Unlike traditional car accidents, motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. If you were injured and survived, you can fight for justice and hold those responsible financially accountable.
No matter your circumstances, a motorcycle accident attorney serving Charlottesville is available to review your case and inform you if you qualify for an injury settlement. The Pendleton Law Team is known for being “Heavy Hitters®” during settlement negotiations and will stop at nothing to protect your legal rights to fair compensation.
Explore the recent commonalities that our Charlottesville personal injury lawyers face in motorcycle injury cases and how to calculate and increase the value of your claim. When you are ready, our team will provide a free consultation to discuss your case in detail.
The Dangers of Driving a Motorcycle in Virginia
Each year, thousands of lives are claimed in motorcycle collisions within the U.S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that those riding motorcycles are almost 30 times more likely to be involved in a fatal wreck than car occupants. Even with alarming statistics like this, motorcycles remain widely chosen as a preferred means of transportation.
In Virginia, motorcycle accidents are unfortunately 42% higher than they have ever been over the last five years, according to the crash facts report published by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. The same report also showed that motorcycle drivers account for about 15% of Virginia’s traffic fatalities and are overrepresented in wrecks where speeding, substance use, or illegal driving were present.
Our state requires motorcycle drivers to always wear helmets when operating their vehicles. If caught by authorities, failing to do so could result in a hefty fine or penalty. Our Charlottesville car accident lawyers urge anyone hurt in a serious Charlottesville accident to continue taking precautions to lessen their risk of further harm or death, and we will do everything we can to pursue justice for your losses.
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What Amount of Compensation are Motorcycle Victims Entitled to?
You may be eligible for financial support as the motorcycle accident victim for economic and non-economic losses. Non-economic damages are intangible losses that are more challenging to measure, whereas economic damages are the actual financial losses you suffered as a result of the accident. With the help of a motorcycle wreck attorney near Charlottesville, your payout may increase significantly.
In Charlottesville, a personal injury lawsuit can help you recoup economic damages such as medical costs, missed wages, property damage, and any incidental costs resulting from the accident. These losses are easily and quantitatively calculable to experienced attorneys.
Damages that are not measurable in money, such as pain and suffering, mental distress, loss of consortium, and other intangible losses, often necessitate the assistance of an experienced lawyer and the help of experts or specialists who can gauge your road to recovery based on those factors.
What Determines Your Settlement?
As a victim of a motorcycle accident, the amount of compensation to which you may be entitled will depend on a number of circumstances, including:
- The extent of your motorcycle accident injuries
- The magnitude of the damage to your property
- How the accident has affected your day-to-day existence
- Your present and upcoming medical costs
- The extent to which the other party responsible for the accident was at fault
- The kind and scope of the insurance coverage offered
- The capability of your motorcycle accident attorney to battle the matter in a Charlottesville court or negotiate a reasonable settlement
It’s crucial to deal with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer serving Charlottesville, VA, who can guide you through legal procedure, gather proof to bolster your case, and negotiate a reasonable settlement on your behalf.
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Common Motorcycle Accident Cases Our Firm Represents
It is no contest that the lack of protection provided by motorcycles puts riders at a higher risk of suffering serious injuries or, worse, death. Our personal injury firm has represented an extensive catalog of motorcycle wrecks; regardless of the type of collision, we have seen many catastrophic injuries. The most common cases we have managed include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Lane change accidents
- Left-turn accidents
- Road obstructions
- Single and multi-car accidents
These crashes have resulted in various injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Road rash
- Spinal cord trauma
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Fractures
- Paralysis
- Detached limbs
Even if you initially feel okay after a motorcycle accident, getting medical help is crucial. Certain injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or internal wounds, may not be evident at first but still pose a life-threatening risk if ignored. It’s also important to speak with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney near Charlottesville to learn about your legal options and rights.
When Motorcycle Accidents Result in Death
If your loved one died from a motorcycle crash, you can fight for wrongful death compensation. As a surviving family member, you may be eligible to collect a settlement check after filing a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. This claim can help cover loss caused by the untimely death of their loved one.
In these tragic situations, it is essential to seek legal guidance from an experienced wrongful death lawyer near Charlottesville who can help you understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation.
