Motorcycle Accident Cases

Motorcycle Accident Cases

The Commonwealth of Virginia has beautiful roadways throughout the state and great weather for a majority of the year, which leads to many dedicated motorcyclists.  Every day, these bikers share the roads with cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles.  For many, there are no negative consequences to these daily interactions, but when there is a collision involving a motorcycle, the harm suffered by the biker often is severe.

Unlike the drivers and passengers of motor vehicles such as cars and trucks, the operator and passenger on a motorcycle do not have the safety protection of airbags and a steel frame.  When there is an accident, the biker often suffers from horrific injuries, including the following:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
  • Broken or fractured bones;
  • Spinal injuries, including severe injuries leading to paraplegia or quadriplegia;
  • Crush injuries, including extensive organ damage;
  • Severe cuts and abrasions, often referred to as road rash; and
  • Burn injuries.

One of the primary causes of a crash involving a motorcycle and a motor vehicle is that the driver of the other vehicle failed to observe the biker.  While the size of the bike and rider do present a smaller presence on the road, many of these accidents were simply because the driver was distracted or engaging in some other type of dangerous behavior.  These are some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents:

  • Vehicles making improper lane changes;
  • Speeding;
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way to a motorcycle, whether in an intersection or while entering or exiting a roadway;
  • Following too closely – this leads to many accidents as a vehicle is unable to stop in time to keep from hitting the motorcycle. Although the bump may have led to little or no harm for occupants of an enclosed vehicle, it could be disastrous for the biker; and
  • Passing in an unsafe manner.

Unfortunately, the combination of factors means that when a motorcycle involved in a collision with another motor vehicle, the biker often sustains far more severe injuries that the occupants of the car or truck. Bikers also face far greater odds of being killed in a collision with another vehicle.

If you have been injured, or a loved one has been killed in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to get the right attorney fighting for your rights and interests.  As part of a personal injury case following a motorcycle accident, it is possible to recover damages relating to the following:

  • Medical bills, including those that are reasonably calculated to be incurred in the future, but which arise out of the accident;
  • Lost wages and benefits, including those related to career advancements that no longer are possible due to the harm suffered in the accident;
  • Pain and suffering – this compensation is intended to recognize the physical pain and emotional suffering that resulted from the accident; and
  • Miscellaneous expenses – this catch-all may include the cost of accommodations in a home or vehicle to allow wheelchair access or the expense of a part-time caregiver who only became necessary after the accident.

There are strict time restrictions that limit the time in which a personal injury case may be filed in Virginia, so it is important to contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.

Accidents caused by the negligence of another person can devastate the lives of those directly involved in the accident, as well as their family and loved ones.  Jason Swango knows how important it is to advocate for those who have suffered from terrible injuries, which are all-too-common in motorcycle accidents.  At Swango Law P.C., we represent clients in personal injury cases in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Portsmouth, Newport News, and Suffolk.  Call us today at (757) 383-9229 to schedule an initial consultation.