How Can a Norfolk Motorcycle Crash Lawyer Help Me?

A Norfolk motorcycle crash lawyer can help you recover compensation for your damages after a wreck. Learn about it in this article.

Motorcycles are fun to ride, as evidenced by the number of bikes on the road in Norfolk County. However, as enjoyable as a motorcycle is, their open nature makes them deadly when involved in a traffic accident.

After a crash with your bike, you might be eligible for compensation if you were not at fault. In such an instance, you may want to speak with a Norfolk motorcycle crash lawyer. Working with personal injury lawyers can give you peace of mind and quicken the compensation recovery process. 

So, contact our motorcycle accident lawyers immediately if you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle crash. We offer excellent legal assistance to our clients.

What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents? 

Like car accidents, motorcycle accidents are caused by human error. This is the case whether the crash occurred on highways in Norfolk. Below are some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents.

Impaired Driving 

Impairment is one of the leading contributors to motorcycle crashes. Car and motorcycle drivers must operate vehicles with less than 0.08% blood alcohol content. Anything from that number is considered legally drunk. 

Distracted Driving 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 people who died in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2019 were not in vehicles ― they were walking, riding their bikes, or otherwise outside a car. Distractions are mental, manual, and visual; it takes only about three seconds for a distracted driving crash to happen.

Illegal Lane Change 

One thing motorcycle riders love to do is weave in and out of traffic. Unfortunately, this causes them to make illegal lane changes. When not done correctly, such actions can result in a motorcycle collision. 

Other known causes of bike crashes are speeding, tailgating, disobeying traffic rules, failure to yield, etc. Anyone who performs this action is the liable party and will compensate the victim. 

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries 

A motorcycle collision would likely cause severe or catastrophic injuries. Motorcyclists often sustain severe wounds because the force of impact throws them into the air before they land on the ground. Some of the injuries commonly sustained by victims are:

  • Traumatic brain injuries 
  • Spinal cord injuries 
  • Injuries to the lower extremities 
  • Internal bleeding
  • Fractures 
  • Road rash 

Sometimes, the motorcyclist dies at the accident scene, in an ambulance, or in a hospital. If this happens, their relative can commence a wrongful death action with the help of a Norfolk motorcycle accident attorney.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

You must take steps after an accident and before speaking with a Norfolk motorcycle crash lawyer to ensure your claim succeeds. Here’s what you should do:

  • Call 911 to request medical help. The call would also get the police to the scene, and the officers will investigate to determine who was at fault. 
  • Get medical treatment as your medical record is one of the pieces of evidence your attorney will use when filing your claim. 
  • If possible, gather evidence at the crash scene by taking pictures, speaking to witnesses, and securing video footage. However, if you can’t, a Norfolk motorcycle crash lawyer will get the necessary proof once you hire them.
  • Get the contact details of the at-fault driver if possible. It would help if you had their name, insurance details, license plate registration and number, and phone number.
  • Contact a personal injury law firm.

Do You Need a Norfolk Motorcycle Crash Lawyer?

Yes. While it is not unlawful to represent yourself in a personal injury claim, working with a motorcycle accident lawyer is best. A lawyer performs so many functions, including the following: 

  • Investigate the case to determine if it is winnable
  • Offer legal advice
  • Estimate the worth of your claim 
  • File an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier
  • Sit in on negotiations 
  • File a lawsuit if the settlement attempt fails
  • Argue your case in court and appeal if the judgment does not favor you

Ensure the Norfolk motorcycle crash lawyer works on a contingency fee basis. This payment structure ensures you don’t part with any money until your lawyer wins your case. Usually, the agreed percentage is between 30% to 40%.

What Compensation Will a Norfolk Motorcycle Crash Lawyer Get for You? 

An experienced lawyer will get you fair compensation for your damages. Compensatory damages cover your injuries and other monetary and non-monetary losses. It encompasses the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Property damage
  • Mental anguish 
  • Loss of earning capacity, etc. 

If the victim dies, their legal beneficiaries can recover funeral and burial expenses. Ensure you file your claim within two years from when the accident occurred. If you fail to, you will be unable to recover compensation. 

Book a Free Consultation With a Norfolk Motorcycle Crash Lawyer

Our Norfolk motorcycle accident attorneys at Virginia Injury Law understand how severe a crash can be. Therefore, we offer compassionate representation and fight to get you maximum compensation. Also, we work on a contingency fee basis so that we won’t demand upfront fees. Contact us today to book a free legal consultation.