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Motorcycle Accident Attorney Portsmouth
We all know the risks when it comes to motorcycles. One minute you can be riding through picturesque landscapes, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking in the beautiful weather, and the next minute, you’re stuck under a bridge waiting for the storm to cut out, the pavement too slick to get home. However, just because we accept the risk associated with motorcycles, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t work to mitigate the amount of risk involved. And it certainly doesn’t mean that irresponsible motorists who put the lives of motorcyclists at risk shouldn’t be held accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, a loss of income, or trauma due to a motorcycle accident, a motorcycle accident attorney in Portsmouth can help you recover from these losses. A majority of motorcycle accident cases never actually require a trial, and a viable settlement can often be reached within a reasonable timeline.
Motorcycle Accident Attorney Near Me
While you certainly have your choice of motorcycle accident attorneys in Portsmouth, you’ll want to make sure that yours has the skills and experience needed to ensure you have the best chance of reaching the settlement you deserve. For motorcyclists in Portsmouth, Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law is the ideal choice for legal representation. We have represented our clients for over 50 years In the following communities and beyond:
- Portsmouth
- Chesapeake
- Virginia Beach
- Hampton
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
- Newport News
- Gloucester
- Poquoson
- Williamsburg
- Smithfield
- Cape Charles
Additionally, we have physical offices available in the following locations:
Newport News
12284 Warwick Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23606
Virginia Beach
4780 Euclid Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
If you’re ready to speak to a motorcycle accident attorney, we encourage you to stop by one of these locations or contact us at 757-525-9820 for a free consultation. Our firm is always available to connect you with an attorney to discuss your case.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Virginia?
While motorcycle accidents aren’t the most common accidents in Virginia, they are by far the most fatal and destructive type of accident. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, motorcycle accidents made up less than 2% of Virginia’s motor vehicle accidents in 2023, yet motorcycle riders accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities. The DMV’s statistics also point to the fact that these fatalities are primarily caused by multi-vehicle collisions (nearly 57%).
What is the Primary Cause of Motorcycle Crashes?
Because multi-accident crashes are more likely to cause the death of a motorcyclist and damage to their bike, it goes without saying that other drivers contribute to the vast majority of motorcycle crashes as a whole. The drivers of multi-passenger vehicles frequently cite visibility as an issue in car-motorcycle accidents, but the reality is that many drivers simply aren’t paying attention. Below are some of the more common ways that the drivers of cars or trucks frequently contribute to accidents involving motorcycles.
Left-hand Turns
Left-hand turns are typically the most common reason motorcycles are hit by cars or trucks, often resulting from a driver misjudging the speed or presence of a motorcycle. Drivers of cars or trucks frequently neglect to check their blind spot for motorcycles during a quick left turn, leading to devastating results. For motorcyclists, even a small miscalculation by a car turning left can result in life-threatening injuries, as they have limited protection compared to car occupants.
Switching Lanes
Similar to taking a left-hand turn, the drivers of cars and trucks often forget to check their mirrors for motorcycles when switching lanes. They may also forget to use their turn signal. When a motorist fails to use their blinker when switching lanes, another car may rear-end them causing only minor damage. But when a car uses the same maneuver with a motorcyclist, it may cause significant injuries or death.
When negligence isn’t the cause, aggressive lane switching can also be found in motorcycle accidents involving cars. The drivers of cars and trucks may simply try and cut off motorcycles or pass in front of them because they feel like they can due to the size difference. When evidence shows this to be the case, it can result in significant compensation for the victims.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are also among the deadliest types of accidents for motorcyclists. When a vehicle veers into oncoming traffic or fails to notice a motorcycle approaching, the impact on a motorcycle rider can be catastrophic. Motorcycles lack the structural protections of a car, which leaves them vulnerable in these types of severe crashes. Caution, attentiveness, and safe driving practices are crucial to avoiding such incidents and sparing motorcyclists from easily preventable harm.
Rear-Ends
As mentioned, rear-end collisions, while often minor for cars, are extremely dangerous for motorcyclists. Even a slight bump from behind at minimal speed can throw a motorcyclist off balance or cause them to be ejected from the bike. Unlike car passengers who are cushioned by seat belts and airbags, motorcyclists rely on their balance and protective gear to minimize injury, and these tools are no match for a forceful rear-end collision. It’s imperative for drivers to maintain a safe following distance behind motorcycles and stay vigilant to ensure they have enough time to react. Accidents caused by rear-ending are largely preventable if drivers remain attentive and understand that motorcycles require a larger safety buffer than cars.
