What is the Motorcycle Law in Norfolk, Virginia?
Like most other states, Virginia does require people on a motorcycle to wear helmets. They’re also required to wear goggles and face shields. This is true for both the driver and the passenger. There are exceptions. For example, if you’re riding a three-wheeler, you don’t need to wear a helmet. For the most part, however, if you’re on a motorcycle, you need to wear a helmet. Your Norfolk motorcycle accident lawyer knows the law and understands that not wearing a helmet can hurt your lawsuit.
Not only do you have to wear a helmet, but it has to be on the approved list. Virginia requires all protective gear to be on the Snell Memorial Foundation or American National Standards Institute’s list of approved gear. If you’re caught driving or riding without a helmet, you can be cited. Not wearing a helmet can also impact your Norfolk motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?
Motorcycle accidents can be some of the most dangerous of all motor vehicle accidents. Whenever a human being is struck by a car or SUV, the results will be devastating. The human body is simply not able to withstand that kind of impact. When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you’re bound to suffer serious injuries. Some of these injuries may include:
- Back injury
- Neck injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Facial disfigurement
- Bruises and abrasions
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
Any of these can keep you out of work for quite some time. You may need surgery and physical therapy. Depending on the seriousness of your injuries, you may be entitled to certain damages.
What Kind of Damages Can Your Norfolk Motorcycle Accident Attorney Demand?
If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident in Virginia, your lawyer will demand damages. Ideally, the insurance company will pay your claim. If this is the case, you’ll have your check within a few weeks. If it’s denied, you may need to file suit. In your suit, your Norfolk motorcycle accident lawyer will demand some or all of the following:
- Medical bills – The defendant may be held liable for your medical bills. This includes current and future medical bills, your ambulance bill, hospital bill, and costs for prescription medications. It’s important that you keep records of all of these expenses.
- Lost wages – If you miss a few weeks from work, your attorney will demand compensation. You will have to submit proof of any missed time.
- Lost future income – You may not be able to do the same kind of work after your accident. You may earn less as a result of the crash. If this is the case, you can demand compensation for this difference in income.
- Pain and suffering – These are meant to compensate you for the mental and physical anguish caused by the crash. These may make up the lion’s share of your damages.
- Property damage – Of course, the defendant will have to pay for the costs to replace or repair your motorcycle.
Call and Talk to a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Norfolk, Virginia
If you or a loved one are injured in a motorcycle accident, you’ve probably suffered pretty serious injuries. These accidents tend to be more dangerous than any other. There’s nothing standing between you and the other vehicle. The only thing you have to help is your plastic helmet. And if you aren’t wearing your helmet, there’s nothing to prevent a traumatic brain injury or concussion.
While you’re recovering from your injuries, your Norfolk motorcycle accident lawyer can focus on the legal side of things. They’ll talk to the insurance company and find out if your claim is going to be paid. They can also get copies of the police report. This will help tell them who was at fault. Finally, they’ll review your medical records to see what kind of injuries you’ve suffered. This will allow them to estimate the value of your case.
Call and talk to a skilled motorcycle accident attorney in Norfolk today. They can sit down and answer any questions you have, and they’ll also ask a few of their own. Just make sure you’re upfront and honest during your first meeting. The only way your lawyer can win your case is if they have all the information. Schedule your free initial consultation right away. And remember – you don’t pay anything until your case is settled or otherwise resolved.
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