Virginia motorcycle rear-end accident lawyers

What causes cars to rear-end motorcycles?

Drivers in Virginia are required to maintain a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of them. In most cases, a driver who rear-ends someone is responsible for the accident. Types of irresponsible driving that lead to rear-end collisions include:

• Tailgating. Drivers will often get too close to a motorcycle in front of them when they are in a hurry. But research shows that tailgating actually slows down the rate of traffic. It also reduces the driver’s reaction time, leading to deadly collisions.
• Distracted driving is a growing concern due the increase in talking and texting on handheld devices. Other unsafe driver activities such as eating, adjusting the radio, and reaching for an object inside the cabin can distract the driver long enough to cause a crash.
• Speeding dramatically reduces the driver’s reaction time. Injuries are much more severe when a driver exceeds the speed limit.
• The failure to notice motorcycles along the roadway and at intersections is a leading cause of rear-end collisions.
• DWI. Drugs and alcohol diminish the driver’s vision, judgment, reflexes, and reaction time. Impaired drivers have no business on the road, and they make everyone less safe.
• Blind curves are often the scene of rear-end collisions, especially when the driver is speeding, and the motorcycle rider is obeying traffic laws.
• Fatigued driving can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. Drivers must plan ahead to avoid driving when they are drowsy and must exit the roadway when they feel the need for rest.

How can your attorney help after a Virginia motorcycle accident?

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we’ve dedicated our practice to helping our friends and neighbors in Virginia. We consider it a calling to assist people who have been harmed by the careless actions of others.

When it comes to motorcycle accidents, Virginia is an at-fault state. If you were harmed by somebody’s careless behavior, they should have to pay for it. But insurance companies realize that motorcycle crashes cause serious injuries and do everything they can to avoid paying out high settlements.

The experienced Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys won’t back down. If the insurance companies refuse to make a reasonable offer, we’re always prepared to take them to court.

A rear-end motorcycle accident injury claim often includes the following types of damages:

• Hospital bills
• Emergency room care
• Surgery
• Doctor’s office visits
• Ambulance transport
• Future medical expenses
• Time missed from work
• Pain and suffering
• Medical devices
• Assisted living care
• Wheelchair access for your home
• Wrongful death

What injuries often result when vehicles crash into motorcycles?

Motorcycle riders and their passengers are completely vulnerable when they’re hit from behind. The injuries sustained may require a prolonged recovery period before you’re ready to go back to work. And injuries such as paralysis can prevent you from ever resuming your regular day-to-day activities.

Frequent injuries that result when a motorcycle is rear-ended include:

• Neck and back injuries
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Broken collar bone
• Severe burns
• Road rash
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Lacerations
• Bone fractures
• Loss of limb
• Degloving
• Broken teeth
• Whiplash
• Crush injuries

How can you avoid being rear-ended?

Most motorcycle owners are responsible riders who follow the rules. But unsafe motor vehicle operators can still cause tremendous harm when they run into you.

Here are some tips to help avoid being stuck by a careless driver:

• Wear reflective gear.
• Check your rearview mirror frequently.
• Veer to the side of the lane at intersections.
• Keep brake lights on when you’re stopped at a traffic light.
• Apply brakes early when you notice a stoppage in traffic flow.