Opening Vehicle Doors
Though not often considered, the simple act of opening a vehicle door—known as “dooring” or “being doored” by many motorcyclists—can result in a devastating accident for a biker. When parked drivers or passengers open their doors into oncoming traffic without checking, motorcyclists may have little time to swerve or stop, leading to direct collisions with the door. The impact can throw a motorcyclist off balance or even completely off their bike, resulting in serious injuries or even fatal outcomes. In busy urban areas, where parked cars line the streets and traffic flows closely, this type of accident is far too common. Drivers and passengers can make a substantial difference simply by looking for oncoming motorcyclists and other road users before opening their doors.
Alcohol and Other Substances
Driving under the influence is a leading cause of preventable accidents, and it’s especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs experience slowed reaction times, blurred judgment, and reduced awareness of the road around them, putting motorcyclists at extreme risk. Due to their smaller size, motorcycles are already difficult to spot, and impaired drivers are even less likely to notice them, potentially leading to accidents involving serious injuries or death. If a driver is found to have consumed alcohol or drugs before hitting a motorcycle, they will not only be required to pay significant compensation to the motorcyclist or the family of the motorcyclist, but they’ll also face very serious criminal charges.
Who is At Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?
According to the Federal Highway Administration, 47% of motorcycle accidents are caused by other motorists. Of this 47%, the primary reason for other drivers causing the accident is cited as “perception failure,” at 30% of all incidents. This means that most of the motorcycle accidents caused by other vehicles are due to the driver underestimating the buffer between them and the motorcycle.
That being said, single-rider motorcycle accidents can also occur through no fault of the rider. Motorcycles, just like any other vehicle, can malfunction. Mechanical issues, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or engine problems, can happen suddenly and leave the motorcyclist with little time to react.
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring a motorcycle’s safety, but even with careful upkeep, factory defects or unforeseen part failures can still occur. If a motorcyclist is injured as a result, a lawsuit against the manufacturer or even a mechanic responsible for maintaining the motorcycle can uncover significant compensation for the rider or the family of the rider. The same can be said regarding the safety gear. If a helmet or other protective gear comes loose or fails to shield the rider from injuries, the manufacturers of the equipment can be held liable.
How Can a Lawyer Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Portsmouth?
Regardless of what or who caused your accident, it goes without saying that it’s almost certain you’re dealing with significant injuries and damage to your bike. If you were hit by another driver, and there is considerable evidence in your favor, you may be tempted to represent yourself when it comes time for settlement negotiations. Unfortunately, this is usually a mistake. Insurance representatives are notoriously difficult to deal with and often attempt to low-ball your settlement. They may even attempt to get you to incriminate yourself through predatory methods so they won’t have to pay you at all. Furthermore, if you decide to represent yourself, you’ll be responsible for filing a mountain of paperwork at specific deadlines, otherwise, your claim might be thrown out entirely.
Of course, these reasons are even more crucial if you don’t have valid evidence to support your claim, especially in states like Virginia which have contributory negligence laws. If you’re found to be as little as 1% at fault for an accident, you likely won’t see a dime of your motorcycle accident settlement. This means the insurance company and the other driver will do everything they can to prove that 1% exists, even if the accident was entirely their fault.
Lastly, if you experienced a motorcycle or safety gear malfunction, the manufacturers of the faulty gear or parts will likely have a team of lawyers on their side with millions of dollars in their legal funds, and if you attempt to represent yourself, an uphill battle is inevitable.
How to Choose a Portsmouth Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer in Portsmouth is straightforward once you understand which factors to consider. Arguably the most important consideration you’ll want to make is experience. Does your lawyer have experience in motorcycle accidents or even personal injury law? If so, check their website and reviews to see how successful in this area they are and how long their attorneys have served the area where they’re located. Finally, it’s a good idea to double-check their fee schedule and whether or not they offer free consultations.
Have You Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Talk to a Huffman & Huffman Attorney Today
If you’re in need of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, reach out to us for a free consultation. Huffman & Huffman has served the Portsmouth area for over half a century and has proven success representing our clients in motorcycle accident cases. If you’d like to talk to someone about your case, our attorneys are always available. Contact our office at 757-525-9820 today for a free consultation, or if you have any questions about our services.
