Motorcycle Accident Injuries Law Firm
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We Defend Injured Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists who are injured in Virginia often experience problems with state insurance regulations and dishonest insurance companies when trying to get compensation for their injuries. This is why it’s so important for injured riders, or their loved ones, to talk to a lawyer who has experience handling motorcycle claims.
The attorneys at the Ritchie Law Firm have a successful history of handling claims against insurance companies for motorcycle riders. Our attorneys are committed to helping motorcyclists get compensation for their injuries. This includes recovery for medical bills, property damage and pain and suffering.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, we may be able to help you. To learn more about how our attorneys may be able to help, please fill out our free case evaluation form NOW.
Motorcycle Accident Case Study
Our client hired the Ritchie Law Firm after a motorcycle crash. Our client was operating his motorcycle westbound on Route 13 S in Chesapeake, Virginia, when the driver of a Ram 3500 Quad truck, pulling a landscaping trailer, failed to yield the right of way and made an improper left turn in front of him. Our client took evasive actions but was not able to avoid the crash and struck the rear quarter panel of the truck. The impact hurled our client from the motorcycle onto the pavement.
Our client suffered a right femur fracture, left orbital wall fracture, left corneal abrasion, nasal bone fracture, and wound infection Lawyers for the truck driver claimed that our client was contributorily negligent, alleging that he was exceeding the speed limit. The truck driver’s insurance company settled the case for $850,000.00 soon after our law firm filed a lawsuit.
Why Should I Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Riders may find it difficult to get adequate compensation for their injuries after a crash, especially if they are trying to handle their own claims. Riders involved in accidents may struggle to pay for costly medical bills caused by the accident, especially if the injury prevents them from working.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, the attorneys at the Ritchie Law Firm can explain your options for pursuing compensation for medical bills and other losses. If you contact the Ritchie Law Firm immediately after the accident, we can begin to collect information and evidence to support your claim for compensation. This is not an exhaustive list, but some of the steps we will take as soon as possible if our firm handles your case:
- Collect scene and police reports
- Gather witness statements
- Photograph the scene
- Investigate the other motorist’s driving history
- Reconstruct the accident scene
- Recreate the accident
- Review medical records
- Consult experts
- Contact insurance companies on your behalf
Why Ritchie Law Firm for Your Motorcycle Accident?
At the Ritchie Law Firm, our motorcycle accident attorneys are familiar with laws governing motorcycles — which differ significantly from those pertaining to car accidents — and have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies.
We have access to the top experts, including accident reconstructionists and medical experts.
By working with these individuals, our attorneys have established a successful track record of results in recovering compensation for injured motorcyclists.
Motorcycle Accident Injury Claims Process
Insurance Negotiations
After an accident, our team of attorneys will contact the at-fault party’s insurance company to attempt to negotiate a settlement. Your team will use the information we’ve collected as leverage to negotiate a proper settlement amount. If negotiations with insurance companies are not successful, our litigation attorneys take the appropriate cases to court to secure a verdict against the driver who caused the crash.
Negligence
As our team handles your motorcycle accident case, your attorney will have to prove that the other driver in the accident was at fault because he or she failed to take the proper care or precautions necessary. To do this, our team will investigate the crash to determine whether the other driver followed traffic laws, paid attention to his or her surroundings, was driving under the influence etc.
Product Liability
In some cases, a defect in your motorcycle may have played a role in the accident. In these cases, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the motorcycle or its parts to get compensation for your injuries. In these circumstances, our team will investigate to determine whether the motorcycle had any defects prior to the accident. We will also work with forensic experts to determine whether:
- The defective motorcycle or part was “unreasonably dangerous”
- The motorcycle was being operated as intended
- The motorcycle’s performance had changed since its initial purchase
Frequent Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can occur for many reasons, including driver negligence. Negligent acts that can result in an accident include:
- Swerving in front of a cyclist
- Cutting off motorcyclists at intersections
- Failing to follow posted speed limits
- Failing to yield when appropriate
- Failing to leave sufficient room between vehicles
- Failure to see a motorcyclist changing or entering lanes
- Neglecting to pay appropriate attention to other drivers
- Driving under the influence
Left-turn accidents are also frequent causes of motorcycle crashes. Frequently, vehicle drivers will make a left-turn in front of a motorcyclist. Left-turn accidents are commonly caused by drivers who:
- Misjudge the motorcyclist’s speed or distance
- Fail to see the motorcyclist
- Panic and stop in the motorcyclist’s path
- Rely on the judgment of another driver, who also fails to see the motorcyclist
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists have little protection from the elements and other vehicles; therefore, injuries sustained in an accident can be serious and life-threatening and may include the following:
- Bone fractures
- Severe head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Brain damage
- Disfigurement
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Death
If you were injured, or lost a loved one, in a motorcycle accident, the Ritchie Law Firm may be able to help you. Fill out the form below and we’ll evaluate your case for free.
