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Help for Motorcycle Crash Victims
Although experienced motorcycle riders will praise the freedom that comes with riding a bike, it is also inherently dangerous. Before you can ride a motorcycle, you need to obtain a special Class M designation on the driver’s license that shows you’ve undergone additional training and certification. Even with that extra training, a motorcyclist can’t always avoid negligent drivers. That negligence has led to 2,127 crashes in 2023, according to data collected from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
As a motorcycle rider, you have the same rights as any other motorist who owes you a duty of care to share the road without getting into an accident. If you’re a motorcycle rider who finds yourself the victim of a crash, you need to speak to an experienced Alexandria motorcycle accident lawyer. At Curcio Law, we can provide the answers you need to make an informed decision about pursuing a remedy for your losses. Let’s talk about what happened to you.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks in Northern Virginia
It is important to remember that riding a motorcycle doesn’t mean you have extra privileges. You also have to obey the same rules of the road as every other motorist. It is also important to remember that every accident involving a motorcyclist will end with the rider hitting the street instead of being surrounded by a steel automobile frame.
It is essential to understand the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Alexandria in order to avoid them. Here are the most frequent causes of those crashes:
Speeding
As with driving a car, excessive speed on a motorcycle, especially when taking curves, can increase the risk of getting into an accident. Speeding also reduces your braking distance, which also contributes to a collision.
Failure To Yield
A failure to yield on the part of a motorist can be a negligent act. Most drivers insist they never saw the motorcycle approaching and made the turn into the bike. However, there should be no excuse for not making sure you have the right of way before you make any turn.
Poor Road Conditions
Loose gravel and potholes might not be a problem for a four-wheel vehicle, but they can present a lot of dangers for a motorcyclist. Poor road conditions can force a motorcyclist to swerve to avoid them, causing an accident. In some scenarios, the blame for poor road conditions can make a municipality liable.
Following Too Closely
Following too closely or tailgating is a common occurrence on the road. A safe driving distance should be two to three car lengths, but that is rarely followed. When a driver is too close, they won’t be able to stop if the car ahead of them suddenly stops. A tap between car bumpers might not be a problem, but if a car taps a motorcycle, it could cause that rider to spin out.
Vehicle Blind Spots
Motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles. That makes them more challenging for car drivers to see. When a motorcyclist changes lanes, it could be struck by a car that doesn’t see it in its blind spot.
Your Alexandria motorcycle accident lawyer will need to assess the cause of your accident in order to create a strong narrative in support of your claim.
Motorcycle Crash Injuries
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), riding a motorcycle is nearly 27 times more dangerous than driving. That means only two of 10 motorcyclists can walk away from an accident. Seat belts, airbags, and a steel frame protect a car driver. The only protection for a motorcyclist is their helmet and possible padding in a jacket.
When you make an accident claim, you need to detail your injuries. Those could be any of the following:
- Lacerations
- Road rash
- Muscle strains, sprains, tears, and contusions
- Burns
- Broken or fractured bones
- Head and neck injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of limbs
- Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Sadly, many motorcycle accidents end in a fatality for the rider. That puts the burden on the surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim with the help of an Alexandria motorcycle accident lawyer.
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Injured in a motorcycle crash? You deserve help. Find out more about your legal options for recovering compensation by scheduling a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
Damages To Pursue After a Motorbike Collision Injures You
Your motorcycle accident can be instantly traumatizing, both physically and emotionally. If another motorist’s negligence causes that accident, you are entitled to seek compensation for your losses. Here are the damages you can pursue:
Medical Costs
That includes your initial diagnosis and treatment. Those costs will also cover any required surgery, physical therapy, medical transport, doctor visits, medication, supplies like crutches or slings, and physical therapy.
Lost Wages
You should be repaid for the salary you missed while recovering from your accident. If your injuries keep you from returning to your work, you could also be compensated for lost future earnings.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering cover the level of chronic pain you experienced and might still be experiencing because of the accident. This category can also include emotional distress, loss of enjoyment, loss of companionship, and loss of consortium.
Wrongful Death
In the event of a preventable fatality, a spouse, child, or other dependent is entitled to recover the same economic and noneconomic damages listed above, plus funeral and burial costs and future lost earnings.
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Do You Have To Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Virginia?
Virginia law stipulates that riding a motorcycle requires the driver and riders to wear helmets. That helmet needs to be equipped with a properly secured chin strap. There are other safety precautions that riders can use to wear additional protective gear, such as gloves, boots, and armored clothing, that can help minimize the impact of a bike spill.
If you weren’t wearing one when your injury crash occurred, your motorcycle accident attorney can advise you how this might impact your ability to recover a financial settlement in your case.
Getting Help From an Alexandria Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
After getting into a motorcycle accident, you’ll recover from your injuries and hopefully get back to work. As you take that time to heal, your finances can be strained. The goal of a personal injury claim is to make you whole again. Unfortunately, filing a claim with an insurance company can present hurdles to overcome. When an insurance company delays, denies or makes an unfair offer, the attorneys at Curcio Law can step in to become an advocate to help you pursue a reasonable remedy.
If we take up your case, we will take over the negotiations with the insurance company. If they continue to resist providing a fair offer, we might recommend filing a civil complaint where we will present your story to a jury. All of this support begins with a consultation where we can hear your story. Call to schedule that talk today. We’re standing by to listen to what happened.
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