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Seth Carroll - Partner at Commonwealth Law Group
Richmond Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Richmond 

All drivers assume a duty to provide protection to everyone they encounter while on the road, including motorcyclists. As a result, motorists must drive in a careful way that does not place others at risk of harm. When they fail to do so, they may be required to compensate victims for any resulting injuries.

If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, a seasoned personal injury attorney may be able to fight for your interests. A Richmond motorcycle accident lawyer can obtain vital evidence needed to demonstrate a defendant's negligence and leverage that evidence into a claim for appropriate compensation.

Motorcycles are a particularly popular mode of transportation, as they provide riders with an exciting way to travel. Whether you’re commuting to work or taking on the open road, riding a motorcycle can be a fun experience.

One of the most significant downsides of riding a motorcycle is the potential for extensive injury in the event of an accident. While many riders prefer to think, “It could never happen to me,” unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, speak to a lawyer for motorcycle accidents. 

If you’re in Richmond, VA, and wondering, “Is there a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer near me?” yes, there is. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Commonwealth Law Group are ready to assist you and take the appropriate steps to help get you the recovery you need and deserve for your motorcycle accident. 

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Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Unique and Challenging

While many believe motorcycle claims are similar to car accident claims, they have their clear differences that can add a layer of complication.

Most significantly, motorcycle riders are more at risk of suffering more severe injuries. Riders are completely exposed, and motorcycles do not offer any protective features. Therefore, motorcyclists involved in a collision tend to sustain more serious injuries and a greater need for financial compensation.

Additionally, there are several biases against motorcycle riders. Motorcyclists are often viewed as reckless individuals who pay no mind to others on the road. This is not always the case at all, but the stereotype could potentially impede a motorcycle accident claim.

Fortunately, seasoned motorcycle accident lawyers have experience handling challenges faced during accident claims. 

What Are Recoverable Damages After a Motorcycle Crash?

A motorcycle accident can have a permanent impact on a person's life. Common injuries in motorbike crashes can include:

However, the effect of a motorcycle accident often goes beyond mere physical injuries. A fair personal injury claim should cover the full extent of a victim's losses. As a result, it is essential to evaluate the total impact of the incident on a rider's life, beyond medical expenses alone.

One alternative source of compensation is lost earnings. If a rider misses time at work to seek medical treatment, this is a compensable loss. In addition, if an accident is so catastrophic as to inflict a permanent disability, a claim should estimate the victim's lost earning potential.

Mental Anguish

Another source of compensation is mental anguish. Many of the injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents are highly painful. In addition, victims are often burdened with a serious loss of emotional wellbeing. A Richmond motorcycle accident attorney could help plaintiffs to identify all of their losses and pursue a case for their full value.

Frequent Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur for many different reasons. Some of the most common causes of collisions involving motorcycles include:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Aggressive driving
  • Driver fatigue
  • Improper lane changes
  • Driving under the influence
  • Failing to obey traffic signs or laws

Like car accidents, motorcycle accidents can include many of the same kinds of accidents, including rear-end collisions, front-end collisions, and left-turn accidents.

Injuries Motorcycle Riders Commonly Suffer

Motorcycle riders regularly suffer significant injuries in motorcycle accidents. The most common types of motorcycle accident injuries include the following:

  • Road rash
  • Fractured or broken bones
  • Head injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Crush injuries
  • Amputation injuries

Lower extremity injuries are among the most typical — and severe — injuries for motorcyclists because their legs and feet can become trapped under their motorcycle. This also can result in amputations if the injuries are serious enough. 

Motorcycle accident injuries can cause life-altering consequences, meaning a rider is never able to return to their normal life. Additionally, depending on the severity of the injuries, riders can face extreme financial burdens. 

Motorcycle accident lawyers can help pursue maximum compensation on your behalf to relieve some of the financial pressure your injuries may cause. 

Potential Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accidents

The type of compensation available to you depends on the details of your accident, injuries, and resulting losses. Compensation for a motorcycle accident in Richmond, VA, can include:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages 
  • Lost earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Your lawyer for motorcycle accidents will examine the details of your case to calculate your damages. Knowing how much your case is worth is necessary to pursue full and fair compensation.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Some common questions we often hear from our clients who were involved in motorcycle accidents in Virginia

When is Another Driver At-Fault?

To recover compensation following a motorcycle accident, it is necessary to prove that a defendant was negligent. This means that they operated their vehicle in such a careless way to put others at risk of physical harm. A negligence case does not require the two vehicles to make contact but does require a plaintiff to prove that a defendant was directly responsible for the accident.

