Virginia Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcyclists face serious risks on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, they are five times more likely than drivers to be injured in a crash and 28 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries. If you’ve been hurt because of another driver’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to deal with the fallout on your own. Our Virginia Beach motorcycle accident attorneys at Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law are here to help you pursue compensation and get back on your feet.

Why Should You Get a Lawyer After a Virginia Beach Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accidents can leave riders with serious injuries and mounting expenses, but recovering fair compensation is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies frequently try to assign fault to the rider, deny claims, or minimize payouts. Virginia’s strict contributory negligence rule makes this especially risky: if any fault is legally attributed to you, you could be barred from recovering compensation entirely.

A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you:

• Calculate the full value of your claim. Medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering all add up, and insurers often undervalue these damages.
• Combat insurance bias. Companies may deny claims or use tactics to pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.
• Navigate strict liability rules. Virginia’s contributory negligence system requires the rider to be completely without fault. Accurate evidence gathering, like police reports, eyewitness statements, photos, and medical records, is critical.
• Identify all potential sources of compensation. Beyond the at-fault driver’s insurance, claims may involve uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, or even homeowners’ insurance policies when appropriate.

Hiring a lawyer early can make a crucial difference in both the outcome of your case and the stress you experience.

Why Choose Huffman & Huffman for Your Virginia Beach Motorcycle Accident Case?

Motorcycle crashes can change your life in an instant. Huffman & Huffman has been defending injured riders in Virginia since 1973, building trust and delivering results across Hampton Roads for decades.

• Over 150 years of combined experience. Our attorneys share more than a century and a half of experience handling serious injury and motorcycle accident cases.
• Family‑owned, personal approach. Huffman & Huffman treats clients like family. That means giving every client the respect, attention, and honesty they deserve.
• No fee unless you win. We know that the last thing you need is more upfront financial pressure. That’s why you only pay when we recover compensation for you.
• Proven track record of big recoveries. The firm has secured multimillion‑dollar recoveries for serious injuries, including orthopedic, spinal, and fatal motorcycle accident claims.

When your rights and recovery are on the line, having a dedicated, well‑established firm by your side can make all the difference. At Huffman & Huffman, we don’t just know Virginia Beach; we’re a part of the community, and we’re ready to fight for your compensation and peace of mind.

What Compensation Can You Pursue for a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to damages that help cover both the tangible and intangible losses caused by the crash. Understanding what you can pursue is critical to making sure your recovery fully reflects the impact of the accident on your life.

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future treatment related to your injuries.
• Lost wages: Income lost while you recover and, if injuries affect your work long-term, reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and changes to your daily life caused by the accident.
• Other recoverable losses: Transportation costs, home modifications, or medical aids needed due to your injuries.

Each motorcycle accident is unique, and the damages you can pursue will depend on your specific injuries, losses, and circumstances. Our attorneys can help ensure that all relevant damages are identified and properly valued, giving you the best chance at a full recovery.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Virginia Beach?

Motorcycle accidents often happen because of factors outside a rider’s control, and they can lead to serious injuries and unexpected challenges. The most common causes include:

• Impaired drivers: Alcohol or drugs reduce reaction times and increase crash risk.
• Distracted driving: Phones, eating, or other distractions can prevent drivers from seeing motorcycles.
• Aggressive driving: Tailgating, unsafe passing, and sudden lane changes put riders in danger.
• Road hazards: Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and construction zones can be especially dangerous for motorcycles.
• Mechanical failures: In some cases, problems with brakes, tires, or other vehicle systems can lead to collisions.

When an accident happens, the focus should be on recovery. Injuries can bring physical pain, unexpected expenses, and time-consuming claims. Our attorneys handle the legal process so you can concentrate on healing and getting back to your life.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents, like most motor vehicle accidents, can result in a variety of injuries depending on the circumstances. Even with a protective helmet and padded clothing, motorcyclists are at a high risk of suffering a catastrophic injury.

We’ve helped countless clients who have suffered from the following injuries:

• Head/brain trauma
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Sprains and fractures
• Broken bones
• Amputations
• Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
• Road rash
• Eye damage
• Emotional trauma

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Motorcycle Injuries?

