Virginia Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Whether it is Skyline Drive, the Appalachian Backroads, or the Alleghany Highlands, Virginia has no shortage of scenic views for motorcyclists. Despite the serenity many of these trips can offer, people on motorcycles are often exposed to tremendous risks of injury because of other negligent motorists.
Motorcyclists are far more susceptible to catastrophic injuries because of their inherent lack of protection. In addition to the possible harm resulting from the actual force of the collision in motorcycle crashes, people are also thrown several feet from their bikes.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Virginia
Every crash is different, and a variety of factors can contribute to possible causes. In general, some of the most common kinds of motorcycle accidents in Virginia frequently include, but are not limited to the following:
- Rear-End Accidents — When a vehicle strikes a motorcycle from behind, the impact often throws the motorcyclist from his or her bike.
- Left Turn Accidents — Another driver turns left in front of oncoming motorcycles, possibly as the result of not realizing how fast a motorcycle is traveling or not even seeing it at all, leaving the motorcyclist powerless to avoid a collision.
- Lane Change Accidents — Failure to check a blind spot or possible misjudgment of the speed of a motorcycle can lead to a devastating collision.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Accidents — A motorist who is operating while intoxicated can be much more likely to inaccurately gauge the speed or mere presence of a motorcycle.
- Open Door Accidents — People exiting motor vehicles on busy streets in certain urban settings endanger motorcyclists and cause crashes when they swing open doors to the automobiles without looking for oncoming motorcycles (or bicycles) first.
- Defective Parts — Not all motorcycle accidents involve other vehicles. Some motorcyclists may crash as the result of improperly manufactured parts.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclist fatalities occurred almost 28 times more often than passenger vehicle occupant fatalities in traffic crashes per vehicle miles traveled in 2016. Even when a motorcyclist is fortunate enough to survive an accident, he or she can still suffer highly serious injuries that lead to extensive medical bills and a significant loss in income.
In some cases, individuals may sustain such injuries as broken bones or herniated discs, but other severe injuries may include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or possibly even paralysis. One of the most common injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes is “road rash,” the colloquial term for damage to a person’s skin when his or her body scrapes against asphalt or other road surfaces.
All of these injuries can involve immense pain and suffering for victims, but insurance companies for negligent motorists will often downplay or even question the severity of the impairments. It is not uncommon for insurers to attempt to assign blame to the motorcyclists themselves.
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If you suffered serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash in Henrico County, Arlington County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, Albemarle County, Hanover County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Loudoun County, Chesterfield County, or a surrounding area of Virginia, it is in your best interest to contact Need an Injury Lawyer Virginia. Our firm is available 24/7, and our personal injury lawyers will provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free, no obligation consultation so you can understand all of your legal options.