As with any other motor vehicle, operating a motorcycle involves the risk of getting into an accident. However, accidents involving motorcyclists are frequently catastrophic, often resulting in devastating if not deadly harm.
If you were hurt on Interstate 81 or a city road while riding your motorcycle due to the negligence of another person, a seasoned attorney in the area could determine whether you are eligible for financial recourse. If so, a hardworking Augusta County motorcycle accident lawyer could guide you through the legal process to ensure you are fairly compensated for your losses.
The characteristics that make motorcycles so appealing to many can also be the source of significant harm. These vehicles lack the safety features present in cars and trucks, such as seatbelts and airbags, and no metal body surrounding riders and passengers exposes them to severe injuries. Due to this, motorcycle wrecks can often result in catastrophic injuries, including:
To reduce the occurrence of life-altering repercussions, Virginia enforces safe driving rules that apply to everyone on the road. Unfortunately, even if motorcyclists follows all these laws, a reckless motorist can still put them at severe risk of harm. Hardworking attorneys in Augusta County could help injured motorcyclists seek financial restitution for losses suffered in an accident.
In addition to the general rules of the road, motorcycle operators must comply with specific laws directed just at them. These requirements establish the biker’s right to operate on Virginia roadways, like any other motor vehicle. They also direct riders on how to operate their bikes safely.
When riding in Virginia, everyone on the bike must wear a helmet and, if there is no windshield, drivers must wear protective eye gear or be in violation of Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-910. All riders and passengers must sit on permanent seats intended for that purpose, under Va. Code § 46.2-909, and Va. Code § 46.2-912 requires that motorcycles have headlights, horns, and rearview mirrors unless specific circumstances apply.
Additionally, Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-857 prohibits unsafe driving tactics such as riding more than two bikes abreast in a lane and lane splitting. Lane splitting is a dangerous maneuver where a rider passes other vehicles by driving between them when traffic comes to a crawl or stops.
If a motorcyclist is found to be in violation of the Virginia Code, it could cost him or her the right to compensation. Many states require plaintiffs to own up to their role in causing an accident and reduce awards accordingly, but Virginia follows the stringent rule of contributory negligence.
Under this rule, if an individual’s behavior in any way contributed to the cause of the injury, that person may not receive any compensation. This rule is so strict that even if the defendant is 99 percent to blame for the accident, the one percent attributable to the plaintiff bars him or her from recovery. The severity of the injuries incurred will have no bearing on this outcome.
People injured in motorcycle accidents should work with experienced lawyers in the area to improve their chances at a full recovery.
Motorcycle wrecks can lead to devastating, life-long injuries. Picking the right lawyer to represent you could help you reach a satisfying resolution to your case. Our Augusta County motorcycle accident lawyers have the knowledge, experience, and compassion to handle your case with the care it deserves. If you are ready, call our office today to get started on your claim.
