Motorcycle accident attorneys in Virginia

What are the rights and responsibilities of a motorcycle driver?

A motorcyclist in the Commonwealth of Virginia has the same rights to use our streets and highways as the driver of any other type of vehicle. The sad truth is that many motorcycle accidents are caused by the other driver, who fails to see the motorcycle in the roadway, fails to yield the right-of-way, or cuts the motorcyclist off in traffic.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Of course, as a motorcycle driver, you are also expected to follow the same laws and basic safety precautions, including routine maintenance.

Roadway safety starts with making sure your bike is in good operating condition. That means maintaining your tires and regularly checking steering, struts, and other control mechanisms. Replace worn out components, keep operating fluids at the appropriate levels, and maintain electrical wiring. To enhance safety, it is particularly important to make sure all lights and signals are working properly.

Like other drivers, motorcyclists are always expected to give adequate warning for lane changes, and lane splitting is prohibited in the Commonwealth. By law, all riders in the Commonwealth must do the following:

• Have a muffler or other noise dissipating device;
• Wear a protective helmet that meets the standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation, the American Standards Institute, or the federal Department of Transportation;
• Wear face protection, unless the bike is equipped with a windscreen;
• Have additional footrests and a seat for passengers; and
• Have a mirror that reflects a view of the highway for at least 200 feet.

What are the most common motorcycle accident injuries?

When a motorcycle crashes, serious or fatal injuries are more likely to occur, because the rider does not have the protection of an enclosed vehicle. A wide range of injuries can result from a motorcycle accident, including the following most common ones:

• Head injury (including concussion and traumatic brain injury)
• Neck injury (which can result in paralysis or death)
• Road rash (severe abrasions when the rider is thrown from the bike and slides across the pavement)
• Muscle damage (can occur anywhere on the body, including the eardrums);
• Biker’s arm (when a biker thrown in an accident braces against the fall, and the arm gets the full force of impact
• Leg injury (fractures of the legs, feet, and knees; and large cuts)

How can a motorcyclist be injured by a negligent driver?

Negligent drivers are frequently responsible for accidents that involve motorcycles, so it is important to be extra cautious on the road. Be wary of other vehicles to protect yourself and others. Common types of dangerous and irresponsible driver behavior that may factor into an accident include:

• Speeding. The faster a driver is going, the longer it will take them to respond to hazards on the roadway. Speeding also increases the level of damage and injuries in a crash.
• Reckless Driving. Weaving in and out and of traffic, unsafe passing, and tailgating are three examples of reckless behavior that imperil the safety of everyone on the roadway.
• Distracted Driving. Distracted driving, such as texting, talking, or changing the radio are also risky activities. Phone use in particular is a significant factor in many accidents.
• Improper Turns. One of the most dangerous things a driver can do is make a sudden turn. Drivers should do their part to follow all laws at an intersection and never make an illegal U-turn.
• Running an Intersection. Running through a stop sign or a red light is a major cause of traffic accidents and fatalities. A driver who sees a yellow light should always slow down and stop if possible. There is no excuse for running a red light, which endangers the life and safety of everyone at the intersection.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving. Alcohol and controlled substances impair the driver’s judgment, reflexes, vision, and reaction time and are another major factor in many collisions.
• Wrong-Way Driving. Drivers should always pay attention to signs indicating one-way roads, especially when they are in an unfamiliar area. Wrong-way drivers are very dangerous because other drivers are not expecting them.

Why should I file a motorcycle accident claim?

A Virginia motorcycle crash can cause serious or catastrophic injuries – including damage to the brain or spinal cord. Medical treatment is expensive, and your injuries could result in a long period in which you cannot work and earn a living. The careless driver who caused your accident should be held responsible for your injuries and cover all your losses, including these most common ones:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Lost future earnings
• Pain and suffering