Glen Allen, VA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Glen Allen, VA Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Driving a motorcycle can be an enjoyable, unpredictable, and freeing way to get around town or pass the time. Many motorcyclists view their bikes as powerful sources of freedom. Unfortunately, motorcycles can lead to very serious accidents, as a motorcycle is so small and fast that tragedies can occur. If you are ever injured in a motorcycle accident and wish to pursue a claim, a Glen Allen motorcycle accident lawyer can help.

Pursuing a Motorcycle Claim in Glen Allen

Motorcycle accidents can be unpredictable. The details of every case are going to be different, so it may be prudent to prepare for many different possibilities. Depending on what happens in your case, you may be dealing with considerable injuries while you are actively pursuing legal action against the responsible party. An experienced Glen Allen personal injury lawyer can make sure your claim is taken seriously when the time comes.

Before you start pursuing a motorcycle accident claim, it is important that you adhere to the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Virginia, which is two years.

The state gives you two years to:

• Establish valid grounds for your claim.
• Build your case up to its strongest version.
• Assemble the necessary evidence.
• Speak with a personal injury lawyer.
• File a claim for compensatory damages.

If you don’t file your claim before two years are up, there is a good chance that your case may be entirely dismissed, and your opportunity to pursue damages may pass without any action whatsoever. It can be difficult and time-consuming to build a strong personal injury case, so you may want to take your case to a motorcycle accident lawyer who can handle this process.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you survive a motorcycle accident, you may just be grateful that you’re alive. Once the initial shock has worn off, you may want to pursue legal action for your damages. It’s important to note that Virginia state law mandates anybody riding a motorcycle to wear a protective helmet at all times, or else they could be charged with a Class 4 misdemeanor. An accident without a helmet can be particularly catastrophic.

Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself after an accident:

• Do Not Panic: Being in a motorcycle accident can be a terrifying ordeal, and your instincts may tell you to panic. Try your hardest to resist these urges and keep yourself from falling apart. Panicking won’t help. In fact, it might make things worse. Steel yourself, take a deep breath, and gather your thoughts.
• Check for Injuries: If you were wearing a helmet or any other protective gear, your injuries might be minimal. If you weren’t, your injuries might be considerable. Regardless, you should start checking for them. Look for any wet spots, protrusions, bruising, broken bones, or sprains. If you can’t find any, but you are still in pain, be sure to tell the EMTs what you are feeling.
• Call 911: If you are too injured to call, have someone else on the scene call 911 on your behalf. You are going to want law enforcement and EMTs on the scene as quickly as possible. Having authorities on the scene can provide you with some peace and reassurance that things are being handled correctly.
• Move Your Bike: If you are not too injured and your bike is not too damaged, you may want to consider moving your bike out of the road and onto the shoulder. It could cause another accident if oncoming traffic runs into it. If you are too injured or your bike is too damaged, don’t worry about it.
• Exchange Information: You and the other driver will need to exchange insurance and contact information. Be sure to get their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance carrier. Give them the same information. If you are too injured, you can get this information later from the police, as they will likely include it in their report.
• Don’t Admit Fault: Throughout this entire process, you may be tempted to accept some blame or apologize for what’s happened. Whatever you do, don’t admit any fault for the accident. If you admit fault now, it can irreparably damage your future claim. Be civil to the other driver and the police, but do not admit any responsibility for the accident.
• See a Lawyer: After you have gathered evidence from the scene, seen a doctor, and talked to your insurance carrier, you should contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to get started on building your claim for damages.

Glen Allen Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?

A: The amount a motorcycle accident settlement might be varies from case to case. Every motorcycle accident is going to be different, with its own set of circumstances and details unique to the situation. Many different factors have to be taken into consideration when deciding on a settlement, such as the severity of your injuries.

Q: What Do I Do If There Is a Motorcycle Accident?

A: If you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident in Glen Allen, it is vital that you take the proper steps to protect not only yourself but your future claim. You should:

• Check yourself for injuries.
• Call the police and EMTs.
• Move your bike out of traffic if possible.
• Exchange insurance information.
• See a doctor.
• Contact your insurance.
• Consult a lawyer about starting a claim.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Motorcycle Accident in Glen Allen?

A: The statute of limitations on a motorcycle accident in Virginia is two years. You will have two years to establish grounds, build a case, gather evidence, speak with a lawyer, and file a claim for damages. If you are unable to file a claim before two years have passed, there is a good chance your case will be thrown out.

Q: What Shouldn’t I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

A: The most important thing you should never do after a motorcycle accident is admit fault for the accident. If you admit any degree of fault to the other driver, the police, or your insurance carrier, it can seriously impact your ability to pursue damages, especially under Virginia’s contributory negligence laws.

Reach Out To Our Glen Allen Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

At Whitlock Law, LLC, we can help you figure out a strategy for seeking compensation after a motorcycle accident. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a team member.