Many cases rely on police reports showing that the attending officer issued the defendant a ticket. Indeed, the presence of a ticket on a report and a subsequent guilty plea in traffic court can constitute evidence of negligence per se (negligence as a matter of law).

Contributory Negligence

However, plaintiffs in Richmond motorcycle accident cases need to be cautious, as Virginia has the common law doctrine of contributory negligence, which means that if a jury believes that a biker is even one percent to blame for an incident, the jury must find for the defendant. Consequently, it is essential to present a powerful case during all settlement talks to convince insurance companies of their client's fault. A motorcycle crash lawyer in Richmond can help to collect the required evidence and to present it in a way that names a defendant as the sole responsible party after an accident.

What Factors Determine the Value of My Motorcycle Accident Case?

When calculating the value of your case, your motorcycle injury lawyer will review several factors to reach their answer, including:

  • The type and extent of your injuries
  • The total of your medical bills
  • Whether you’ll need medical care in the future
  • Whether you’ve lost time at work, and if so, the total of your lost wages
  • Whether you’ll ever be able to work again

These and other details can help your lawyer determine how much your case is worth in order to seek financial recovery on your behalf. 

What Type of Evidence Can My Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Use to Build My Case?

Evidence is critical in motorcycle accident cases. Good evidence can substantially help build your case and strengthen your claim.

Your motorcycle accident lawyer can use any of the following types of evidence:

  • Police reports
  • Medical reports
  • Medical bills
  • Photos and videos
  • Traffic cam footage
  • Surveillance footage
  • Witness statements

Whenever possible, you can gather some information and evidence at the scene of the crime, like photos or witness contact information. Otherwise, your motorcycle accident attorney can take steps to obtain the right kind of evidence for your accident claim. 

The Other Driver’s Insurance Company Gave Me a Settlement Offer — What Do I Do?

Never accept settlement offers from insurance companies without first speaking with a motorcycle accident lawyer. 

Insurance companies often use this tactic to get you to settle quickly and move on. Usually, these settlement offers are much less than your case is worth. 

Once you agree to settle, there’s no turning back, and you cannot change your mind or pursue additional compensation. 

What Happens if My Loved One Died After a Motorcycle Accident?

In the most unfortunate circumstances, motorcycle accidents result in a victim’s death. If your loved one has passed away after experiencing a motorcycle accident, you may have the opportunity to pursue compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party. 

Compensation from a wrongful death claim can help cover costs associated with the loss of a loved one, including funeral and burial costs, loss of income and benefits, and pain and suffering. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident?

A statute of limitations is a law that limits the time a victim has to file their lawsuit. In Virginia, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is two years from the date of the collision.

While two years can seem like a long time, it isn’t. If you do not file your motorcycle accident lawsuit within two years, you’ll likely lose the chance to obtain any financial recovery for your injuries and losses. Therefore, it’s important you consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Richmond, VA, as soon as possible after your accident to begin working on your claim.

Do I Need a Motorcycle Injury Attorney to Handle My Case?

In most cases, motorcycle accident victims experience much better outcomes when they have legal representation. A motorcycle accident lawyer is the best ally to have by your side during your legal battle. They are experienced and knowledgeable about how to fight fiercely for your rights to compensation.

There truly is no reason not to have a motorcycle accident lawyer handle your claim. 

Learn How a Richmond Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

Motorcycle accidents have the potential to leave your life in chaos. In addition to physical injuries, the accident may leave you in severe financial trouble and with a significant loss in the quality of your life. This can combine to demoralize and intimidate many bikers away from filing a claim for the damages that they deserve.

Thankfully, a Richmond motorcycle accident lawyer can help. They could work to protect your legal rights while building a case for compensation against negligent drivers and their insurance companies. They could also help to meet the Commonwealth's strict statute of limitations. Virginia Code § 8.01-243 gives you only two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries.

Commonwealth Law Group is dedicated to assisting motorcycle accident victims

Our motorcycle injury attorneys understand how challenging it can be to face a long road to physical recovery, along with mounting medical bills and other financial losses. Because of this, we offer our clients the compassion they need while working diligently to pursue the most favorable outcome. 

Contact our law firm today to discuss your situation-initial consultations are always free of charge.

“Great law group. Everyone was kind and down to earth. Made me feel like I was their only client. Very attentive to me and my case.”

Karen Jacobs

If you have been injured at work or through the negligence of another individual or entity, contact us at (804) 999-9999 or or use the form below to connect with our legal team. We will fight to get you the justice you deserve.