Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norfolk
A Norfolk motorcycle accident lawyer can be instrumental in cases where riders suffer due to others’ negligence on Virginia’s roads. Virginia is a beautiful place to ride all year, whether on a scenic cruise or your daily commute. Unfortunately, accidents happen on the road for all vehicle types, but when they happen to motorcycles, they can be especially traumatic.
If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligent or intentional behavior, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Norfolk can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Virginia Motorcycle Statistics
Regarding motorcycle accidents, Virginia is not the worst or the best but sits right in the middle of the national rankings. In 2022, there were 2,053 motorcycle-related crashes on Virginia roadways, resulting in the deaths of 111 riders and serious injuries to 762 others. This is an 8.8 percent increase in motorcyclist fatalities compared to 2021. The total number of registered motorcycles in the state that same year totaled 188,100.
Types of Norfolk Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Every accident is different, but generally, the severity of motorcycle accidents depends largely on the speed and angle of the impact. By law, every motorcycle rider in Virginia must wear a helmet and have a protective shield on the helmet or the bike. Other safety apparel such as eye protection, gloves, a jacket, pants, and foot coverings are also recommended as additional protection, though they are not required. Here are a few common types of Virginia motorcycle injuries:
- Cuts and lacerations,
- Whiplash and neck injuries,
- Broken or fractured bones,
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI),
- Facial scarring or disfigurement,
- Spinal cord and back injuries,
- Damage to organs, and
- Internal bleeding.
Motorcycle accident injuries are rarely minor. These injuries can be devastating and life-changing. If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligent action of another person or party, you may be eligible for meaningful compensation. If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, we are so sorry for your loss, and it is essential to know that you may have a wrongful death claim. Your Norfolk motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine your legal options and the best strategy to seek justice.
Who is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?
When filing a claim for a motorcycle accident, it is important to understand how your accident occurred and who was at fault. Seeking counsel from a motorcycle accident lawyer in Norfolk, VA can ensure you have all the information you need to file a claim and prove liability. In some cases, there may be multiple parties at fault. More often than not, motorcycle accidents happen because other vehicle drivers fail to drive attentively and follow the basic rules of the road. Here are some of the most common ways that negligent vehicle drivers cause motorcycle accidents:
- The driver was speeding and could not stop in time to avoid a collision;
- The driver did not signal before merging into another lane;
- The driver was distracted and did not see the motorcycle;
- The driver failed to yield to the motorcycle when the motorcycle had the right of way;
- The driver cut off the motorcycle without correctly gauging their speed;
- The driver did not provide enough room for the motorcycle on the road, or
- The driver failed to check their blind spot before making a driving maneuver.
A standard vehicle driver may not be the only liable party. If you are hit by a commercial vehicle like a truck or any other company vehicle the business or organization that employs the driver may also be responsible for your injuries. In some cases, there may not be a driver involved at all. For example, the government (local, state, or federal) generally has the legal responsibility to maintain roadways. If the condition of the road, such as severe potholes or missing traffic indicators, caused the accident, the government may be liable. Your motorcycle accident lawyer in Norfolk can evaluate the circumstances of your unique accident to determine who was legally at fault.
What If You Were Partially At Fault for Your Motorcycle Accident?
Unlike most other states, Virginia follows a pure contributory negligence rule, which means that to bring a valid case against a defendant, they must be 100 percent responsible for the accident. This leaves no room for error. It is crucial to have a motorcycle accident lawyer in Norfolk who can help you build a strong personal injury case.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Norfolk?
Your health and safety should always be your number one priority. Again, motorcycle accidents are rarely minor, and you must seek immediate medical attention. Even if you think you are fine, your body and your attorney will thank you for being seen by a medical professional. Waiting too long can cause space for an argument as to whether your injury stemmed from the motorcycle accident or was unrelated.
Contact the police as soon as possible after the accident. Someone else may likely call them to the scene before you do. If you cannot be at the accident scene because of a medical emergency, they may reach out for a statement later. Regardless, you will want a copy of the accident report for your records and as proof for your case. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Norfolk can also help you acquire the report. If you speak to anyone at the accident scene or an insurance company after the accident, ensure that you do not imply or admit fault. You do not need to lie, but it is best not to over-volunteer information.
Keep a record of all expenses associated with your motorcycle accident. These may include the cost of medical care, lost wages due to inability to work, physical therapy, transportation, and more. These records will help your attorney determine the value of your claim to ensure you do not settle for less than what you deserve.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Norfolk
The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, PLLC, is known for handling severe personal injury cases. We refuse to settle for less than what our clients are rightfully entitled to and proudly hold the largest jury verdict in Norfolk, VA, at 10.2 million. After a motorcycle accident, the last thing you want to do is navigate the Virginia legal system. That’s why we are here. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation.