Motorcycle crashes are rarely minor. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, or seat belts, riders often suffer serious injuries even in collisions that would be considered “moderate” for passenger cars.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Hampton Roads, you may be facing surgery, extended recovery, time away from work, and uncertainty about how your medical bills will be paid. At the same time, insurance companies may begin building a case designed to shift blame onto you.
At the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, understand both the medical realities and legal challenges unique to motorcycle claims.
For nearly four decades, Richard J. Serpe has helped the injured recover substantial compensation. Whether your crash occurred in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, Williamsburg, Smithfield, or Virginia’s Eastern Shore, our attorneys are prepared to help.
Consultations are free, and you owe no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Why Injured Riders Choose The Serpe Firm
Selecting an attorney after a serious motorcycle crash is an important decision.
Our Norfolk-based law firm is known for careful case development, detailed investigation, and personalized attention. We do not operate as a high-volume settlement practice. Instead, we devote substantial time and resources to each case we accept.
Attorney Richard J. Serpe has more than 40 years of experience representing seriously injured individuals throughout Virginia. He has been repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers and is respected for thorough preparation and strong client advocacy.
Attorney Ashley E. Strandjord works closely with injured clients to build well-documented claims designed to withstand scrutiny from insurance carriers and defense counsel. Her approach combines meticulous legal analysis with clear, consistent communication.
When you work with the Serpe Firm, you receive:
- Decades of experience representing the injured
- Personalized attention & responsive communication
- Thorough case preparation to maximize recovery
- No legal fees unless we win your case
Whether your motorcycle accident occurred in Hampton Roads or anywhere in Virginia, our legal team brings the experience and advocacy you deserve during this difficult time.
Motorcycle Accidents Are Different From Car Accidents
Motorcycle cases require a different legal strategy.
Riders frequently face unfair assumptions, including claims that they were speeding, weaving through traffic, or “hard to see.” In Virginia, those accusations carry serious consequences because the state follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If an injured rider is found even slightly at fault, recovery can be barred entirely.
Motorcycle crashes also tend to involve:
- More severe physical trauma
- Longer recovery periods
- Greater risk of permanent disability
- Higher overall medical costs
Because of these factors, insurance companies often defend motorcycle cases aggressively. Thorough preparation from the beginning can make a significant difference.
Motorcycle Crashes in Hampton Roads
Our firm represents riders injured in collisions caused by:
- Drivers making unsafe left turns
- Failure to yield at intersections
- Sudden lane changes into a rider’s path
- Distracted or texting drivers
- Rear-end impacts in heavy traffic
- Drunk or impaired motorists
- Commercial vehicle negligence
- Roadway debris or hazardous conditions
Traffic congestion near the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel, and major interstates such as I-64, I-264, and I-664 increases the risk of sudden stops and inattentive driving. Military-related traffic near Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Base Langley-Eustis, as well as seasonal congestion in Virginia Beach, further heighten danger for motorcyclists.
Serious Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Because riders lack structural protection, injuries are often catastrophic. We frequently handle cases involving:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Road rash requiring skin grafts
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ injuries
- Permanent nerve damage
- Disfigurement and amputations
- Fatal motorcycle crashes
These injuries can require extensive hospitalization, ongoing rehabilitation, and long-term medical care. Our role is to ensure your claim reflects not only your current expenses but also the future impact of your injuries.
What Happens After You Contact Our Firm?
Your potential case begins with a free consultation. We review how the collision occurred, discuss your injuries, and determine if we are the right firm to help.
If we move forward together, we typically:
- Conduct an Independent Investigation: We obtain police reports, analyze photographs, review medical records, and when necessary, consult accident reconstruction professionals.
- Manage All Insurance Communications: We handle discussions with insurance adjusters to protect you from tactics designed to minimize your claim.
- Evaluate Full Damages: We assess medical expenses, lost income, future care needs, and the overall impact of the injury before entering settlement discussions.
- Pursue Litigation if Required: If a fair settlement is not offered, we are prepared to file suit and present your case in court.
Virginia’s Deadline for Motorcycle Accident Claims
In most cases, Virginia law allows two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently prevent you from pursuing compensation.
Certain circumstances, particularly those involving government entities, may involve shorter notice requirements. Prompt legal advice is important.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
- See a doctor if you haven’t already; your health comes first
- Preserve any photos, documents, or accident information
- Consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney
Early legal guidance can protect critical evidence and prevent costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Claims
How is a motorcycle accident claim valued?
Compensation depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost earnings, long-term limitations, and available insurance coverage. Because motorcycle injuries are often severe, these claims can involve substantial damages.
What if the driver claims they didn’t see me?
Drivers have a legal duty to maintain a proper lookout. Failure to notice a motorcycle is not a legal defense to negligence.
Will my case settle or go to trial?
Many claims resolve through negotiation. However, if a reasonable settlement is not offered, we are prepared to pursue litigation.
Our Clients Say it Best
“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.” – Google Review
Speak With a Hampton Roads Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash anywhere in Hampton Roads (or Virginia), you do not have to face the legal process alone.
Our Norfolk-based law firm is ready to evaluate your case, explain your rights, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to recover.
Your consultation is free. You owe no attorney’s fees unless we obtain compensation on your behalf.
Call 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us to schedule your free case evaluation.