Identifying the party responsible for your injuries is a critical step in pursuing fair compensation. Potentially liable parties in a motorcycle accident may include:

• Other drivers: Most motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent or careless drivers who fail to see riders, follow too closely, make unsafe lane changes, or turn without yielding.
• Employers: If a driver causing your accident was on the job, their employer may share liability under vicarious liability rules.
• Vehicle or equipment manufacturers: Defects in a motorcycle, car, or other vehicle component that contribute to a crash can make the manufacturer or parts supplier liable.
• Government entities: Poorly maintained roads, missing or faulty traffic signals, or inadequate signage can contribute to accidents, and in some cases, local or state governments may be held responsible.

In most cases, motorcycle accident claims are filed with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy, which in Virginia must meet minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. If that coverage is insufficient, additional avenues may be available, including uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy or, in certain circumstances, the at-fault party’s homeowners’ insurance.

Again, contributory negligence is a critical factor in Virginia motorcycle accident cases. Under the state’s strict rules, if you are found even partially at fault for the crash, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This makes it absolutely essential to accurately determine liability and identify all responsible parties. Properly assigning fault protects your right to pursue full damages for your injuries.

Our Virginia Beach motorcycle accident lawyers can help identify all responsible parties and pursue every available source of compensation to maximize your recovery.

Proving Fault in a Motorcycle Accident Case

To recover compensation, it’s important to show that the other party was responsible for the crash. In simple terms, everyone on the road has a duty to drive safely and look out for others. If someone breaches that duty and causes an accident, they can be held accountable.

Proving fault usually involves collecting evidence that shows how the crash happened and why the other party was at fault. This can include:

• Police reports: Official records of the crash, including citations or observations from officers.
• Eyewitness accounts: Statements from people who saw the accident unfold.
• Photographs and videos: Images of the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, or road conditions that help show what went wrong.
• Medical records: Documentation linking your injuries directly to the crash.
• Expert analysis: In some cases, accident reconstruction specialists can provide detailed reports on how the crash occurred.

Our attorneys will gather and organize all this evidence, making sure every detail supports your claim. Having the right documentation and expert input can be the difference between a successful recovery and a claim that falls short.

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Virginia Beach?

In Virginia, the time you have to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident is limited by the state’s statute of limitations. Generally, you must file a personal injury claim within two years of the date of the accident. If a government entity is involved, such as a city or state agency, you may have even shorter deadlines and additional procedural requirements.

Filing within the required time frame is critical. Missing the deadline can prevent you from recovering any compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. In addition, the longer you wait, the greater the chance that key evidence will be lost or forgotten, which is why we recommend reaching out to our team as soon as possible.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Virginia Beach

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and your ability to recover compensation:

• Check for injuries and get medical help. Even if you feel okay, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Seek prompt medical attention.
• Call the police. An official report documents the crash and can be critical for your case.
• Gather information. Exchange contact and insurance details with other drivers, and collect names and contact info of any witnesses.
• Document the scene. Take photos or videos of vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries if possible.
• Notify your insurance company. Provide accurate details but avoid admitting fault or speculating about the accident.
• Contact our team. Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence, navigate insurance claims, and protect your rights under Virginia’s contributory negligence rules

Taking these steps promptly can make a big difference in both your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Virginia Beach: FAQs

What are typical settlement amounts for motorcycle accidents in Virginia Beach?

Settlement amounts vary widely depending on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Serious injuries, such as spinal, orthopedic, or traumatic brain injuries, can result in settlements or jury awards in the six- or seven-figure range, while minor injuries may yield smaller amounts.

How do I get a Virginia Beach motorcycle accident report?

Accident reports in Virginia are issued by the police department that responded to the crash. If the Virginia Beach Police Department handled your accident, you can request a copy through their records office or Freedom of Information (FOIA) office. Your attorney can also request these reports on your behalf.

What are uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims for motorcycle accidents in Virginia?

If the at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance, your own UM/UIM coverage can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages up to your policy limits. Filing a UM/UIM claim is done through your own insurance provider, and an attorney can help ensure you receive the full amount you’re entitled to.

Are there motorcycle laws in Virginia that could affect my case?

All motorcycle riders and passengers in Virginia are required to wear a helmet that meets state safety standards. Additionally, riders must have a valid motorcycle license to legally operate a motorcycle. However, it is important to note that even if you were not wearing a helmet or did not hold a valid license at the time of the accident, you may still be able to file a claim and seek compensation.

Get in Touch With Our Virginia Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

Motorcycle accident claims in Virginia Beach can be complicated. Strict contributory negligence rules, challenges in proving fault, and dealing with insurance companies all make it harder to recover compensation. That’s why it’s important to consult a lawyer early. We can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and give an honest assessment of your case.

If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a free consultation with us today.