Due to various factors, motorcycles are inherently more vulnerable to roadway accidents than cars. Their smaller size and visibility make them less noticeable to other drivers, especially when drivers fail to check their blind spots. This lack of awareness can lead to dangerous situations, in which a motorcycle accident lawyer near Chesapeake can help.
The Pendleton Law Team believes that both drivers and motorcyclists share the responsibility for each other’s safety on the road. But accidents can happen to even the most cautious motorists. In such unfortunate situations, our Chesapeake-serving personal injury lawyers will help you with your legal dispute post-accident.
While you focus on recovering from your injuries, our attorneys will guide you through the process of filing a complaint. We will ensure that your rights are protected, thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Let’s pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Motorcyclist in Virginia
Being a motorcyclist is not only a personal journey but also a commitment to your fellow motorists. As car accident lawyers near Chesapeake, VA, we encourage you to embrace the duty of care that entails operating your motorcycle while considering the well-being of others. Responsible motorists adhere to Virginia roadway laws and strive to safeguard others from harm.
However, when other drivers fail to uphold their duty of care, resulting in a motorcycle accident, they can be held accountable for your losses. In such cases, it becomes imperative for you to have a legal professional carefully evaluate the circumstances surrounding the accident. These circumstances play a crucial role in determining the appropriate course of legal action.
At our law firm, we empathize with motorcycle accident victims and are committed to protecting your rights. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys near Chesapeake are ready to guide you during your initial case consultation, where we will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the duty of care concept.
If another party can be held liable for the losses you have endured, you have the right to seek financial support. With the assistance of our dedicated legal team, you can pursue a civil complaint before a judge, seeking the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
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Motorcycle Accident Compensation Makes Your Life Easier
Following a motorcycle accident, victims often find themselves grappling with two distinct types of losses: economic and non-economic. While quantifying economic losses is relatively straightforward, assessing non-economic losses requires a more nuanced approach. The Pendleton Law Team’s dedicated car accident attorneys serving Chesapeake help ensure that fair compensation is received.
Pecuniary Damages
When it comes to economic losses, we recognize the tangible impact they can have on your life. These losses may encompass a range of expenses, such as vehicle repairs, the cost of renting alternative means of transportation, accident-related medical expenses, medical bills, medications, and physical therapy.
Our qualified Chesapeake motorbike accident attorneys will work diligently to evaluate these losses accurately, collaborating with financial experts if needed.
Non-Pecuniary Damages
On the other hand, non-economic losses are more challenging to quantify but equally important. We understand that your post-accident well-being may have been significantly affected. If you believe that your ability to recover, physically or emotionally, has diminished, our compassionate attorneys are here to listen.
We can discuss the extent of your non-pecuniary losses and craft a compelling case to pursue fair compensation based on these losses.
Additional Settlement Damages
Furthermore, in certain circumstances, punitive damages may apply. Punitive damages serve as a means of punishment for the negligent party and act as a deterrent against similar conduct in the future.
Our team will assess the specifics of your case to determine if punitive damages may be applicable and vigorously advocate for your rights and interests.
The Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement
If you wonder how much your case might be worth, know that there’s no such thing as an average motorcycle accident settlement. The circumstances of your accident are distinct, so your losses will be unique. That kind of specificity makes an average settlement difficult to pin down.
That said, people injured in a motorcycle accident can reference the same blueprint when calculating their compensation. Don’t be afraid to refer to previous motorcycle accident cases in Chesapeake. When you cite these cases, you can use a court’s previous rulings to fight for your financial support.
You can also bring previous cases into independent settlement discussions. If you’re offered out-of-court compensation, discuss your offer with a legal team. When you reference your expenses and legal precedent, you’ll have a better chance of getting the support you need.
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Common Causes and Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents: Seeking Legal Guidance for Your Personal Injury Claim
Motorcycle accidents can result in a variety of injuries, including internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injuries, and road rash. The Pendleton Law Team has spinal cord injury lawyers close to Chesapeake and other types of attorneys who handle motorcycle accident cases with ease.
We’ve seen the common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Driver Negligence: Many motorcycle accidents occur due to the negligence of other drivers, such as distracted driving, failing to yield the right of way, speeding, or driving under the influence.
- Lane Splitting: When motorcyclists maneuver between lanes of traffic, they can increase the risk of accidents, especially if other drivers are not attentive or unaware of their presence.
