such as:
- Head and neck injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries/paralysis
- Broken bones or fractures
- Death
If you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident that was caused by the negligence of another person, you may be entitled to compensation. However, it is important to note that in Virginia, the law says that if you are partially responsible for the accident you cannot be compensated for your injuries.
At East Coast Trial Lawyers, our team will fight to get you compensation by proving that you were driving responsibly and that the accident was caused by the negligence of other parties. If there was a physical defect in the manufacturing of either the motorcycle you were riding, or the safety gear you were using, a product liability claim can be pursued to recover compensation for the injuries that resulted from the defective equipment. If the road conditions were known to be hazardous for motorcyclists and left unmarked, we will fight to hold the proper party responsible.
We will go to work for you immediately to gather evidence and witness statements, driving records of the other motorists involved in the accident, and medical records. We will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf so that you do not have to deal with the stress of your injuries and an accident investigation on your own.
Virginia Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help Victims of Motorcycle Wrecks Obtain Maximum Compensation
Contact our skilled Virginia Beach motorcycle accident lawyers if you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident. At East Coast Trial Lawyers, our team has the knowledge and experience needed to investigate your case and get you the maximum allowable compensation so that you can recover from your injuries. Call 757-352-2237 today to schedule a free consultation or contact us online. From our offices in Virginia Beach, we proudly represent clients in the communities of Chesapeake, Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk as well as those in North Carolina and nationwide.