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When a car, truck, or bus collides with a motorcycle, the motorcyclist nearly always suffers the more severe injuries. Beyond extreme pain, these injuries can leave victims unable to work or care for themselves. Why should you be left to cope with the physical and financial fallout of an accident someone else caused?
The Alexandria motorcycle accident lawyers at Marks & Harrison want to help you. We know the insurance claims process can be challenging. We are prepared to navigate it on your behalf and seek all compensation you are due from those responsible for your motorcycle crash.
At Marks & Harrison, our goal is to help you put the pieces of your life back together again. Contact us today for a free legal consultation with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer in Alexandria.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents?
Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are an all-too-common occurrence on Virginia roadways. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles recorded more than 1,800 collisions in a single recent year — a year that also saw nearly 90 motorcycle fatalities.
Other recent data suggests that motorcycle fatalities in Virginia are on the rise, increasing by at least 17 percent each year. Law enforcement and local media outlets urge motorcyclists and drivers to use caution. Still, crashes occur too often.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Driver error is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents on Virginia roads. The same qualities that make motorcycles so popular — their small size and saddle seating — make them harder for some drivers to see and put their operators at greater risk of injury in a collision. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Alexandria include driver errors such as:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Drowsy driving
- Failing to yield
- Taking illegal turns
- Making unsafe lane changes
Other contributing factors include mechanical failures or defects, inclement weather, and poor visibility.
Why Are Helmets So Important When Riding Motorcycles?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates motorcycle operators are about 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash. Riders should take every opportunity to protect themselves from significant or fatal injuries. One of the best and most proactive ways you can protect yourself is by wearing a helmet when you ride.
Helmets save lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in one recent year, helmets helped save the lives of nearly 2,000 motorcycle riders. Other studies indicate that during a recent 15-year period, more than 25,000 motorcyclist deaths were prevented by helmet use. Helmets also reduce the risk of significant head injury by up to 69 percent and are 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators.
What Are the Most Important Motorcycle Laws in Virginia?
Before you hit the road on two wheels, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road.
Virginia law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a helmet. Helmets need to meet or exceed the standards set by the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT). Approved helmets will always include a DOT-approved sticker on the back. The state also requires eye protection like a face shield, safety glasses, or goggles. You can skip eye protection only if your vehicle has safety glass or a windshield.
To lawfully operate a motorcycle in Virginia, you must also hold a valid Class M, M2, or M3 motorcycle driver’s license.
Motorcyclists may ride two abreast in the same lane. Lane-splitting – driving a motorcycle in between lanes, particularly those occupied by stopped or slow-moving vehicles – is illegal in Virginia. However, lawmakers have recently made efforts to change Virginia’s lane-splitting law.
How Do You Establish Liability in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
The party at fault for causing a motorcycle accident is liable, or legally responsible, for compensating anyone they harmed as a result. Establishing liability typically involves using evidence to prove another driver was negligent and their actions directly contributed to the cause of the crash.
Virginia uses the contributory negligence model. Under this rule, you cannot receive compensation after an accident if you played any role in causing the crash. Only a handful of states follow the contributory negligence rule. Although the regulation binds court decisions, it also heavily influences how insurance adjusters view and value motorcycle accident claims.
You need aggressive legal representation to pursue the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident in Alexandria. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer at Marks & Harrison can review your situation and gather compelling evidence. A lawyer can also stand up for you at the negotiating table or in court and show that you were in no way to blame for the accident that injured you.
What Compensation Can I Recover for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
The value of your compensation after an Alexandria motorcycle crash will depend on many factors, particularly the severity of your injuries and the cause of the accident. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible to seek compensation that includes:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
When you work with Marks & Harrison, we will estimate the value of your case and determine what compensation you may be entitled to recover.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Virginia?
Coping with significant injuries following a motorcycle crash can be challenging. The last thing you probably want to think about is a potential lawsuit. However, time is not necessarily on your side. Virginia does not give you an unlimited window to file a lawsuit against a careless motorist. You have only two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation.
Contact an Alexandria, VA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Were you hurt in a motorcycle accident? Was someone else to blame? Then contact the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Marks & Harrison for help. Reach out to our Alexandria office today to receive a free legal consultation.
