Virginia Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

After suffering serious injuries in a Virginia Beach motorcycle wreck, you may face a painful recovery process, a growing stack of medical bills, and financial hardship due to lost income. If someone else’s careless or reckless behavior caused this ordeal, you need a Virginia Beach personal injury lawyer like me on your side.

As a seasoned personal injury lawyer serving Virginia Beach, I am well-versed in the laws affecting motorcycle riders in our state. 

I started Atkinson Law because I am committed to providing responsive legal care for accident victims. Unlike other attorneys who pass you off to a non-attorney employee when you call, I will speak with you personally and give your case the attention it deserves. Contact me, Ed Atkinson, for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle crashes can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to life-altering conditions and, tragically, fatalities.

Common injuries I see at Atkinson Law include:

• Soft tissue damage: These injuries affect the muscles and other soft tissues, often causing severe pain and necessitating prolonged physical therapy.
• Biker’s arm: Compression of a rider’s arm during an accident can result in nerve damage and, in some cases, paralysis. The extent of mobility and function loss can vary from mild to severe.
• Road rash: Road rash is a friction injury that occurs when a rider’s unprotected skin slides across concrete or asphalt. In some cases, it can lead to nerve damage or dangerous infections.
• Head trauma: Head injuries can be fatal and are a leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. Survivors may experience traumatic brain injuries that permanently affect their physical and cognitive abilities.
• Leg injuries: Motorcycle crashes often result in broken bones, dislocations, and, unfortunately, amputations. These injuries can be debilitating, requiring costly surgeries and a lengthy and painful recovery process.
• Internal organ injuries: Injuries such as internal bleeding, a punctured lung, or damage to vital organs may not manifest immediately but can lead to permanent harm or even death if left untreated.
• Spinal cord damage: Some crashes result in spinal cord injuries that can cause partial or complete paralysis.

These are just a few examples of the injuries motorcycle riders can endure in accidents. If you’ve suffered harm due to a motorcycle crash, seeking legal counsel to explore your options for compensation can help facilitate your recovery.

Compensation Following a Virginia Beach Motorcycle Accident

After experiencing injuries in a motorcycle collision, you may be able to seek compensation for a wide array of damages. 

These damages, which I can assist you in pursuing, often encompass:

• Medical costs: This category covers the costs associated with emergency medical treatment, hospital bills, prescription medications, doctor’s fees, rehabilitation expenses, and other medical expenditures related to the accident.
• Lost income: If your injuries cause you to take time off from work, you may be eligible to recover the money you’ve lost during your recovery period. This can include future earnings if your injuries result in a permanent condition that prevents you from performing your job duties.
• Property damage: Property damage compensation covers the expenses involved in repairing or replacing your bike and any personal items damaged during the accident.
• Pain and suffering: Beyond just physical pain, this category encompasses compensation for the psychological distress you’ve endured.
• Scarring and disfigurement: If the accident has left you with lasting scars or disfigurement, you may be entitled to damages that acknowledge the impact on your self-image.
• Loss of enjoyment: In situations where your injuries keep you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you can seek compensation for this loss.
• Wrongful death: If a careless driver caused a fatal collision that claimed the life of a member of your family, I can represent you in a wrongful death case. Such damages may encompass burial and funeral expenses, the loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a spouse or other family member.

Regardless of your circumstances, I am here to help you evaluate your damages and pursue the maximum compensation possible in your case.

Virginia Regulations Impacting Your Motorcycle Crash Case

Whether or not you followed Virginia’s traffic laws can have an impact on the outcome of your case.

Lane Splitting

One significant motorcycle law in our state pertains to lane splitting. This practice involves riding your motorcycle between two lanes of traffic, and it’s illegal in Virginia.

If you were engaged in this traffic violation at the time of the accident, it could lead to your being deemed at fault for a collision with another vehicle.

Contributory Negligence

Virginia operates under the contributory negligence principle, which means you can only pursue legal action if you were not at fault for the accident. Even if you bear just 1% of the responsibility, you may forfeit your right to compensation.

As an accomplished Virginia Beach motorcycle accident attorney backed by a history of successful case results, I am well-equipped to evaluate the validity of your claim. Since I only get paid when I win your case, there’s no risk in seeking my advice.

Time Limits for Personal Injury Claims

Every state establishes specific timeframes within which personal injury lawsuits must be initiated. The statutory filing deadline in Virginia is two years from the incident date, as stipulated by the Code of Virginia § 8.01-243.

Failure to file your claim within this allowable timeframe can result in the forfeiture of your right to pursue compensation for your injuries or losses.

While certain exceptions may extend the legal deadline, time is of the essence for other reasons. The sooner you reach out to me, the quicker I can begin collecting and safeguarding evidence to strengthen your case. As a seasoned trial lawyer, I am fully prepared to represent you in court if the insurance company fails to offer a favorable settlement.

Contact My Virginia Beach Motorcycle Accident Law Firm

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Virginia Beach, don’t wait to take action. Your rights and potential compensation are at stake. As an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer serving Virginia Beach, I am here to provide you with the dedicated legal representation you deserve.

Let’s work together to navigate the complexities of your case, protect your rights, and seek the settlement or jury verdict you need to recover and move forward. Contact Atkinson Law today for a free case evaluation.