A motorcycle accident can leave you with catastrophic injuries and no way to pay for them. But if the accident was the result of another person’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for these and other damages.
Do not delay; call a personal injury lawyer in Arlington County at the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC today at 571-229-1800.
What Damages Are Recoverable After a Motorcycle Accident?
In general, you can pursue compensation for damages from any individual or company whose negligence caused your motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle accident injuries can vary widely, but often they are very severe and involve head trauma, road rash, and bone fractures. Recoverable damages might include:
- Medical expenses (both immediate and ongoing)
- Rehabilitation costs
- Cost of mobility aids, home modifications, medical equipment
- Physical therapy and counseling
- Miscellaneous expenses (e.g., gas to get to your doctor’s appointments, etc.)
- Cost of childcare, if you are unable to do so
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity (if you had to work fewer hours, take a different job, or retire)
- Loss of family relationships
- Mental anguish
- “Pain and suffering” and inconvenience
In all personal injury and accident cases, the burden of proving the other party’s fault and negligence falls on you and your attorney. We will have to prove the extent of your injuries and the claimed consequences of the injuries. Through all this, the at-fault party’s insurer will attempt to shift at least part of the blame to you.
However, we are ready to defend against these accusations and protect the compensation you deserve.
How Do I Recover Compensation?
To recover compensation, you must be able to prove another party caused your accident. This involves proving the other party’s negligence caused your accident and injuries. The following are common examples of driver negligence that often cause motorcycle accidents:
- A driver turning left at an intersection did not see you and turned in front of you, hitting you and causing you to fly off your bike.
- A driver changed lanes without looking in her blind spot, hitting you and causing you to suffer road rash.
- A distracted driver rear-ended you at a stop light, causing spinal cord injuries.
Proving this requires evidence, such as:
- Police reports
- Surveillance video
- Red light camera footage
- Witness testimony
- Medical records
- Photos from the scene
Arlington County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 571-229-1800
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Not Wearing a Helmet?
The short answer: yes — but with some qualifications. Virginia law requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets.
However, while Virginia law does require the use of helmets, the law also makes it clear that not wearing a helmet does not constitute negligence per se. So not wearing a helmet does not bar you from recovering compensation for your injuries.
However, while not wearing a helmet cannot affect whether you can recover damages, it can affect the amount of compensation you can recover. If, for example, wearing a helmet could have prevented a specific injury, you may not be able to receive compensation for that injury.
Suppose you suffered broken ribs, a broken leg, and head trauma. In this instance, you may be able to receive full compensation for the broken ribs and leg, but not the head injury.
The Parrish Law Firm legal team will attempt to establish that wearing a helmet would not have had any effect on your injuries.
Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Arlington County Help Me with Settlement Negotiations?
Settlement negotiation is an integral part of the motorcycle accident claim process. It is also the part where insurance companies may try to intimidate you into accepting less than you deserve.
But we will not let that happen. We will stand with you and protect you from the insurer. And because Jim Parrish used to represent insurance companies, we have the inside experience necessary to fight for you against the tricks and tactics of the insurance companies.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How Can Parrish Law Firm, PLLC Help Me?
When you file a motorcycle accident claim, you will be dealing with an insurance company whose goal is to pay out as little as possible — if anything at all. And insurance companies often use underhanded tactics and extreme measures to weaken and discredit your claim. Jim knows all about that. But he will not let the insurers bully you. Jim will protect your claim and your right to compensation from greedy insurers.
Parrish Law Firm, PLLC focuses exclusively on personal injury and accident cases. This targeted focus, coupled with our compassion for clients, earned us the Client Satisfaction Award from the American Institute of Personal Injury Lawyers. But you do not need to simply take our word for it. Schedule a consultation with us to see how we might be able to help you.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Arlington County Today
Parrish Law Firm, PLLC is ready to help you get the compensation you need and deserve — to fight for your legal rights. We have the experience, skill, and resources to go toe to toe with insurance companies. Call us today: 571-229-1800.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form