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Help for Motorcycle Crash Victims
Motor vehicle drivers should drive cautiously around motorcycle riders. The nature of motorcycles allow the riders to experience freedom, but it also leaves the riders extremely vulnerable to catastrophic injuries if drivers on the road are negligent. Unfortunately, negligence of drivers around motorcycles 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 vehicle. All drivers owe a duty care to other drivers to follow the rules of the road. 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 motorcycle riders do not have the same protection of a steel automobile frame around them. As a vehicle driver, it is important to be on the lookout for motorcycle riders to help prevent crashes with motorcycles.
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
Driving over the speed limit increases the risk of all motor vehicle crashes. A lot of motorcycle wreck cases are caused by vehicles traveling an excessive speed as the vehicle driver is unable to stop their vehicle in time.
Failure To Yield
A failure to yield on the part of a motorist is a negligent act. Most drivers insist they never saw the motorcycle approaching and made the turn into the bike. However, those drivers are still negligent and are liable for the motorcycle rider’s injuries.
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 and can be more challenging for car drivers to see. Unfortunately, it is a common occurrence for the vehicle driver to merge lanes without checking their blind spot and crashing into the motorcycle.
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
As mentioned above, due to the lack of protection of a motorcycle, motorcycle riders are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries if they are involved in a crash. This makes it imperative to contact an experienced motorcycle injury attorney. Common injuries that motorcycle riders suffer can include:
- 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 can 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.
Schedule a Free Consultation
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 Being Injured in a Motorbike Collision
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
This includes the total billed charges for your hospital and subsequent treatment. This also will include charges for 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. This includes any sick leave or paid time off that you were forced to use as a result of the collision. 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, inconvenience, and scarring.
Wrongful Death
In the event of a preventable fatality, a spouse, child, or other dependent is entitled to recover damages for the sorrow, mental anguish, and loss of solace suffered by the loved one. The estate is also entitled to receive compensation for the medical expenses and funeral costs.
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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, you can still pursue your motorcycle accident claim. An experienced motorcycle wreck 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 investigation and all communication 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.