Virginia Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Results-Oriented Representation for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Annandale

With little protection aside from helmets and riding gear, motorcyclists are prone to severe injuries, even from minor collisions. These injuries can range from broken bones and concussions to more catastrophic outcomes like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries. If you were recently injured in a motorcycle accident, you probably already know that the aftermath extends far beyond the physical pain – you are likely facing long-term rehabilitation, a loss of income, emotional trauma, and dramatic lifestyle changes.

When you suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you deserve compensation for these losses. Our Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers at Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, are relentless litigators who will fight to hold responsible parties accountable and deliver the results you deserve. With hundreds of millions of dollars recovered for our clients, our track record is undeniable, and we are ready to put our experience and resources to work for you.

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? Call Rowe Weinstein & Sohn today at (571) 486-4798 or contact us online to meet with our motorcycle accident attorney in Virginia.

The Risks of Motorcycle Accidents and Rider Exposure

Motorcycles’ design leaves riders exposed to the elements. While this exposure is part of the appeal for many riders, it also increases the risk of catastrophic injuries in an accident. Unlike drivers of cars or trucks, motorcyclists do not have the benefit of a steel cage, airbags, or seatbelts to protect them during a collision. Their clothing and helmets are the only barriers between them and the road or other vehicles.

Even with top-rated protective gear, the human body is ill-equipped to withstand the impact forces involved in a motorcycle accident. In a collision, a motorcyclist can be thrown from their bike, leading to potentially devastating injuries from both the initial impact and subsequent contact with the road or other objects. While protective clothing and helmets can mitigate some of this risk, they are not foolproof.

These realities underline the importance of discussing your legal options with our Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys when you suffer injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Recovery from these injuries can be a long and painful process, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and, in many cases, significant lifestyle adjustments, and you should not have to shoulder the resulting financial burdens. We can help you pursue legal action against the negligent driver and seek damages.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Virginia

Many motorists unfairly view motorcyclists as nuisances or disregard their presence on the road, failing to provide them with the space and consideration they require for safe travel. This underestimation or indifference to motorcycle safety can occur in various ways, from cutting off motorcyclists to not checking blind spots before changing lanes. When a driver’s negligent behavior leads to a motorcycle accident, they generally become liable for the damages they cause.

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by many types of driver negligence, including:

• Distracted driving. When drivers are not fully attentive to the road, the likelihood of accidents increases. Distractions can range from texting or talking to eating or adjusting the radio. Unfortunately, a momentary lapse in focus can result in a lifetime of consequences for a motorcyclist.
• Speeding. Excessive speeding dramatically reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of impact in the event of a collision. It can be disastrous for motorcyclists due to their vulnerability and relative lack of protection.
• Drunk driving. Driving while intoxicated with drugs or alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and can lead to dangerous behaviors on the road, putting everyone – including motorcyclists – at risk.
• Failure to yield the right of way. Failing to respect a motorcyclist’s right of way, especially at intersections, is a common form of negligence that results in severe accidents.
• Aggressive driving. Reckless behaviors like tailgating, lane-hopping without proper signals, or other road aggression can easily lead to collisions with motorcyclists.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries. These can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Helmets can reduce the risk of sustaining these injuries but do not eliminate them. TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive issues, affecting memory, focus, and personality.
• Spinal cord injuries. These are among the most serious consequences of motorcycle accidents. Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, with lifelong implications for the victim’s quality of life.
• Fractures and broken bones. The force of a motorcycle crash often causes fractures, particularly in the arms and legs. More severe accidents can result in compound fractures, where the bone pierces the skin or crushed bones that require extensive surgery to repair.
• Road rash. This injury occurs when a motorcyclist slides over the pavement, causing severe skin abrasions. Road rash can lead to significant scarring and, in severe cases, nerve damage.
• Biker’s arm. This common injury occurs when the motorcyclist instinctively uses their arm to break a fall during an accident, resulting in nerve damage in the arm.
• Internal injuries. These are often not immediately visible but can be life-threatening. Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and puncture wounds are all serious injuries that require immediate medical attention.

How Can I Prove Liability in A Motorcycle Accident Case?

To establish liability in a motorcycle accident case, you must show that the negligence of another party directly caused the motorcycle accident and the injuries you sustained. As expert motorcycle accident lawyers in Virginia, we can handle the complicated procedure on your behalf, ensuring every detail is carefully taken care of.

Obtaining evidence is essential initially. This encompasses photographs of the accident site, vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Eyewitness testimonies can also offer crucial insights into the events leading up to the accident. Our dedicated Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys will diligently collect and safeguard this vital information.

Subsequently, securing the police report is crucial, as it often contains the officer's observations and conclusions regarding fault. Additionally, reviewing medical records is essential to establish the extent of your injuries and link them directly to the accident.

Expert testimony can help strengthen your case. Accident reconstruction experts can recreate the situation to show how the other party's activities caused the crash. Medical professionals can confirm the seriousness of your injuries and their impact on your life.

Additionally, demonstrating negligence requires proving that the other party failed to uphold their duty of care, leading to your injuries. This may involve speeding, driving while distracted, or breaking traffic regulations.

Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Virginia

At Rowe, Weinstein & Sohn, PLLC, we aim to help you obtain full and fair compensation for your losses from your motorcycle accident. That typically involves filing a personal injury lawsuit, which must be initiated before Virginia’s statute of limitations expires. Generally, you will have only two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to bring a claim, which is why it is so important to reach out to our team as soon as possible. 

Our Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers will fight to get you just compensation for all losses, including:

• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Lost income
• Lost earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

How Contributory Negligence Affects Your Case

In scenarios where you were not wearing a helmet or splitting lanes in an accident primarily caused by another driver’s negligence, you may wonder if you can still recover compensation. After all, while you technically were breaking the law at the time of the collision – and that error may have even contributed to your injuries if you were not wearing sufficient head protection – the bulk of the blame still appears to rest on the other negligent driver.

Virginia is one of the few states that enforces “contributory negligence” rules in these matters. Put simply, this means that if you are found to share any fault for an accident, you are not entitled to any compensation for your injuries.

Fortunately, insurance companies cannot historically use not wearing a helmet as a justification to deny paying damages for injuries. They can reduce the compensation paid for injuries that could have been mitigated had you been wearing a helmet, such as head or brain injuries.

Virginia’s harsh rules surrounding shared fault mean you could be denied compensation if you were lane-splitting during the accident. If you are concerned, you may share some of the blame. Our Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys can review the circumstances of your accident and advise you on whether you have a strong case.

Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident with Trusted Legal Support

Following a motorcycle accident, safeguarding your rights and securing legal representation is vital to obtaining the compensation you are entitled to. At Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, our seasoned Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys are experts in representing motorcycle accident victims in Annandale and nearby regions. We recognize these cases’ distinct challenges and are committed to advocating for our clients’ rights.

Our professional legal team is well-equipped to assist you in navigating the complexities of motorcycle accident claims. Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Investigating the cause of the accident
• Collecting and securing crucial evidence
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary

Do not let the events after a motorcycle accident overwhelm you. Connect with us soon for a consultation with a qualified motorcycle accident attorney about your case to discover how we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Don’t navigate your motorcycle accident claim alone. Contact Rowe Weinstein & Sohn for a FREE consultation with a dedicated Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer today to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve!