Motorcycle Accidents

Serving Clients in Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, Washington D.C. & Throughout the U.S.

Negligent and distracted drivers are often the cause of motorcycle accidents, and in a collision, motorcyclists tend to fare far worse than automobile and truck drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 28 percent more likely to die in a crash than drivers of other vehicles.

Motorcycle accidents can cause life-threatening injuries that may affect your ability to work and live comfortably. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you shouldn’t have to face the fallout of the crash alone.

James H. Shoemaker, Jr. is an experienced and compassionate personal injury attorney who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call 757.223.4560 or use the form on this page to schedule a free case evaluation with him. Mr. Shoemaker represents clients in Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton Roads, Washington D.C. and throughout the United States.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Car and truck drivers can take advantage of motorcyclists, cutting them off and failing to yield the right of way. Even licensed, law-abiding motorcyclists are at risk of accident, personal injury and death when out on the road. Typical behaviors of other drivers that lead to fatal motorcycle accidents include:

  • Following a motorcyclist too closely
  • Cutting into a motorcyclist’s lane during a left-hand turn
  • Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
  • Speeding up or driving aggressively to pass a motorcyclist
  • Distracted driving, including texting and driving

Motorcyclists are often told to drive cautiously and pay close attention to other drivers, but that doesn’t absolve automobile and truck drivers in the event of a motorcycle accident. If another driver’s actions are to blame for your suffering, Mr. Shoemaker will stand up for your rights.

Hazards Motorcyclists Face on the Road

Sometimes another driver isn’t to blame for your accident. Your motorcycle may not have the stability to maneuver around road hazards that cars and trucks can more easily avoid. These include:

  • Potholes and rough, uneven lanes
  • Edge breaks, expansion joints and open bridge joints
  • Gravel, dead animals and other debris
  • Railroad tracks
  • Wet or slick pavement

If a road hazard or other factor led to your injury, a third party may still be at fault. Don’t let your insurance company talk you out of uncovering the truth. Mr. Shoemaker can help you determine the cause of your accident and who may be to blame.

Scooter crash in the urban street

Determining Motorcycle Accident Liability in Virginia

Fighting for what you’re owed after a motorcycle accident can be challenging, especially in Virginia. Our state follows the contributory negligence rule. This means that if you’re found to be at all at fault in a motorcycle accident, you cannot receive any compensation from the other driver or their insurance company.

While you may still be able to recover damages through your own insurance company, contributory negligence may compel them to fight even harder and drastically lower your compensation.

Insurance companies rarely have their client’s best interests at heart, and Virginia’s contributory negligence rule adds another layer of complexity to your case. These factors make it all the more important to work with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney.

Get a Free Case Evaluation in Newport News, VA

Virginia has a statute of limitations for pursuing your motorcycle accident claim. In most cases, you only have two years to file your case. If you’re only seeking compensation for vehicle or property damage — not including injuries or death common in motorcycle accidents — you have five years to file.

Mr. Shoemaker helps motorcyclists in Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton Roads, Washington D.C. and throughout the country file their cases in a timely manner so they can get what’s deserved. Call 757.223.4560 or use the form on this page to schedule a free case evaluation and begin pursing justice.

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