James City County Motorcycle Accident Attorney

While many motorcyclists are cautious and responsible, accidents often occur due to the negligence of others. When they do, the resulting injuries can be life-changing. Unfortunately, insurance companies frequently hold biases against motorcyclists, using assumptions about unsafe behavior to justify lowball settlements. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in James City County, Huffman & Huffman Brothers-In-Law can help you determine who was responsible and support you in seeking compensation.

How to Reduce the Risk of a Motorcycle Injury

By taking the right precautions, motorcyclists can significantly reduce their chances of being injured in an accident. Some of these precautions include:

• Taking a Safety Course: Consider enrolling in a defensive driving or motorcycle safety course, like the Virginia State Police’s free Ride 2 Safe Lives program for novice and experienced riders.
• Wearing Proper Gear: Always use a helmet that meets Virginia’s safety standards, along with eye protection like a face shield or goggles. Equip yourself with gloves, abrasion-resistant jackets and pants, sturdy boots, and reflective clothing for added safety.
• Performing Regular Maintenance: Before riding, especially after periods of storage, ensure your motorcycle is in excellent working condition.
• Following Traffic Rules: Avoid speeding, weaving through traffic, riding on shoulders, or performing stunts. Always adhere to the rules of the road.
• Watching for Hazards: Stay alert for road dangers such as potholes, gravel, oil slicks, and uneven surfaces, which can pose significant risks to motorcyclists.
• Increasing Visibility: Ride with your headlights on and avoid lingering in other drivers’ blind spots. If necessary, use your horn to signal your presence.
• Staying Proactive: Anticipate the actions of other drivers and plan ahead to stay out of harm’s way.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle wrecks are caused by various factors, including:

• Low Visibility: In cases of low visibility due to weather or other factors, extra care should always be taken by all of those on the road.
• Speeding: Going over the speed limit is dangerous for everyone, as it is more difficult to react in time to avoid an accident.
• Hazardous Road Conditions: Potholes, icy roads, and even objects that have broken off or fallen from other vehicles can lead to an accident.
• Poorly Maintained or Defective Parts: In some cases, defective or poorly maintained parts, either on a motorcycle or another vehicle, can cause an accident.
• Alcohol or Drug Impairment: Alcohol and drugs can affect reaction times and judgment, significantly increasing the risk of crash.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in James City County

There are several critical steps to take after a motorcycle crash to preserve your well-being as well as your ability to pursue a motorcycle accident claim.

• Get to a safe location and call 911. Police can help secure the scene and create an accident report, while medical personnel can treat anyone who has been injured. If you think you are injured, avoid removing your protective gear, as it can make injuries worse.
• Collect names, contact, vehicle, and insurance information from others who were involved in the accident.
• Gather evidence by taking photos and videos of the accident scene with your phone, or ask someone to do so for you.
• Even if you think you are uninjured, see a doctor promptly. Injuries may not be apparent until a proper medical exam and diagnostic testing (x-rays, lab work, etc.) can be performed.
• Contact your insurance provider to notify them of the accident.
• Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer who has experience representing motorcyclists. They can help identify any liable parties in the accident and handle the difficult process of negotiating with an insurance company.

What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcycle injuries are often traumatic, especially when the rider is not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs include both minor concussions as well as severe brain trauma that impacts cognition and daily functions.
• Spinal Injuries: Injuries to the spine range from partial limitation of movement to total paralysis. These injuries are often permanent and life-changing.
• Fractures: Severe fractures can require surgery to realign and stabilize the bones. Recovery may involve lengthy hospital stays and weeks or months of physical therapy.
• Internal Injuries: Trauma to internal organs can cause bleeding and other serious complications, often requiring immediate surgical intervention to prevent life-threatening consequences.

Sadly, while injuries can be severe and life-changing, fatalities from motorcycle accidents occur all too often. Loss of life of a loved one from a motorcycle accident that was not their fault is a complicated and emotional endeavor that can leave a surviving loved one in financial loss. It is crucial to seek legal representation whether you’ve been injured in an accident or have lost a family member due to a motorcycle accident.

What Can a James City County Motorcycle Accident Attorney Do For Me?

Insurance companies are often biased against motorcyclists, so it is critical to speak with an attorney for the best chance of recovering compensation. At Huffman & Huffman, our attorneys have a strong track record of successful cases, and we will work hard to:

• Determine who is at fault while evaluating Virginia’s strict contributory negligence rule to ensure the liable party is 100% at fault. The defendant can not be even fractionally at fault.
• Collect evidence and investigate.
• Determine the amount of compensation we should fight for.
• Negotiate with the liable party’s insurance company.
• Work to get the settlement you deserve, or go to court.

Remember, insurance companies are profitable because they have their best interests at heart, not yours. They are notorious for lowball offers. We know how to work around that and get you the compensation you deserve.

Talk to a Huffman & Huffman Attorney About Your Motorcycle Accident Today

Huffman & Huffman is here to help you during the complicated aftermath of a motorcycle collision. Our motorcycle accident attorneys will work hard to prove your case and win the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation.