Virginia motorcycle accidents happen far more often than they should. In fact, in the most recent year for which data is available, there were 2,127 motorcycle accidents, according to the Virginia Highway Safety Office. Motorcycle accidents are also significantly more likely to be deadly, with 125 people losing their lives in these collisions over the same year.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident or if your loved one was killed, you have certain legal rights under Virginia law. You may be able to take legal action to get compensation for your crash. An Arlington motorcycle accident lawyer at Monge & Associates can help.
Give our Arlington personal injury lawyers a call today to schedule a free consultation to learn about our experience with motorcycle accident cases and how we can bring our legal knowledge to your case to fight for justice.
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Why Choose Monge & Associates
Monge & Associates is the right place to turn for motorcycle accident cases because:
- We have been representing motorcycle crash victims since 1993. In our decades of experience, we’ve not only learned the law inside and out but have also developed a reputation as skilled negotiators who insurance companies take seriously.
- Our team has a proven track record of success in motorcycle accident claims, as we understand the complexities these cases create due to a lack of understanding of how motorcycles and cars interact on the road and due to the severity of injuries that often result.
- We are prepared and ready to go the distance to fight for fair compensation, as demonstrated by the many large courtroom verdicts we have won for clients in motorcycle accident cases.
Our firm has been referred to as “One of the Most Influential Law Firms in America” by Trial Magazine, and we have a long list of awards and accolades, including being named Law Firm of the Year by the American Institute of Legal Professionals. You can count on your case being in good hands.
Common Causes of Arlington Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes can happen for many reasons, but there are certain common causes of crashes that our firm sees over and over in representing clients. Here are some of the most likely causes of collisions while riding a motorcycle.
- Driver Negligence: Careless drivers may not see a motorcyclist because they don’t check their blind spot carefully, or they may strike a motorcyclist while making an unsafe turn. These are just some of the many dangerous behaviors drivers engage in that can make them liable for your losses.
- Dangerous Driving Behaviors: Speeding, distracted driving, drugged driving, driving aggressively, and driving under the influence of alcohol are all examples of risky actions that make a motorcycle accident much more likely. Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes are even more common than collisions with passenger cars when drivers are behaving dangerously, because motorcycles are much harder to see.
- Road and Environmental Factors: Road conditions and bad weather can make a motorcycle crash much more likely. When road conditions are the cause, it will be important to determine if negligent design or maintenance of the roads played a role in the accident.
Virginia Motorcycle Laws and Your Rights
Virginia has certain laws that apply to motorcycle riders. For example:
- Your motorcycle must be registered with the DMV
- You must have valid insurance
- You must wear a helmet that meets state requirements
- You must have either eye protection or a windshield while riding
- Motorcycles must have certain equipment, including front and rear brakes, at least one headlight visible from 200 feet, and at least one taillight visible from 500 feet
Virginia is a pure contributory negligence state, which means if your own negligence plays a role in causing your motorcycle accident, you may not be able to pursue a claim against the other driver.
Violating motorcycle laws can sometimes affect your claim, but it depends on the law and the specifics of your situation. That’s why it’s so important to get help from an Arlington motorcycle accident lawyer. Monge & Associates can evaluate the circumstances of your case and help you determine if you have a case so you can pursue justice.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Arlington
There are many different kinds of motorcycle accidents. Here are some of the common types of collisions that Monge & Associates clients have been involved in:
- Left-turn collisions at intersections
- Rear-end accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Lane change accidents
- Single-vehicle crashes
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups on highways
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because there is so little protection from the force and impact of a motorcycle accident, injuries are often very serious and sometimes permanent. Here are some common injuries that can result from a motorcycle crash that our clients have experienced.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Multiple fractures and broken bones
- Road rash and severe lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
- Permanent disability
- Chronic pain
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
Steps to Take After an Arlington Motorcycle Accident
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, it’s important you take certain key steps to protect your rights. You should:
- Get prompt medical help
- Report the crash to law enforcement
- Take pictures from the crash scene
- Get witness contact information and contact details from the other driver
- Alert your insurance company about the incident
- Keep careful medical records
- Start a pain diary to track your symptoms
- Reach out to an experienced Arlington motorcycle accident lawyer to begin building a claim
Proving Fault in Your Motorcycle Accident Case
If you are pursuing a motorcycle accident case, proving fault is your responsibility to get justice. You must show:
- The other driver had a duty to you. Drivers on the road have a duty to all operators of cars and motorcycles to exercise reasonable care.
- The driver breached the duty. Behaving negligently or violating safety rules is a breach.
- The motorcycle accident happened because of the breach. The other driver’s actions must have caused the crash.
- You were damaged because of the crash. You must have suffered losses you can be compensated for.
Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims
If you can successfully prove your motorcycle accident claim, you should be compensated fully and paid for both economic and non-economic losses. This includes compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and future earning power reductions
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Virginia’s Statute of Limitations
There is a two-year statute of limitations in Virginia under Code Section § 8.01-243.
Why You Need an Arlington Motorcycle Accident Attorney
An Arlington motorcycle accident attorney provides invaluable help in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. Monge & Associates will:
- Help you gather necessary evidence, including expert witness testimony, to maximize the chance you’ll be compensated in full for crash losses
- Negotiate with insurers on your behalf to maximize the chances of an out-of-court settlement that is fair and that is paid in a timely manner, so you can move forward
- Represent you in court, bringing extensive litigation experience to the table to help you get justice.
Contact Our Arlington Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Monge & Associates charges no legal fees unless we win, and we truly care about our clients whose lives have been changed by a collision.
When you need a compassionate, committed Arlington motorcycle accident lawyer, our firm is the one to turn to. Give us a call today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation to learn more.