- Unsafe Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, hazardous debris, potholes, or inadequate signage can contribute to motorcycle accidents.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Drivers with limited experience may lack the skills necessary to navigate challenging road conditions or respond effectively to unexpected situations.
- Vehicle Blind Spots: Motorcycles are more prone to being in a driver’s blind spot, increasing the risk of collisions when drivers change lanes or make turns without checking carefully.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, seeking legal representation that can assess your common injuries with medical experts or assign fault with the help of accident reconstruction specialists is your best chance at fair compensation.
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What to Expect When Filing a Motorcycle Accident Complaint
If you want legal support while requesting motorcycle accident compensation, you need to file a complaint. Motorcycle accident complaints exist to provide courts with more information about your circumstances. This includes the details of your losses and a party’s alleged liability.
Both you and our attorneys can use this document to present evidence of driver negligence and your financial losses.
Understanding Motorcycle Accident Liability
Liability is at the heart of your motorcycle accident complaint. If you don’t have a liable party in such an accident, you cannot hold anyone accountable for your losses. You can bring a few different parties to court after an accident.
For example, motorists tend to find themselves involved in motorcycle accident lawsuits more often than most parties. However, the roadway conditions may also have contributed to your losses. If this is the case, you can take construction teams or even government officials to court. Other liable parties can include the motorcycle’s manufacturer or a local mechanic.
You’ll want to be careful when naming the party you wish to hold liable for your losses, though. Virginia’s contributory negligence statute, outlined in Code of Virginia § 8.01-58, can block you from compensation. If a court believes you contributed to any percentage of the losses in your accident, this statute will bar you from pursuing financial support, regardless of extenuating circumstances.
Working With a Contingency-Based Law Firm
Don’t let concerns about legal fees keep you from post-accident compensation. Our Chesapeake motorcycle accident attorneys are on your side. The Pendleton Law Team specifically operates on contingency.
A contingency fee agreement means that you and your loved ones will bear no responsibility for your legal fees unless the firm wins your case. Even then, our personal injury firm only requests a percentage of your compensation as payment. This way, you won’t have to endure additional financial strain.
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Determining the Need for a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Chesapeake
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Chesapeake, it is important to assess whether you need a motorcycle accident lawyer to represent your interests. Consider the following factors:
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or offer a settlement that does not adequately cover your losses. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer serving Chesapeake can handle negotiations with insurers on your behalf.
- Ongoing Medical Care: If your motorcycle accident resulted in severe injuries requiring ongoing medical care, have legal help ensure that your current and future medical needs are accounted for in your claim. Our lawyers can work with medical professionals to estimate your long-term care requirements and cover these expenses.
- Determining Fault: Establishing who is at fault in a motorcycle accident can be complex. A knowledgeable motorcycle collision lawyer near Chesapeake will investigate the circumstances surrounding your case, gather evidence, and work with accident reconstruction experts, if necessary, to determine liability.
- Seeking a Fair Settlement: Insurance companies may offer quick settlements that do not fully compensate you for your injuries, damages, and ongoing costs. We will assess the true value of your claim and fight for a fair settlement that considers all aspects, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future damages
Filing Within Virginia’s Statute of Limitations
Code of Virginia § 8.01-243 notes that all parties who want motorcycle accident compensation have two years in which to bring their complaints to a judge. That two-year period begins on the day your accident takes place.
Note that filing a complaint within this time block does not mean that you’ll be involved in a hearing. Rather, by filing a complaint by your assigned deadline, you’ll have the opportunity to have legal professionals weigh in on your losses. Depending on the circumstances of your accident and the wants of the liable party, you can still come to a settlement agreement outside of court.
Filing a Claim for Motorcycle Accident Fatality
In the devastating event of a motorcycle accident resulting in a fatality, it is crucial to understand your legal options. To seek justice and compensation, consider filing a wrongful death claim against the negligent driver.
Consulting with an experienced wrongful death lawyer serving Chesapeake is essential to navigate the complexities of the legal process, including negotiations with insurance companies and potentially pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit. By taking legal action, you can hold responsible parties accountable and secure the financial support needed for your family’s future.
The Heavy Hitters® Near Chesapeake: Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Who Fight to Maximize Your Settlement
You have the opportunity to recover compensation from your most recent motorcycle accident. For more information about your legal options, you can get in touch with the motorcycle accident attorneys near Chesapeake, VA, at the Pendleton Law Team.
The Christina Pendleton & Associates legal team has the extensive experience needed to help you file a legal claim and the track record of success to match. Call our office or use our online contact form to schedule your first case consultation.
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