Avoiding accidents is important to most drivers, and there are some possible advantages for averting crashes if you’re driving a motorcycle. Bikers have a broader field of vision, and a bike can often provide quicker maneuverability than a car. However, because cyclists do not have the same protective structure that a car provides should an accident occur, they have a higher fatality rate.
Most motorcycle accidents occur at intersections when a vehicle violates the cyclist’s right-of-way and often violates other traffic rules, including running a stop sign or a red light. In accidents involving multiple vehicles, two-thirds were caused by a right-of-way violation. In approximately half of these multiple vehicle accidents, the view of the cyclist and the vehicle driver was obstructed.
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a life-altering experience, and you may want to file a claim against the at-fault driver to help with expensive medical bills and time off work. Our personal injury attorneys have the skills necessary to help get the compensation you deserve after your motorcycle wreck.
Four Common Motorcycle Accidents in Northern Virginia
The primary cause of motorcycle crashes is a failure by a vehicle driver to recognize the motorcycle in traffic. Ultimately, this oversight can lead to serious injuries. Here is a brief look at the four main types of motorcycle accidents:
- Rear-end crashes. When a vehicle crashes into the back of a motorcyclist, serious injuries and property damage can occur. These accidents are almost always preventable because they often occur when the driver follows too closely or drives while distracted.
- Head-on collisions. If a vehicle driver is drowsy, impaired, or distracted, he risks veering out of his lane and into oncoming traffic. When this happens, motorcyclists are at risk for head-on collisions and critical or fatal injuries.
- T-bone or side impacts. A T-bone crash occurs when a vehicle hits a motorcyclist on the side. Because speed is typically a factor in these types of accidents, the injuries to the cyclist can be serious or deadly.
- Left-turn accidents. These types of crashes often occur when a motorcyclist travels through an intersection, and a vehicle makes a left-hand turn without yielding to the oncoming cycle.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries Can Be Critical
Because motorcyclists aren’t protected in the way a vehicle driver is, motorcycle crashes can result in critical or fatal injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck and spine injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Amputation
- Paralysis
- Death
We Help You Recover Damages for Motorcycle Accidents
We want to help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident. Here are some factors involved when determining damages for your injuries:
- Medical bills. After the accident, you may face expensive medical bills for your care, treatment, and recovery. Compensation may also cover any future medical costs for prolonged treatment.
- Lost wages. Often, you will need to be off work following the crash. If your injury took you out of work or diminished your capacity to do your job, you may receive money to cover your living expenses.
- Pain and suffering. Juries and judges have no exact way to calculate pain and suffering. However, there are a number of factors used in awarding damages, including if your injuries affected your relationship with your family and if they have disrupted your day-to-day routine. If the accident caused unnecessary physical or mental anguish, you might be entitled to extra compensation.
Virginia Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys Offer Personalized Service
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can cause a great deal of physical and emotional stress, and a skilled law firm can help you deal with your injuries and seek compensation. The attorneys at Kearney, Freeman, Fogarty, & Joshi, PLLC are ready to answer all of your questions concerning your injury case. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. Contact us at 877-652-1553 to discuss your specific situation.