Norfolk Motorcycle Accident Attorney

At Smith Law Center, we understand the severe impact motorcycle accidents can have, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Regardless of what happens, it is important NOT to talk to the other party until you can speak with a lawyer.

Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and experienced legal representation to help victims navigate the complexities of their cases. But speaking directly to the defense can put the integrity of your case at risk as insurance companies and opposing lawyers use your words against you.

We recognize the unique challenges faced by motorcycle accident victims, including medical bills, loss of income, and emotional distress. Our attorneys work diligently to investigate each case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.

We strive to give our clients the range of support and guidance they need during this challenging time. This allows them to focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives. If you require a Norfolk motorcycle accident attorney, contact us by phone at (757) 244-7000.

Rules for Parking Motorcycles in Norfolk & Virginia 

Make sure you understand Virginia's motorcycle operating laws before operating one. Key regulations include the proper use of lights, signals, and adherence to traffic control devices. Riders must respect right-of-way, avoid lane splitting, and obey open container laws.

Helmet Laws: All motorcyclists and passengers in Virginia must wear approved helmets that meet DOT or Snell standards.

Passenger Rules: Passengers must wear helmets, and the motorcycle must be equipped with footrests and handholds.

Alcohol Consumption: Riders cannot operate a motorcycle with a BAC of .08% or higher.

Insurance and Financial Responsibility: Virginia law requires motorcyclists to carry liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Having sufficient insurance protects your assets in case of an accident.

Norfolk & Virginia Motorcycle Accident Statistics

• Warmer weather increases the number of motorcyclists on the road, leading to more accidents and injuries.
• The peak season for motorcycle crashes is from May to August, accounting for about half of the 2,053 state crashes in the past couple of years.
• May and June are particularly deadly months, with 35 fatalities recorded.
• In 2022, a total of 115 motorcyclists died on Virginia roads.
• Last year, there were 154 motorcycle crashes in Hampton Roads, resulting in 9 fatalities and 162 injuries.
• Nationally, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities in 2021, the highest rate since at least 1975.
• The use of safety gear, including helmets, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing greatly reduces the risk of injury.

What Common Motorcycle Accidents Are Eligible for a Claim?

In motorcycle accidents, liability can arise from various factors. Inadequate road maintenance or hazards are significant issues; when accidents occur due to poor road conditions, such as potholes or debris, the responsible government entity or property owner may be liable. 

Another critical aspect involves defective motorcycle parts. If an accident results from a mechanical failure due to defective parts or manufacturing defects, the manufacturer or distributor can be held responsible. This includes issues like faulty brakes or tires, which can compromise rider safety

Similarly, negligent vehicle maintenance by other drivers can lead to liability. If a driver fails to maintain their vehicle—such as neglecting necessary repairs—and causes an accident with a motorcyclist, they can be held liable. 

Proper vehicle upkeep is crucial for safety, and negligence in this area can result in serious harm to others on the road.

Accidents and injuries often occur due to another party's negligence, including behaviors like reckless driving or failure to yield. When such negligence leads to a motorcyclist's injury, the victim may have a compensation claim. 

This compensation can cover medical expenses and lost wages, making accountability critical.

Contacting a Norfolk motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you can document your injuries increases the likelihood of receiving fair compensation. Don’t let another driver’s negligence irreparably change your life forever. Contact us at (757) 244-7000.

Fatalities in motorcycle crashes also present grounds for liability, especially through wrongful death claims by the deceased's family. Claims filed under this form of liability aim to create support for surviving family members, emphasizing the need for responsible driving practices.

Finally, specific injuries and fatalities in particular incidents, such as the 9 fatalities in Hampton Roads, underscore the importance of thorough investigation.

Whether the issue is negligent driving, poor road conditions, or defective parts, establishing negligence is key to securing compensation. These claims ensure that victims and their families receive the justice they deserve and hold the responsible parties accountable.

What Are The Most Common Types of Motorcycle Injuries?

Concussions

Concussions are among the most common brain injuries, typically resulting from blows to the head or sudden, jarring movements. These injuries cause a temporary disruption in brain function, leading to symptoms like headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory issues. 

While concussions are often considered mild, repeated injuries can lead to long-term cognitive problems and increased vulnerability to further injury.

Contusions

Contusions refer to bruises on the brain tissue caused by direct trauma, such as falls or car accidents. 

This type of injury can lead to swelling and bleeding within the brain, potentially causing serious complications. Contusions are usually localized, meaning they affect specific areas of the brain, which can result in varied symptoms depending on the region impacted.

Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI)

DAI are common in high-speed accidents and involve widespread damage to the brain's white matter. These injuries occur when the brain is rapidly shaken or twisted, causing tears in the long nerve fibers (axons) that connect different brain areas.

DAIs can disrupt brain communication and can be severe, potentially leading to significant neurological impairments or coma.

Projectiles or Penetrative Injuries

Penetrating brain injuries are serious injuries caused by objects piercing the skull and entering brain tissue. 

Common in cases when ordinary objects can become projectiles at high speed, these injuries vary in severity based on the location and extent of the penetration. They often require immediate medical intervention to prevent further brain damage or fatality.

Anoxic Brain Injuries

Anoxic brain injuries occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen for an extended period, such as during drowning, cardiac arrest, or suffocation. The lack of oxygen can cause brain cells to die, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments. 

The severity of these injuries depends on the duration of oxygen deprivation and the speed of medical response.

Hematomas

Hematomas involve bleeding within or around the brain and are a common consequence of head trauma. This bleeding can lead to the formation of clots that pressure brain tissue, causing significant damage. 

Hematomas are categorized based on their location, with subdural and epidural hematomas being the most common types. Immediate medical attention is crucial to mitigate the risk of severe outcomes.

“I would like to thank your firm for representing our family on behalf of my late husband. This whole process was, at times, difficult for us and sometimes painful. But, we were always in good hands.
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I am so grateful for the compensation we received. This allows us to do some positive things in his memory, and for the first time in 18 years, I have a sense of closure and peace of mind.”
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- DONNA

Types of Damages You May be Entitled to After a Motorcycle Accident

In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, victims may be entitled to various types of damages to compensate for their losses. These damages are generally categorized into economic, non-economic, and punitive (exceptional) damages.

Economic Damages

Economic Damages are designed to cover the financial losses incurred due to the motorcycle accident. This includes:

• Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other medical treatments needed due to the accident. Motorcycle accidents often lead to significant injuries, resulting in high medical costs.
• Lost Wages: If the victim cannot work while recovering, they can claim compensation for the income lost during this period. For those who suffer long-term or permanent disabilities, compensation for loss of earning capacity is also available, reflecting the reduced ability to earn in the future.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible impacts of the accident, which do not have a direct financial cost but significantly affect the victim's quality of life. This includes:

• Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress experienced by the victim, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and other psychological impacts.
• Loss of Consortium: This is awarded to family members of the victim, compensating for the loss of companionship, affection, and support due to the victim's injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This compensates for the victim's reduced ability to enjoy day-to-day activities and hobbies that they previously engaged in before the accident.

Exceptional Damages

Punitive (Exceptional) Damages are not for compensation, but to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or malicious behavior. These damages are to prevent repeat offenses and are typically awarded in cases involving severe negligence, such as drunk driving or road rage.

The specific damages awarded in a motorcycle accident case will vary based on the injury's severity, the circumstances of the accident, and the extent of negligence involved. 

Consulting with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Norfolk will help you understand what exact compensation you are entitled to.