Motorcycle riders face risks every time they get on the road. Each year, an average of 5,000 bikers are killed on U.S. roadways. It’s a sobering statistic, especially when you consider that motorcycles only make up around 3% of vehicles on the road. Over the last decade, motorcycle deaths have increased by 19%.
Reckless or negligent drivers contribute to motorcycle accidents through behaviors such as aggressive driving, distracted driving, and failure to yield. Their actions, such as sudden lane changes without signaling or disregarding traffic rules, increase the risk of collisions with motorcycles, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for motorcyclists who lack the protective structure of a vehicle.
Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Norfolk, Virginia can be a daunting experience, especially when injuries are severe. In the wake of such incidents, the importance of seeking a personal injury lawyer cannot be overstated. Hiring a skilled and experienced attorney becomes a crucial step towards ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the accident.
NORFOLK MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER RICHARD SERPE
As a Norfolk personal injury attorney, Richard Serpe fights for those injured in accidents caused by a negligent party. He’s earned a reputation as a well-respected, hard-working attorney with a tenacious approach to every case he takes on. As well, Richard Serpe has a track record of success in obtaining favorable jury verdicts and settlements for his clients.
Best Lawyers® (2005 – Present), Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating (highest given), Super Lawyer: top 5% of lawyers in Virginia (2006 – Present), Avvo.com: Rated 10/10 – “Superb.”
Motorcycle Accident Client Review
“My experience with Richard Serpe can be summarized in two words, “absolute trust.” I came to Mr. Serpe on the advice of a friend after a car hit me while riding my motorcycle. I immediately sensed that Mr. Serpe was an extremely capable and professional attorney whose sole objective would be to look out for my best interests; and that’s precisely what he did.
He was candid and thorough when discussing the circumstances of my case and always ensured I understood the legal process and what to expect next. His advice was invaluable and enabled me to reach a settlement that fairly compensated me for the injuries I sustained and provided me with financial security.
I would not hesitate to contact Richard Serpe again if the situation necessitated it; I would recommend him to anyone.” – Don
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT SETTLEMENTS
Various forms of financial recovery are available depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident. Your entitlement to compensatory damages may include:
- Medical Costs: Your motorcycle accident-related expenses, encompassing emergency transport services, hospital bills, ongoing treatment costs, and prescription medications, can all be considered in your settlement.
- Lost Wages: If you missed work due to the accident, the pay you lost out on is recoverable in a motorcycle wreck settlement. Whether you missed a week or a month of work, you shouldn’t bear the financial burden of lost wages due to another driver’s negligence.
- Pain and Suffering: While it’s challenging to assign a monetary value to the pain and suffering experienced by motorcycle accident victims, the psychological damage often endured in such crashes may be factored into your settlement.
- Wrongful Death: In cases where motorcycle accidents result in fatalities, families are often burdened with substantial medical costs, funeral expenses, and lost income. While compensation cannot fully make up for these losses, it can provide financial support to help families move forward.
COMMON CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
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Rear-end collisions by cars and trucks
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Improper lane changes or the failure to use turn signals
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Motorcyclists forced off the road by a car or truck entering their lane of traffic
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Poor road conditions, such as potholes and excessive gravel on the highway
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Excessive speed causes reckless and careless driving
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Drunk drivers and drivers under the influence of drugs
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Failing to obey traffic laws – running stop signs, red lights, failing to yield
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Texting and distracted drivers
COMMON MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURIES
- Road Rash: Abrasions and lacerations caused by contact with the road surface.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Impact with the ground or other vehicles can lead to fractures or breaks in limbs, particularly in the hands, arms, legs, and collarbones.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries, including concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries, can result from impacts, even with the use of helmets.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord may lead to paralysis or other long-term neurological issues.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause injuries to internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or spleen.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common in motorcycle accidents.
- Dislocations: Joints may become dislocated due to the impact, leading to pain and impaired mobility.
- Facial Injuries: Injuries to the face, including fractures, lacerations, or dental injuries, often result from impacts with the ground or other objects.
- Amputations: Severe accidents may lead to traumatic amputations of limbs.
- Eye Injuries: Debris, shattered glass, or impacts can cause eye injuries, ranging from minor abrasions to more severe damage.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (DEADLINES)
Strict deadlines in Virginia limit the time motorcycle accident victims have to file a lawsuit. Two years is the standard Statute of Limitations for personal injury claims and lawsuits, but deadlines can be shortened in certain circumstances. Speak with a Virginia motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines and miss out on compensation entirely.
NORFOLK MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Contact the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC if you or your loved one was involved in a Norfolk, Virginia motorcycle accident. With over 37 years of experience and hard-won results, Richard Serpe has the knowledge and expertise to recover the compensation you deserve. Call or text us anytime at 757-233-0009.