What Should You Do If You Were Seriously Injured In A Motorcycle Accident?
Make sure you or someone you know gets photos of the accident scene and your car following the collision. We can obtain the accident report, your medical information and information from any witnesses for you.
Your first priority should be your health and recovery. If a family member has been injured, be sure they have your full support and the details of everyday life handled for them. Get the medical treatment you need. Let the doctors treating you know exactly what happened to your body during the accident, including what portions of the body were struck, locations of bruises, areas of soreness, whether you lost consciousness, and problems with vision or memory. The injuries a car accident victim experiences often change depending on the type of collision involved, for example rear-end collision, etc. You should also be prepared to describe pain, kind of pain you experience, including the location of the pain; whether it’s sharp or dull; whether it involves burning, tingling, or numbness how long it lasts; what kinds of activities seem to aggravate the pain; whether medication helps; and whether you had any pre-existing conditions.
Can I File a Claim for Injuries if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
In Virginia, both motorcyclists and their passengers are required to wear helmets that are approved and meet or exceed the standards of the federal Department of Transportation, American National Standards Institute, or the Snell Memorial Foundation.
A helmet is the most important safety device that a motorcycle rider wears. Fatal head injuries after a motorcycle accident are about 40% more likely to occur with a rider who is not wearing a helmet.
What if the Accident was Caused by Poorly Maintained Roads?
If road conditions are the cause of a motorcycle accident, the Department of Transportation or other government agency could potentially be liable for the wreck. But, these claims against government agencies are difficult because they have their own guidelines about whether the agency had notice of the road conditions, what is an acceptable road condition, and timeliness of repair. With this type of accident, it is important to speak to a lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents for help with filing your claim.
I Was a Passenger on a Motorcycle that Wrecked? Do I Have a Claim?
What Types of Compensation Can I Get for Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident?
What types of motorcycle accidents does Ritchie Law Firm handle?
Drunk Driving Accidents Rear-End Collisions
T-Bone or Side Impact Accidents Head On Collisions Intersection Accidents
Broken Bone Accidents Distracted Driving Accidents Interstate Accidents
At the Ritchie Law Firm, we believe those responsible for your accident should be held accountable. But, negotiating with an insurance company or another party can be difficult and frustrating. A lack of experience in determining the value of car accidents can result in a lower settlement than your accident and injuries warrant. Retaining an experienced car accident lawyer can help ensure that you are fairly compensated. Your car accident attorney at the Ritchie Law Firm will make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
The car injury attorneys at the Ritchie Law Firm have handled thousands of car accident cases in our decades of practice. Such experience gives us an advantage in preparing cases for clients, as nothing comes as a surprise to us. Your personal injury attorney at the Ritchie Law Firm is always thoroughly prepared for even the most challenging cases. We have a track record of success, and a strength that is unmatched.
Are the insurance companies on my side?
Claims adjusters work for insurance companies and must act in the best interest of the insurance company. It’s that simple. They have lawyers to protect their interests, and you need the same protection.
If you file a car accident claim, you may find that the insurance company is not your friend. DON’T GET HURT TWICE! Call the auto accident injury attorneys at the Ritchie Law Firm to make sure you are protected. We are your WALL OF DEFENSE!
Are your case evaluations free?
YES! When you schedule a free case evaluation, we’ll ask you to bring your accident reports, documentation, and medical papers. We’ll go over the fees schedule, signing of a medical release, and specifics about the accident and witnesses.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet the legal assistant handling your case, and go over the process, timeline, and contact process for working together.
Still need a little more information? Download our auto accident brochure for more.