Pursuing a Virginia Beach Motorcycle Accident Claim – Part I

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, often resulting in severe injuries and significant financial burdens for victims. Pursuing damages in a motorcycle accident injury lawsuit is a vital step towards recovering the costs associated with medical treatment, lost wages, and the pain and suffering endured.

According to national statistics, there are approximately 6,000 people killed in motorcycle accidents each year. Another 90,000 victims sustain serious to severe injuries. Motorcycle accident victims who survive their injuries are often left with permanent damage and disabilities. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, you may be able to pursue damages against the person responsible for the crash.

A Virginia Beach motorcycle accident attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can explain what your legal options may be and how much financial compensation you may be entitled to. Call our office today for a free consultation. In the meantime, the following is a brief overview of the personal injury process.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

These negligent driving behaviors can also cause other types of vehicle accidents, but because motorcycles offer little protection to riders the way other vehicles do, the injuries in motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic ones. Common injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a significant concern. Helmets can reduce the severity, but they do not always prevent head injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries: These can result in paralysis or long-term disabilities, profoundly impacting the victim’s life.
• Fractures and orthopedic injuries: Broken bones, dislocations, and joint injuries are common due to the lack of protective barriers.
• Road rash and soft tissue injuries: Abrasions and soft tissue damage can be painful and slow to heal.
• Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.

The Role of Negligence in Motorcycle Accidents

Many people have a misconception that those who ride motorcycles are risk-taking thrill-seekers. It is not uncommon in a motorcycle accident for the at-fault party and/or their insurance company to try to blame the motorcyclist for the crash. The truth is that the majority of people who ride motorcycles are extremely cautious and aware of the dangers that threaten them in the form of other vehicle drivers.

Although accidents can happen for any reason, many motorcycle crashes occur because of the negligent actions of another driver. As drivers, we all owe a duty of care to other motorists we share the road with, but, unfortunately, there are many drivers who fail to heed traffic laws. Some of the more common types of negligence driving behaviors the motorcycle accident attorneys from our firm have seen include:

• Distracted driving behavior, such as texting or other cell phone use
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• Failure to drive according to road or weather conditions
• Failure to obey traffic signs or lights
• Failure to yield
• Following too closely behind
• Speeding

In Part II, we will discuss the damages you may be entitled to. Contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp for a free case evaluation to determine the financial compensation you may be entitled to. We work diligently to get our clients the compensation they deserve. This commitment to our clients is evident by the more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts our firm has secured for injured clients like you.

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• Motorcycle Accident Injury Guide
• How Effective Are Motorcycle Helmets at Preventing Head Injuries?
• What Injuries Are Most Commonly Caused By Motorcycle Accidents?