Many motorcycle enthusiasts in Virginia enjoy the freedom of riding on the open roads. Additionally, most riders follow safety precautions and do their part to operate their motorbikes carefully. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the drivers of standard passenger cars. Negligent drivers often divert their care and attention away from the road, resulting in a severe crash with an innocent motorcyclist.

If you ride a motorcycle and were hit by a careless or reckless driver, you deserve a personal injury advocate from The Warren Firm to protect your rights in court. A Harrisonburg motorcycle accident lawyer could uphold your integrity and demonstrate that you were not responsible for the crash in question.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

While there are many different factors that could cause a motorcycle accident, some patterns are more prevalent than others. Typical aspects that might cause a motorbike crash include but are not limited to:

Inattentive Driving

Generally speaking, distracted, inattentive, or careless driving is one of the most common causes of an unexpected crash. For instance, when a vehicle makes a left turns or changes lanes without checking the relevant blind spots, your life could be forever changed.

Road Hazards

In some situations, debris or items left on a road could cause you to lose control and crash. If a government agency or a trucking company failed to keep a roadway clean, for example, they might need to face liability for the wreck.

Open Car Doors

Finally, many car drivers cause crashes by suddenly opening their door on a busy road. When this happens, you could hit the door or suddenly swerve into another lane and strike another vehicle. Injuries associated with these incidents could be severe.

However, these are not the only things that could cause a local motorcycle accident. Thankfully, if you are unsure about what contributed to your motorbike crash, a seasoned Harrisonburg attorney could investigate the accident scene and work to determine exactly what happened.

Injuries Associated with Motorcycle Crashes

Since motorcycles travel at high speeds and offer little protection from hazards, the injuries that people suffer in these accidents are usually quite severe. There are many different ways that motorcyclists get hurt.

Road Rash

If you fall off your motorbike and skid on the pavement, you could experience skin abrasions or road rash, ranging from mild to severe and depending on how fast you were travelling. These wounds should not be underestimated because they are highly susceptible to infections, permanent scarring, and disfigurement.

Severe Concussions or Traumatic Brain Damage

In general, severe concussions and trauma to the brain are the most common injuries that people suffer in motorcycle crashes. A direct blow to the head or neck could cause irreversible damage. Thankfully, when you wear a helmet, you significantly lessen the chances of a serious head injury.

Spinal Cord Wounds

Meanwhile, in many motorcycle accident cases, riders are left with catastrophic injuries to their back or spinal cord. These wounds can, unfortunately, result in serious pain or permanent paralysis. If this happens to you, you might need years of dedicated and personalized treatment.

Internal Organ Damage

Finally, many riders are left with internal bleeding or damage to vital organs after colliding with a car. Normally caused by blunt-force trauma, these wounds require immediate and professional medical treatment.

If you are recovering from any of these painful injuries, you might be feeling like you are without options. However, a compassionate lawyer in Harrisonburg could advocate on your behalf and pursue compensation that reimburses you for all the injuries suffered in your motorcycle accident.

Respecting the Local Statute of Limitations

It is important to remember that, just like most personal injury claims, motorcycle accident cases are usually subject to a strict time limit. According to Virginia’s code section 8.01-243, you have two years to submit your lawsuit if you were hurt in a motorcycle crash.

Adhering to this deadline might be challenging, especially if you were left with severe injuries that require an extended recovery period. Thankfully, a proactive attorney in Harrisonburg has experience with this statute and could work to keep your motorcycle accident claim on track.

Meet With a Harrisonburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If a careless driver hit you while you were riding your motorcycle carefully, it is important for you to remember that you likely have options for seeking justice. For instance, a skilled legal representative could fight to represent your best interests in court. The sooner you reach out to a Harrisonburg motorcycle accident lawyer from The Warren Firm, the better. To speak with a team member and schedule your initial consultation, reach out to us online today.