While riding your motorcycle on highways and public roads can be thrilling, you are at risk for serious injury if hit by a motorist. A motorcycle wreck could result in a long hospital stay and possible financial hardship due to the extent of the medical costs.

You need legal help from our Charlottesville motorcycle accident lawyer to recoup your losses and obtain compensation by filing an injury claim. At MichieHamlett, our skilled personal injury lawyers can guide you through the claims process and negotiate a fair settlement.

What Are the Primary Reasons for Motorcycle Accidents?

Our attorneys understand the many factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents on roadways in Charlottesville and often result in severe injuries. The most common causes of motorbike crashes include:

  • Excessive speeding
  • Motorists driving a vehicle while intoxicated
  • Careless overtaking or reckless driving
  • Tailgating leading to rear-end motorcycle collisions
  • Motorists failing to see the bike rider
  • Motorists turning or pulling out in front of the rider
  • Distracted drivers not paying attention

Other causes include slippery roads or bad road infrastructure, such as the Garth to Whitehall route, which has twisting roads and blind corners. Another contributor could be riding without a reflective vest, head and rear lights, or other equipment that would make the rider more visible at night.

Motorcycle Traffic and Helmet Laws

Virginia’s motorcycle traffic and helmet laws aim to protect motorcyclists and other road users. By following these laws, it may help you when a motorcycle accident attorney in Charlottesville files your injury claim.

Bikers must obey all traffic laws, which include avoiding lane splitting, using a lane for one or two bikes riding side by side, not exceeding posted speed limits, and having a valid Class M license. You must yield the right of way to other traffic and wear a Department of Transport-approved helmet while riding, in accordance with Virginia’s helmet laws. Passengers must also wear helmets.

Additionally, you must wear a face shield or eye protection, and your bike must have functional head and rear lights, brake lights, passenger footrests, a horn, and a rearview mirror. Failure to follow these laws could affect your ability to recover full compensation for your injuries, so it is wise to consult an attorney before jumping into a lawsuit.

What Injuries Do Victims Suffer in a Bike Collision?

A motorcycle accident can leave you with significant injuries due to a bike’s lack of protective barriers and other safety features, such as airbags in cars. These injuries could include:

You may require extended hospitalization, possible modifications to your home, physical therapy, and other rehabilitative care that might last for weeks, months, or even years. Following a motorcycle wreck, our experienced legal team in Charlottesville can help you pursue compensation to cover all of your needs.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Charlottesville for Legal Help

Victims of a motorcycle wreck often have to contend with huge medical bills, lost wages, and many other losses. A Charlottesville motorcycle accident lawyer from MichieHamlett can attempt to negotiate a compensation settlement with the insurance company and work to protect your interests throughout the process. If the liable party fails to settle, we have adequate trial law experience to litigate the case in court and seek substantial recompense for you. Call now to speak with our attorneys in a free consultation.