Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to preserving the rights of motorcycle operators and winning crash victims the compensation that they deserve. The personal injury lawyers at Epperly & Follis, P.C. understand the complexity of motorcycle accident laws and have experience in gathering evidence and preparing cases that are critical to winning your claim.
Motorcycles are becoming more popular and we are beginning to see more on the road every day. Drivers of trucks, cars, and semi-trailers need to keep a vigilant eye out for motorcycle operators due to their small size and lack of protection.
Other Automobiles Are Often Liable
Many of the on-road accidents that occur between a motorcycle and a moving vehicle are not the fault of the cyclist, but of the other vehicle. Often the drivers are inattentive to how close they are to the bike or they fail to see the rider altogether. This can result in the car or truck turning directly in front of the motorcycle, running a traffic signal or stop sign and causing a collision, following too close, or failure to share the lanes and running a bike off the road or into other traffic.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, there are several things you should do:
- Contact the police.
- Collect insurance and personal information from the other party involved.
- Seek medical treatment. Always see a doctor, even if you don’t feel hurt. Many injuries involved with vehicle accidents are sustained without immediate symptoms, such as connective tissue damage. By seeing a doctor after the accident, any injuries you have suffered will be well documented and be available for evidence if needed.
Take Proper Precautions
When a motorcycle is involved in a car collision, the results are often disastrous and can end in serious injury or death for the person(s) on the motorcycle. Brain injury, paralysis, multiple fractures, internal injury, and loss of limbs are some of the dangers that motorcycle riders face when they share the roads. That’s why proper precautions should be taken at all times to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Operators of motorcycles should always exercise caution while riding.
Some of the main crash hazards include:
- Other Vehicles
- Defective Parts
- Bad Weather
- Road Debris
- Roadway Construction
- Operator Error
- Speeding
Motorcycle operators should exercise proper etiquette while driving, avoid weaving in and out of traffic, and always signal before turning or switching lanes.
Many new drivers and riders lack experience and education in controlling the vehicle, especially while turning or taking corners. Lack of proper protection also contributes to injuries.
Wear Protective Gear
Motorcycle operators and passengers are required by Virginia law to wear an approved helmet while riding. Studies show that people not wearing a helmet during a crash are three times more likely to die than people who do. Helmets help to protect your head, face, and brain from serious injury and most do not impair the driver’s vision. Other protective gear can help to greatly reduce chances of road rash, broken bones, and serious injury. Standard riding gear often includes boots, pants, jackets, gloves, and glasses if the helmet is open faced.
While other drivers have the responsibility of being alert, the best key to safety is to be prepared to stay alert of changing situations in traffic.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights and interests. A qualified Virginia motorcycle injury lawyer can best determine who is liable for your injuries and help you win compensation to take care of past and future medical bills, loss of wages, and damages from pain and suffering.
Epperly & Follis is on your side, and we are prepared to help you through this difficult litigation while seeking financial compensation for your losses. If you or someone you love has been injured, please contact the motorcycle accident law firm at Epperly & Follis in Richmond, Virginia today for a free consultation at 1-888-703-0109 or (804) 648-6480, or contact us via our online Contact Form.