Williamsburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents in Williamsburg are thankfully rare, but when they do happen, the consequences are often severe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death, and motorcyclists are up to 24 times more likely to die in a crash than car drivers.

As a personal injury firm with over fifty years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases, Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law has seen just how devastating these incidents can be. Whether you’ve been hit while riding or you’ve lost a loved one, our Williamsburg motorcycle accident lawyers can help you review your legal options and pursue compensation for the traumatic event you’ve endured.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident in Williamsburg?

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Williamsburg, getting a lawyer is not just a good idea—it’s crucial. In Virginia, the law follows a pure contributory negligence rule, which is one of the toughest in the nation. This means that even if you are found to be 1% at fault for the accident, you could be completely barred from receiving compensation.

Because of this, defendants and their insurers will often try to shift the blame onto the victim. They will do everything they can to argue that you played a role in the accident, even if it’s minimal. Without a lawyer on your side who understands how this law works and how to fight these tactics, you could find yourself without the compensation you deserve.

What Does a Williamsburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do For Me?

A motorcycle accident lawyer’s goal is to help you secure the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of managing a claim or lawsuit. Motorcycle accidents, even seemingly minor ones, often result in serious injuries that can affect your life for weeks, months, or even years. These injuries can be physically and emotionally draining, and the last thing you need is to worry about the complexities of the legal process.

Your lawyer will handle every aspect of your case—from investigating the accident and gathering critical evidence to filing paperwork and meeting strict deadlines. Additionally, your lawyer will take the lead in all communications with insurance companies, ensuring that you aren’t taken advantage of by adjusters who may try to downplay your injuries or minimize your compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Crash?

Liability in a motorcycle accident can involve multiple parties, and you may be surprised to learn that in some cases it can even include those that were not present at the crash site. Here are some examples of parties that can be held liable:

• The other motorist: Most motorcycle accident cases involve a regular passenger vehicle. In these cases, the driver who hit the motorcyclist is typically the liable party.
• Commercial trucking companies: When a motorcyclist is hit by a commercial vehicle, such as a UPS truck, the trucking company may also be held liable in addition to the driver themselves. These cases can be more challenging, as many large trucking companies invest heavily in their legal team.
• State, local, or federal government: In cases where a motorcyclist is hit by a government vehicle, such as a city bus or police car, there are unique legal challenges for victims. Unlike typical personal injury claims, the statute of limitations for filing a claim against the government in Virginia is only six months, so it’s important that you seek a lawyer well before this deadline.
• Vehicle manufacturers: Some accidents may involve a mechanical failure, such as faulty brakes. Whether this malfunction happened to you or the driver who hit you, the vehicle or parts manufacturer may be liable.
• Property owners: Many motorcycle accidents happen in parking lots, driveways, or recreational areas. If your accident resulted from the poor maintenance of these areas, you may be able to file a claim against the property owner.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accident Cases

• Brain injuries, including TBI and concussions.
• Road rash
• Broken bones and sprains
• Spinal and neck injuries
• Coma or paralyzation
• Emotional injuries such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety

What Damages Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?

Damages refer to the specific types of compensation that a motorcycle accident victim and their family can receive for their loss. These are typically broken up into two categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages: This category of damages covers quantifiable financial loss, including, but not limited to, medical treatment and prescription costs, mechanic and towing costs, and wages you may have lost while you were recovering.

Non-Economic Damages: Motorcycle accident victims may suffer from emotional trauma that makes it challenging for them to socialize, work, or do the things they love. Non-economic damages aim to compensate for these effects.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Crash in Williamsburg

Even the most minor motorcycle accidents require immediate action to protect yourself, bystanders, and the strength of your claim. Here are the general steps you should follow:

1. Call 911. Even in cases where no immediate injuries are obvious, it’s always a good idea to call 911, or at the very least, the non-emergency police line. This not only ensures the safety of yourself and others around you but it will also initiate a traffic report, which is crucial if you intend to pursue a lawsuit.
2. Document the crash site. If it’s safe to do so, take pictures of the crash site, your injuries, your motorcycle, and other vehicles that may have been involved. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, as well as with other bystanders and witnesses.
3. Get a medical examination. If you don’t receive emergency medical treatment on the day of the accident, it’s imperative to your health (and your case) that you receive a medical evaluation as soon as you can. Many injuries, including brain and spinal injuries, do not manifest immediately after impact.
4. Notify your insurance. Depending on your insurance policy and the severity of the accident, you may be required to notify your insurance company of the accident within a few days.
5. Call a motorcycle accident lawyer. Once you’ve addressed your medical needs, you’ll want to secure legal representation. From there, your lawyer will conduct an in-depth investigation of the accident and begin building your case.

Williamsburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: FAQs

Below are a few of the most common questions our firm receives from clients who have suffered a motorcycle accident. If you have additional questions, we encourage you to contact one of our Williamsburg motorcycle accident attorneys directly for a free consultation.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Virginia?

In most cases, you’ll need to file a motorcycle accident claim within two years in Virginia. However, this statute of limitations can change depending on certain circumstances. For example, if the person filing the claim is under the age of 18, the statute of limitations is typically extended two years past their 18th birthday. In other cases, such as ones that involve a government vehicle, the victim is usually required to file within six months.

How much does it cost to hire a Williamsburg motorcycle accident attorney?

Most motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency basis which means you don’t have to pay anything unless they win your case. Huffman & Huffman is one such law firm that uses this system.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during the accident?

Even if you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, you still have the right to file a motorcycle accident claim in Virginia. It is important to note, however, that this can make winning your claim more difficult, as the insurance company will almost certainly use this against you.

Do you have a motorcycle accident lawyer near me?

Huffman & Huffman’s offices are conveniently located near the Williamsburg area. Our closest office is at 12284 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23606.

Contact Our Experienced Williamsburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

Recovering from a motorcycle accident victim can feel like an insurmountable challenge, but with Huffman & Huffman, you’re in good hands. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are excellent communicators and skilled advocates who will be with you every step of the process. Contact us today for a free consultation.