For many West Virginians, motorcycles symbolize freedom, exhilaration, and a means of experiencing the natural beauty of the Mountain State that’s unlike anything else. Unfortunately, many of the same qualities that make motorcycles so exciting also put their riders at risk when others on the road behave carelessly, negligently, or recklessly. Furthermore, because motorcyclists lack many of the protections that passenger vehicles afford their occupants, bikers are likelier to suffer life-altering injuries even in relatively low-speed accidents.
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Bridgeport, you could be eligible for significant compensation from the person responsible for your injuries. A Bridgeport motorcycle accident lawyer with Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, can help you demand it. We have a proven track record of helping West Virginians get the money they deserve in their motorcycle accident claims, and we want to put it to work on your behalf. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding drivers who collide with motorcycles while changing lanes or crossing intersections
- Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to oncoming motorcycle riders
- Distracted drivers who cause rear-end collisions or fail to see motorcycles before turning
- Unsafe lane changes and improper turns into the paths of oncoming motorcyclists
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even certain prescription medications
- Defective motorcycle or vehicle parts like faulty brake lines or steering columns
If you get hurt in a motorcycle accident, a skilled Bridgeport motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the collision to determine what caused it and who was at fault. They will use their knowledge of the common causes of motorcycle accidents to develop a robust argument supporting your compensation claim.
Injuries Typically Suffered in Motorcycle Crashes
Because motorcyclists lack the same levels of protection as passenger vehicle occupants, their crash injuries tend to be severe or even fatal. Some common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Broken bones and traumatic brain injuries from impacts with vehicles or roadways
- Back and spinal cord injuries, which can lead to permanent paralysis
- Loss of limbs and amputations due to the vulnerability of extremities
- Internal bleeding and organ damage due to abdominal injuries
- Burn injuries from contact with hot vehicle parts or friction on rough pavement
Many victims of motorcycle accidents require extensive surgery, rehabilitation, and lengthy hospital stays to recover from their serious injuries. Sadly, some injuries cause permanent impairments. Some require intensive treatment and lifelong assistance, which can place a substantial financial burden on the affected motorcyclist. Our Bridgeport motorcycle accident lawyers can help you find the best way to heal after a devastating collision.
What to Do After a Bridgeport Motorcycle Accident
The days and weeks after a motorcycle crash can feel like a whirlwind. However, there are simple steps victims can take to protect their rights and establish a strong foundation for their personal injury claims, including the following:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions. If you fail to adhere to your treatment plan, the insurance company might argue that your medical expenses are more significant than necessary.
- Keep all medical bills and records. These documents can prove the nature and extent of your injuries. They are also essential when calculating your compensation for medical expenses.
- Gather documents demonstrating your lost income. These items could include W-2s, tax forms, pay slips, letters from your HR department, and bank statements.
- Avoid making public statements about the motorcycle crash, including on social media platforms. Insurance adjusters can find them and use your words against you.
- Do not accept the insurance company’s initial offer. In most cases, they will quote a sum that might seem tempting but fails to cover the full extent of your losses.
- Contact an experienced Bridgeport motorcycle accident attorney. They can investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, calculate the value of your losses, and aggressively handle negotiations with the insurance company. They can also file a motorcycle accident lawsuit on your behalf if necessary.
Proving Fault in WV Motorcycle Accident Claims
In West Virginia, the person at fault for causing a motorcycle crash is financially responsible for its consequences. As such, proving that someone else is to blame for your injuries is a critical prerequisite to recovering compensation and justice, which requires evidence like:
- Eyewitness testimony regarding the at-fault driver’s acts, like speeding or distraction
- Video footage capturing the collision and confirming who had the right of way
- Photos of the accident scene showing skid marks, road conditions, or other relevant factors
- Data from the motorcycle or the other vehicle showing factors such as speed or acceleration
- Accident reconstruction diagrams modeling the physics of the crash
Our Bridgeport motorcycle accident lawyers know how to gather this evidence and build a compelling claim showing that legal fault rests with the other motorist. Strong proof of negligence can strengthen your case and allow your attorney to seek higher compensation for motorcycle accidents.
Types of Compensation Available in West Virginia Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
While the amount of compensation that motorcycle accident victims can receive in a lawsuit will depend on several factors, you could be eligible to recover money for losses such as:
- Medical expenses, including the costs of emergency treatment, doctor’s check-ups, specialist appointments, medical devices, surgical procedures, and medications
- Lost income if you have missed work due to disability or attending medical appointments
- Reduced earning capacity if a disability prevents you from returning to your previous job
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium for spouses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our Bridgeport motorcycle accident lawyers can evaluate your situation and determine how much compensation your claim is worth.
Statute of Limitations to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
Each state has a statute of limitations indicating how long an injury victim has to file a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident. West Virginia’s statute of limitations gives motorcycle accident victims a maximum of two years from the accident date to initiate legal action. If you fail to file before this deadline, you permanently forfeit your right to recover compensation.
Talk to an Experienced Bridgeport Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Life after a motorcycle crash can be painful and frustrating. The compassionate and experienced Bridgeport motorcycle accident attorneys at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, understand the challenges you are facing and want to help. We have over 30 years of experience getting injured West Virginians the justice they deserve, and we’re here to stand up for your rights and demand the motorcycle accident compensation you need.
With us on your side, you can rest assured that your case will get the attention it deserves while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.
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