Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

There are few better places to ride a motorcycle than the roadways in and around Hampton Roads and Southeastern Virginia. However, motorcyclists are inherently more vulnerable to catastrophic injury than other motorists when an accident occurs.

At Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, PC, we are here to help when you need a Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer. Our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into your claim so that they can work toward securing maximum compensation for your losses. With over 202 combined years of legal experience, our lawyers know how to handle motorcycle accident cases.

Serious Injuries Occurring in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists have little protection against the force of a vehicle slamming into them. Even though motorcyclists are required by Virginia law to wear a helmet, sometimes a helmet is not enough to protect them from sustaining the following injuries:

• Broken and dislocated bones
• Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Paralysis due to spinal cord trauma
• Neck or back injuries
• Severe road rash
• Lacerations or amputation injuries
• Crush injuries

Motorcyclists in and around Southampton, Emporia, Brunswick and Suffolk have to contend with both local and out-of-state travelers, as this is a major convergence of both Interstate 95 and Route 58 as well as other significant thoroughfares.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists face a high risk of injury each time they ride, not because of their lack of skill, but often due to another driver’s negligence, mechanical failures, and poor roadway conditions, such as potholes. Many of these accidents are preventable. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Speeding
• Alcohol and drug use
• Unsafe lane changes and lane splitting
• Left-turn accidents
• Distracted driving
• Dangerous road conditions
• Inexperienced drivers
• Dooring
• Mechanical failures

Negligence Factors Leading to Motorcycle Crashes

We often discover that a motorcycle crash occurs due to the negligence of other drivers. This can include other drivers who:

• Fail to give a motorcyclist enough space on the roadway
• Operate while impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Operate while distracted by cellphones or other devices
• Fail to follow traffic laws

When drivers in passenger vehicles operate carelessly or negligently around a motorcyclist, this can lead to serious crashes and significant bodily injuries.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle accident, focus on medical needs first. When possible, follow these steps:

• Move to a safe spot if you can, but don’t leave the accident scene.
• Call 911 right away and follow the instructions the dispatcher gives you.
• Avoid moving anyone who’s hurt unless absolutely necessary. Make sure they’re breathing and apply pressure to any bleeding.
• Try to keep the injured person calm until help arrives and listen carefully to the dispatcher’s advice.
• If it’s safe, take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and any injuries. Be sure to get names and contact information from everyone involved and any witnesses.
• Get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible—even if you feel okay. Follow all medical advice you’re given.
• Reach out to an attorney promptly ((757) 742-6115) to make sure you understand your rights and properly protect your insurance claim.

What Should I Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

• Don’t admit fault or apologize at the scene—what you say could be used against you later.
• Don’t leave the accident site before police arrive, unless you need urgent medical attention.
• Don’t skip or delay seeing a doctor, even if you feel fine—some injuries take time to show up.
• Don’t forget to call the police and get an official accident report. It’s crucial for your claim.
• Don’t miss the chance to collect evidence—take photos and get contact info from witnesses and everyone involved.
• Don’t talk about the crash or your injuries on social media or with anyone besides your lawyer.
• Don’t give a recorded or written statement to the other party’s insurance company unless you’ve talked to an attorney.
• Don’t accept a fast settlement or sign anything before you’ve finished treatment and spoken with your lawyer.
• Don’t rush to repair your motorcycle before you’ve taken photos and documented the damage for your claim.
• Don’t try to handle everything on your own—get help from an experienced attorney.

After a motorcycle accident, what you do or say can affect your ability to recover compensation.

Be Aware of the Time Limit to File a Claim

While most motorcycle accident claims in Virginia will be handled through insurance settlements, it may be necessary for a motorcyclist to file a lawsuit against an alleged negligent driver.

Under Virginia law, the statute of limitations for these cases is two years from the date of injury. This means that an injured motorcyclist has a two-year window in which to file a personal injury lawsuit against an alleged negligent driver to secure compensation for their losses.

Our Virginia Lawyers Are Here to Help After Your Motorcycle Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver on the roadway, contact an attorney immediately. At Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, PC, our team will investigate every aspect of your case.

When you need a motorcycle accident attorney in Virginia, you can reach out online to ask for a free case evaluation or call 757-742-6115. We are ready to get to work helping accident victims throughout Southampton, Emporia, Brunswick and Suffolk.