Virginia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

After sustaining life-altering injuries in a motorcycle crash, most people have similar fears and questions: How much will my medical treatment cost? What about future expenses? What if I can’t do my job anymore?

If you were involved in a catastrophic accident, you need an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer representing you. I have been a licensed attorney for 15 years and understand laws affecting bikers. I know how to help you obtain the medical care you need and will work tirelessly to get you a favorable settlement or court award. 

Call me, Ed Atkinson, for a free, no-risk consultation. I am not like other lawyers who never talk directly with their clients. You will be able to reach me and speak with me personally.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

A motorcycle crash can result in anything from minor scrapes to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Here are common injuries that I, unfortunately, see at my personal injury attorney law firm:

• Head trauma: Head injuries are the most severe injury a motorcyclist can suffer and are often the leading cause of death among motorcyclists. Even if not fatal, victims may suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can affect cognitive and physical abilities long-term.
• Lower extremity injuries: These include fractures, dislocations, and other injuries to the knees, ankles, and feet. They are often caused by the crash’s impact and can be debilitating, requiring lengthy recovery periods.
• Road rash: Road rash is a common motorcycle accident injury caused by a rider’s unprotected skin scraping along the pavement. Road rash can be minor, but in severe cases, it can result in nerve damage, scarring, and infection.
• Soft tissue injuries: Injuries to the muscles and other tissues can be hard to recover from and may require long-term physical therapy.
• Biker’s arm: This term describes nerve damage or paralysis caused by a motorcyclist’s arm being trapped or compressed during an accident. The injury can be mild, but in severe cases, it can result in long-term loss of mobility and function.
• Internal organ injuries: Internal damage may not be immediately apparent, and the consequences can be devastating if left untreated. Common internal injuries from motorcycle accidents include punctured lungs, organ damage, and internal bleeding.
• Spinal cord injuries: Accidents sometimes result in spinal cord damage that can cause partial or full paralysis.

These are just a few examples of the injuries riders suffer in motorcycle accidents.

When to Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Who Understands Insurance Companies

If you were severely injured, your medical expenses are only the tip of the iceberg. For example, you or a loved one may have suffered brain damage or other neurological injuries requiring a lifetime of care. I can evaluate your case and help you understand the true impact of your injuries.

You may be able to recover damages from the insurance company of the at-fault driver. However, insurance carriers are stubborn to deal with and may try to deny your claim or offer you a lowball settlement amount.

After practicing law for 15 years, I’ve learned how to negotiate for the highest possible settlements on behalf of accident victims. Before founding Atkinson Law, I spent years defending insurers and insurance adjusters who issue policies to careless motorists. 

This experience has given me insight into the inner workings of these corporations and enabled me to spot their dishonest practices. As a result, I know how to help you navigate the insurance claims process and ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.

The Evidence I Could Collect in Your Case

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, contacting a qualified personal injury lawyer like myself is important before key evidence is lost.

Key motorcycle crash evidence may include:

It’s important to note that specific evidence that may be relevant in a motorcycle accident case will depend on the unique circumstances of your crash. I can help you identify and gather the evidence you need to support your case.

Damages I Can Help You Recover After a Motorcycle Crash

After being injured in a motorcycle wreck, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for economic and non-economic losses.

Four examples of economic damages may include the following:

1. Medical expenses: These include any costs associated with your medical treatment, such as hospital bills, doctor fees, medication costs, rehabilitation expenses, and other medical expenses related to your injuries.
2. Lost wages: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to recover the wages you lost during your recovery period. This includes your current lost wages and any future lost earnings if your injuries have left you with a permanent disability.
3. Property damage: If your motorcycle was damaged or destroyed in the accident, you could recover the cost of repairing or replacing your bike.
4. Additional expenses: You may also be entitled to recover other expenses related to your accident, such as transportation costs to medical appointments or other costs incurred due to your injuries.

The following are three examples of non-economic damages:

1. Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for injury-related physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma.
2. Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevented you from participating in activities you used to enjoy, you could recover damages for the loss of enjoyment of life.
3. Disfigurement: If your injuries have left you with permanent scarring or disfigurement, you may be entitled to compensation for the negative impact on your self-esteem and quality of life.

It’s important to contact my offices so I can help you determine the full extent of your damages and pursue the compensation available to you.

A Fatal Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

If you lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident caused by another’s negligence, I could also represent you in a wrongful death claim.

This table provides a clear breakdown of the different types of damages that may be available in a wrongful death claim for a fatal motorcycle accident.

Virginia Motorcycle Laws that Could Affect Your Case

Following Virginia law will preserve your chances of getting full compensation after an accident.

Two key motorcycle laws in Virginia involve:

• Helmet use: In our state, all motorcyclists, regardless of age or experience, must wear a helmet at all times while riding. If you suffered a head injury while riding without a helmet, you could be blamed for any damages stemming from your head or brain injury.
• Lane-splitting: Riding a motorcycle in between two lanes of traffic is called lane-splitting and is illegal in Virginia. If you were lane-splitting during the accident, you could be at fault for your collision with another vehicle.

Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning you can only sue the other party if you were 0% at fault in the accident. You will lose your right to compensation if you are even 1% at fault. As your legal advocate, I will evaluate your case and tell you if you have a valid claim.

Time Limit for Filing a Virginia Motorcycle Accident Claim

In Virginia, the time limit for filing a personal injury claim for a motorcycle accident is two years from the accident date per the Code of Virginia § 8.01-243. A two-year deadline also applies in wrongful death cases.

Barring unique circumstances, if you fail to file a claim within the allowable time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injury or loss. Two years may seem like a long time; however, it’s best to get in touch immediately, so I can gather evidence to build your case.

Contact Atkinson Law for a Free Consultation

I started Atkinson Law because I knew I could provide a higher level of service customized to meet each client’s needs. Therefore, I am selective about my cases and avoid taking on too many clients. This way, I ensure that you and your family receive best-in-class customer service.

I will make you an “insider” during each step of your case, which means if you want me to call you with a daily status update, I will, period. So you will never be in the dark regarding your claim.

I accept motorcycle accident cases on contingency, so I only get paid when you get a settlement or court award. I will gladly travel to meet you at your home, in the hospital, or anywhere else for your free, no-obligation consultation. Please fill out my online contact form today.