Richmond Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
According to the DMV, over 425,000 Virginians have motorcycle endorsements on their driver’s licenses. Riding a motorcycle is a fast, fun, economical, and convenient way to get around, and it’s especially exciting to ride a motorcycle throughout the low rolling hills between the Tidewater and the Blue Ridge Mountains in and around Richmond. Riding a motorcycle is not without risks, however. Virginia traffic crash facts from 2022 show 2,053 motorcycle crashes that year, causing 1,677 injuries, 762 serious injuries, and 111 fatalities. While motorcycle accidents account for only 1.7% of all traffic crashes in the Commonwealth, they are responsible for 11% of all traffic fatalities. Likewise, motorcycle accidents accounted for only 2.8% of all motor vehicle injuries but 10.7% of all serious injuries.
There is no doubt that motorcycle accidents can result in severe and life-altering injuries. Motorcycle accidents are painful, traumatic, debilitating, and costly. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, understanding your rights and seeking legal representation is crucial. Latham & Martin, a dedicated personal injury law firm in Richmond, Virginia, is committed to providing personal, one-on-one attention to motorcycle accident victims, utilizing decades of legal experience and all the resources at our disposal to get the best result. Contact our experienced Richmond motorcycle accident lawyers for a no-cost consultation to talk about what happened and find out how we can help.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Virginia
- Driver Negligence: Many accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers failing to see or properly respond to motorcycles on the road. Motorcycles are smaller and fewer than other vehicles on the road, meaning they are less visible and not foremost in the minds of other drivers. Drivers who fail to account for motorcycles or who intentionally drive recklessly or aggressively in their vicinity are likely to cause a serious crash. In a collision between a motorcycle and another vehicle, it’s the motorcyclist who always fares the worst.
- Road Conditions: Slippery or poorly maintained roads can contribute to accidents. Motorcycles are much more susceptible to losing traction and control on a road surface covered with gravel or debris that was allowed to escape from a nearby road construction zone, or from potholes or other trips in the road. Roads can also be negligently designed without adequate signage or with curves and grades that are too sharp or steep for safe driving.
- Vehicle Defects: Mechanical failure can cause a crash, including motorcycles and components like tires that were defectively designed or manufactured, or when repair or maintenance was negligently performed. In these cases, it might be possible to hold the manufacturer or other parties responsible for the accident.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility and traction. Motorcyclists are generally skilled and trained to adjust to road conditions, but they can’t always protect themselves from negligent drivers of larger vehicles who don’t appreciate the risks of a wet or icy road. and the limitations they put on motorcycles.
Common Injuries Among Motorcycle Accident Victims
Motorcycle accidents can cause some of the most catastrophic and devastating injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Road Rash and Burns across large patches and many layers of skin
Immediate medical attention and ongoing medical care are often necessary for recovery. Some accident victims are left with permanent disabilities that impose a lifetime of challenges, care and costs. A skilled and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will understand these costs and ensure any settlement or jury verdict is appropriate.
Virginia Motorcycle Helmet Laws and Contributory Negligence
Virginia law requires motorcyclists to wear an approved helmet. Helmets have been shown to increase the chances of surviving a crash, but head injuries still occur even among helmeted riders, and while a helmet does increase the risk of a neck injury as some believe, it does not help prevent a neck injury either. Overall, helmets do save lives, and wearing them is recommended by all safety experts.
Besides being an important safety feature that is required by law, wearing a helmet can also impact a personal injury claim. Under Virginia’s doctrine of contributory negligence, if the motorcyclist was found to be partially to blame in any way for causing or contributing to the accident or injury, they won’t be able to recover compensation from another negligent driver who was mostly to blame. An unhelmeted rider who suffered a head injury in a crash might be considered negligent for not wearing a helmet. The plaintiff’s attorney would have an additional challenge in proving that the accident and injury would have occurred even if the rider had been helmeted.
If this situation applies to you, we encourage you to call our office for a free consultation to evaluate your claim and see how we may be able to help you. With extensive experience in representing motorcycle accident victims in Richmond, Virginia, Latham & Martin is well-equipped to provide personalized and effective legal support even in difficult cases.
Contact Latham & Martin Today
Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, loss of wages, medical expenses, and more. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Richmond, Virginia, do not hesitate to contact Latham & Martin. Our compassionate and experienced personal injury attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected while helping you get the best result. Call us at 804-821-0090 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
