Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today!

Virginia has some of the most beautiful countryside for motorcyclists. Motorcyclists enjoy the thrill of the open road and the sense of freedom they have, along with the connection with nature around them. Riding a motorcycle can be an exciting recreational activity and a means of affordable transportation. Unfortunately, motorcyclists face an increased risk of injury and death due to motorcycle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists in car accidents are 27 times more likely to die in accidents on the road than other drivers and passengers. 

Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident Case With a Lynchburg Attorney

If you are one of the many Virginia residents who have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Straw Law Firm, we represent people in the Lynchburg area who have been injured due to a serious motorcycle accident. Motorcycle accident victims often experience excruciating pain and challenges paying their medical bills. 

The sooner you speak to an attorney, the better. You only have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. One of the attorneys at Straw Law Firm can begin investigating your case quickly to determine who is at fault and begin pursuing the compensation you deserve. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients just like you. Contact Straw Law Firm today to schedule your free case evaluation and learn more about your rights.

Common Causes of Lynchburg Motorcycle Accidents

Most motorcycle accidents are not caused by motorcyclists but by other drivers on the road. Many different factors can cause motorcycle accidents, but many involve some type of distracted or negligent driving. Motorcyclists are much harder to see than larger passenger vehicles. When a passenger driver fails to spot a motorcyclist, it can be too late for them to change course and avoid a collision. 

Drivers Failing to See the Motorcyclists

When drivers are on the lookout for larger passenger vehicles, they may not see a much smaller motorcycle in traffic. For example, when drivers make left-hand turns, they may fail to see an oncoming motorcycle and collide with them. Likewise, drivers may pull out of driveways, side streets, or parking lots directly into the paths of motorcycles. Even though many newer vehicles have backup cameras now, these types of motorcycle accidents still occur.

Drivers Fail to Check for Blind Spots

Since motorcyclists are much smaller than passenger vehicles, they can easily disappear into a driver’s blind spot. When a driver fails to take the time to look at his or her blind spot or perform a head check, they can unintentionally cut off a motorcycle while they are switching lanes. They may clip the motorcyclist or collide directly with them, causing severe injuries.

Misjudging the Speed of Motorcyclists

Many passenger vehicle drivers are not used to driving with motorcycles on the road. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, so it is a common error to misjudge how fast they are going. Passenger drivers may think they have more time than they actually have to avoid colliding with a motorcycle that is driving ahead of them, changing lanes, or pulling out in front of them.

Drivers Follow Motorcyclists Too Closely

Drivers have an obligation to drive reasonably safe under the circumstances. Driving safely includes making sure there is enough space in between you and the vehicle in front of you. Passenger drivers may not realize that motorcycles are able to stop faster than passenger vehicles. When drivers follow too closely, the chances of a rear end collision increase.

Drunk and Distracted Driving

As with other types of motor vehicle accidents, drunk and distracted driving are common factors. Drivers are more distracted than ever from text messaging, videos, and other technology. When they are not paying close attention to the road, it is easier for drivers to miss a motorcyclist because they are so small. Similarly, when drivers are intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, they are more likely to miss a motorcyclist on the road.

Road Hazards

In some cases, motorcycle accidents are not caused by negligent drivers. Instead, they are caused by factors outside of the driver’s control. For example, motorcyclists can become injured when a city or municipality does not maintain the roads effectively; motorcyclists can become injured due to cracks, loose gravel, potholes, and other road defects that are more dangerous for motorcyclists. If one of the motorcycle tires goes into a pothole, the motorcyclist may be forced off of the bicycle and collide with the ground, causing devastating injuries. If you have suffered a motorcycle injury due to dangerous or hazardous roads, you may have a right to file a claim against the responsible city or municipality.

Damages Available in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

After being seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be concerned about what steps you should take next. The thought of pursuing a lawsuit may seem overwhelming while you are trying to recover. Motorcycle accidents can cause serious or catastrophic injuries, many of them involving the brain or spinal cord. If you have needed extensive medical treatment, you may have a long period in which you are not able to work and earn a living. The negligent driver who caused your motorcycle accident needs to be held responsible for your injuries. Pursuing a motorcycle accident claim can help you recover all of the losses you have suffered now and those you will suffer in the future due to your injuries, such as:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
  • The cost of rehabilitation
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Loss of consortium
  • Punitive damages 

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With a Lynchburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney

When a skilled personal injury from the Straw Law Firm handles your motorcycle accident claim, you can rest assured that we will pursue the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys are skilled at negotiating skillfully on our clients’ behalf with insurance companies and defendants. We are not afraid to take your case to court when necessary and pursue the compensation you deserve. You do not have to pay us until we win compensation for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Lynchburg motorcycle accident attorneys.