Calculating a Fair Settlement for Wrongful Death
In order to calculate the value of your wrongful death claim, our legal team will consider several factors, including but not limited to:
- Funeral and burial costs
- medical bills
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
Entrusting in the extensive experience of attorneys who manage motorcycle accident fatalities will allow you and your family to grieve during this difficult time without reliving emotional trauma with the insurance companies. Our firm has legal strategies for every kind of motorcycle accident lawsuit. While you adjust during this challenging time, we will fight to recover all types of damages.
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Proving Fault in Motorcycle Accidents: The Necessity of Legal Assistance
Proving fault in motorcycle accidents is crucial for a successful claim. In Charlottesville, the Pendleton Law Team has experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you navigate the following factors and build a strong case to prove fault and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome:
- Gathering evidence: It’s important to gather as much evidence as possible, including accident reports, photographs of the accident scene, and statements from witnesses. This evidence can support your version of events and establish fault.
- Accident reconstruction: Accident reconstruction experts can play a vital role in analyzing the available evidence and recreating the accident. Their expertise helps determine factors such as the speed of vehicles, the point of impact, and the actions of each party involved.
- Eyewitness testimony: Eyewitnesses who saw the accident occur can provide valuable testimony. Their firsthand accounts of what happened can corroborate your claims and strengthen your case.
- Police reports and citations: Police reports often contain crucial information about the accident, including the officer’s observations, statements from involved parties, and any citations issued. These reports can have a significant impact on determining fault.
- Traffic laws: Violations of traffic laws by the other party can serve as evidence of negligence. Providing proof that the other party failed to obey traffic laws, such as speeding or running a red light, can help establish fault.
- Expert testimony: In some cases, expert testimony may be necessary to explain technical aspects or provide specialized knowledge. Medical experts can testify about the extent and causation of injuries, while engineering experts can shed light on factors like road design or vehicle defects.
Engaging the services of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer serving Charlottesville can greatly assist in gathering and presenting evidence, employing expert witnesses, and constructing a strong argument to establish fault. Increase your chance of winning a lucrative personal injury settlement using the help of a motorcycle crash attorney rather than attempting to handle your financial recovery alone.
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Understanding Motorcycle Laws in Virginia That Could Help Your Case
The following Virginia motorcycle laws may be relevant to your case:
- Helmet enforcement: All motorcycle riders in Virginia are required to wear helmets when operating their vehicles on public roads. It might be used as proof of their negligence if the other party in the collision was not wearing a helmet.
- Lane-splitting: It’s against the law in Virginia to ride between two lanes of traffic. It may be used to demonstrate the other driver’s negligence if they were lane-splitting at the time of the collision.
- Insurance requirements: Virginia mandates that all motorcyclists carry liability insurance with a minimum level of bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. The amount of compensation you are entitled to may be affected if the other party in the accident had inadequate or no insurance.
A qualified motorcycle injury attorney serving Charlottesville can use pertinent laws, regulations, and evidence to secure maximum compensation for your claim. Our vast knowledge of the legal process, Virginia traffic laws, and tactics of an insurance adjuster will ensure that the negligent driver is held fully accountable.
Additional Regulations That Affect Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Virginia has a strong contributory negligence law, so if the victim is determined to have caused the accident in any manner, they may not be entitled to financial compensation. Additionally, the statute of limitations restricts how long you have as a victim to file a personal injury claim. The state allows you up to two years after the day that your accident occurred.
This emphasizes how crucial it is to have a knowledgeable motorcycle collision lawyer on your side who can guide you through the legal nuances and guarantee that your case is presented in the best light.
Free Consultation Available to Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
The Pendleton Law Team is a full-service law firm, meaning that we help from the initial stages of evidence collection to the final stages of ensuring your settlement award is mailed to you or handed to you in person. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are skilled at what they do and passionate about serving Charlottesville injury victims in their pursuit of financial recompense.
Contact us to schedule a free, non-obligatory case review to discuss the facts surrounding your motorcycle injury claim. We look forward to hearing from you and potentially managing your case successfully. Take legal action today!
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