Dealing With Insurance Companies After Motorcycle Accidents
For some people, riding a motorcycle can be one of the greatest pleasures they’ll ever experience. As with any situation, though, there’s no way to completely remove all danger involved with riding for accident victims. Think of it this way, guns and cars are dangerous when not used responsibly. Likewise, motorcycles can also be dangerous when driven irresponsibly. Driving a motorcycle takes more focus and concentration than driving a car. It’s also more physically challenging. So, what’s the verdict? Are motorcycles dangerous?
Recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA) show motorcycle deaths up by 8.3%. A motorcyclist is 6 to 7 times more likely to die in an accident than are people in a car. In 2015, NHTSA reported that speed was a factor in 33% of motorcycle riders’ deaths. Another 40% of rider deaths was caused by not wearing a helmet. Motorcycle accidents account for a significant percentage of traffic fatalities, highlighting the severity of the issue in comparison to overall traffic crashes. Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injury, including long-term disability and extensive medical treatment. Motorcycle accident victims often sustain various injuries, including road rash, broken or fractured bones, foot and leg injuries, head and neck injuries, spinal injuries, abdominal injuries, hand and arm injuries, burns, muscle injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Stay Safe on a Motorcycle: Preventing Motorcycle Accident Injuries
There will also be dangers like bad weather, gravel, and potholes that no motorcycle rider can do anything about. But, there are some things that riders can look out for:
- Watch out for rain after a long, dry period. Oils collect on the roads and, after a first rain, can be very slick.
- You often find salt on the road in freezing weather. This can cause problems since it affects the traction of the bike’s tires.
- Having a set of good tires may offer better traction
- Upgrading brake elements such as the brake line, calipers or pads may help you stop faster. In fact, making an investment in Anti-lock brakes has proven to be a lifesaver for many. Motorcycles equipped with ABS are 37% less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than bikes without them.
- Drive defensively. Be extra cautious and more alert, watching out for cars that change lanes suddenly, and don’t tailgate so you have plenty of time to react.
- Always wear a helmet to prevent head injuries, including traumatic brain injury. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injury and can save your life in the event of an accident.
How Soon Should I Talk to a Lawyer After A Motorcycle Accident?
When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident in Virginia and West Virginia, you must be aware of the statute of limitations which applies in your particular case. The statute of limitations refers to the time you have following an accident to file a lawsuit. In Virginia and West Virginia, this time limit depends upon the circumstances of your accident and injury. The time limitation starts to run on the date of the accident. Filing a claim with an insurance company does not extend or delay the time.
The longer you wait to contact an attorney, the greater the risk that the statute of limitations time limit will expire. If it does, you may lose your right to sue the at-fault party and recover compensation for your injuries. If you’ve been seriously injured and someone else is at fault, you should contact a personal injury attorney at the earliest possible time. Serious injuries can include lower extremity injuries, upper extremity injuries, thoracic injuries, head injuries, face/neck injuries, abdominal injuries, and spinal injuries. Contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer early in your case will help prevent deadlines from expiring and will allow your case to be properly prepared.
To be able to determine whether you have a case, your lawyer needs to thoroughly investigate the details about your accident and injuries. Investigating the accident and collecting information is much easier if it occurs quickly after the accident has happened. A time delay can result in many problems like lost evidence and witnesses who can’t be found. Spinal injuries, in particular, can have long-term consequences such as paralysis, chronic pain, and nerve damage, which require extensive medical procedures and physical therapy.
When you hire a lawyer to handle your motorcycle accident injury claim, he or she will first negotiate with the insurance company to try to settle your claim. If settlement negotiations break down, your attorney will prepare to file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial. For this reason, it is especially important that you get an experienced lawyer to help with your case, such as one certified through the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Here’s how we can help you with your motorcycle accident case today
- Download our free book, Serious Auto Accident Injuries. This resource can help you start thinking about your car accident case.
- Call our office at (800) 277-6124 and speak to our staff about your case. You can schedule a time to talk with one of our attorneys, or just ask a few questions about your motorcycle accident case. It doesn’t cost anything to give us a call!
- Browse our collection of articles, FAQs, and blog posts about personal injury cases. If you don’t see your question answered there, fill out a contact form on our website and tell us more about your situation.
- Traumatic brain injuries can have severe consequences. It’s crucial to seek legal assistance to navigate the complexities of such cases.
- Upper extremity injuries are common in motorcycle accidents, especially for riders over 40. We provide resources to help you deal with these injuries.
At the Ritchie Law Firm, our top priority is helping you get a fair result for your case so you can get back to living your life. We have 5 offices where we can meet with you in Virginia and West Virginia.
Talk with a Virginia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered significant injuries, including abdominal injuries, in a motorcycle accident in Virginia or West Virginia, Ritchie Law Firm is here to help. The experienced, certified attorneys at the Ritchie Law Firm have helped thousands of injured victims and their families recover the compensation they deserve after an accident. Neck injuries can have serious consequences, and having skilled legal representation is crucial to ensure you receive the proper compensation.
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Ritchie Law Firm is a personal injury law firm devoted to helping individuals who have suffered serious and catastrophic injuries or lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence. Motorcycle fatalities are a significant concern, and it is crucial to seek help to ensure justice for loved ones who have died in such accidents. Ritchie Law Firm serves all of Virginia, while helping clients in cities and surrounding areas of Rockingham County including Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Winchester also serves clients in West Virginia, including Martinsburg, WV.
