Suffolk Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

After sustaining serious injuries in a Suffolk County motorcycle crash, you may be worried about mounting medical bills and lost income from missing work. If someone’s negligence caused your injuries, I can help you get the medical care and financial compensation you need to move forward with your life.

I’m Ed Atkinson, and as an experienced Suffolk motorcycle accident lawyer, I know the laws affecting Virginia motorcycle riders. Unlike other attorneys who pass you off to an unqualified “intake specialist,” I will speak to you personally and give your case my full attention.

Contact Atkinson Law today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury lawyers in Suffolk.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

A motorcycle wreck can result in anything from scrapes and bruises to life-altering injuries and death. Common injuries I see as a Suffolk personal injury lawyer include:

• Soft tissue damage: Injuries to the muscles and other soft tissues can be extremely painful and require long-term physical therapy.
• Biker’s arm: When a motorcycle rider’s arm is compressed during an accident, it can cause nerve damage and even paralysis. The resulting loss of mobility and function can range from mild to severe.
• Road rash: This friction injury is caused by a rider’s unprotected skin sliding across the concrete or asphalt. In severe cases, road rash can lead to nerve damage and dangerous infections.
• Head trauma: Head injuries can be fatal and are a leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. Surviving victims may sustain traumatic brain injuries that permanently affect physical and cognitive abilities.
• Leg injuries: Motorcycle crashes often cause broken bones, dislocations, and amputation injuries. Such injuries can be debilitating, requiring expensive surgeries and a long, painful recovery process.
• Internal organ injuries: Injuries like internal bleeding, a punctured lung, or organ damage may not be immediately apparent and can lead to permanent damage or death if left untreated.
• Spinal cord damages: Crashes sometimes result in spinal cord injuries that can cause partial or full paralysis.

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

Recoverable Damages After a Motorcycle Wreck

After being injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be able to recover compensation for a wide range of damages.

Common damages I could help you pursue include:

• Medical expenses: This includes emergency medical treatment, hospital bills, prescription medication, doctor fees, rehabilitation costs, and other costs related to your injuries.
• Lost income: If you miss work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover the wages you lost during your recovery. This includes future earnings if you sustained a permanent injury that prevents you from performing your job duties.
• Pain and suffering: Besides physical pain, this category includes compensation for psychological trauma and emotional distress.
• Loss of enjoyment: If your injuries keep you from participating in activities you previously enjoyed, you could seek compensation for this loss.
• Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your bike and any personal items damaged in the crash.
• Scarring and disfigurement: If the accident left you with permanent scars, you may be entitled to damages for the impact on your self-image.
• Wrongful death: If you lost a family member in a fatal crash caused by a negligent driver, I could represent you in a wrongful death case. Wrongful death damages include burial and funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and losses associated with the emotional toll of losing a loved one.

Whatever your situation, I can help you assess your damages and seek maximum compensation in your case.

State Laws that Could Affect Your Suffolk Motorcycle Accident Case

Whether you were following Virginia traffic laws will affect the outcome of your case. A key motorcycle law in our state involves lane splitting. This term refers to riding your bike between two lanes of traffic, which is illegal in Virginia. If you committed this traffic violation during the crash, you could be deemed at fault for a collision with another vehicle.

Virginia follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, meaning you can only sue if you were not at fault in the accident. Even if you share 1% of the responsibility, you lose your right to compensation.

As an experienced Suffolk motorcycle accident attorney with a track record of successful case results, I can help you determine whether you have a valid claim.

Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims

Each state has a time limit for personal injury lawsuits. In Virginia, the deadline for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the incident date. This deadline is set forth in the Code of Virginia § 8.01-243.

If you do not file a claim within the required time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injury or loss.

Certain exceptions may apply, but time is of the essence for other reasons. The sooner you contact me, the sooner I can start gathering and preserving evidence to bolster your case. If the insurance company refuses to provide a fair settlement, I am more than willing to fight for you in court.

Contact Me, Ed Atkinson, for a Free Case Evaluation

I started Atkinson Law because I wanted to build a new kind of law firm that provides personalized, best-in-class legal representation. I am selective about my cases and avoid taking on too many clients. This lets me give motorcycle accident victims and their families my full attention.

I handle Suffolk motorcycle accident cases on a contingency basis, so I only get paid when I get you a settlement or court award. Our initial consultation is free, and I will gladly travel to meet you where you are. I also offer telephone and internet appointments for your convenience.

Call my law offices or fill out the online contact form to get started on the road to recovery.