Mechanicsville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Helping injured riders restart their lives after a motorcycle crash in Virginia
Motorcycle riders along the roads in Pearsons Corner, Dogwood Knoll, Brandy Creek Estates, or the other neighborhoods and main streets of Mechanicsville risk accidents every day. Bad weather, potholes, disrespectful car drivers, and other reasons can cause a motorcycle crash.
At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, our team of lawyers has the experience to hold car, truck, and motorcycle drivers accountable for the injuries and deaths they cause. Our Mechanicsville motorcycle accident lawyers understand why motorcycle accidents happen and who is responsible. We seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, motorcycle damage, pain and suffering, and other damages.
In one motorcycle accident case, our firm recovered $700,000 for a motorcycle accident victim, a police officer, who suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Past results do not guarantee or predict future outcomes. Every case is different. Contact us now to discuss your rights.
How can we help?
- How dangerous are motorcycle accidents?
- What types of motorcycle collisions do you handle in Mechanicsville?
- What causes motorcycle accidents in Mechanicsville?
- How do your Mechanicsville motorcycle accident lawyers help accident victims and their families?
- Who do you hold accountable when motorcycle accidents happen in Mechanicsville?
- What types of injuries do motorcycle accidents cause?
- What laws govern motorcycle riding in Virginia?
- How much is my Mechanicsville motorcycle accident worth?
- What happens if I’m partially at fault for a motorcycle accident in Virginia?
- Do you have a Mechanicsville motorcycle accident lawyer near me?
How dangerous are motorcycle accidents?
Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. The initial danger is being involved in an accident. The second danger is that when accidents do occur, the risk of a serious injury or death is higher than that for cars because motorcycles do not provide the physical protection (no roof, hood, trunk, or doors) that cars do.
What types of motorcycle collisions do you handle in Mechanicsville?
At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we handle all types of motorcycle crashes, no matter how complex. Some of the motorcycle accidents we handle include the following:
- Head-on accidents. These crashes often occur because one vehicle is traveling in the wrong direction due to driver distraction, missing a turn, or trying to pass when there is not enough room.
- Left-hand turn accidents. Intersection accidents involving drivers who are turning right or left, or traveling straight, are dangerous. Left-hand turn accidents are generally the most dangerous because the vehicle turning left can pass in front of an oncoming vehicle.
- Lane splitting. This type of accident may occur when a motorcycle weaves in and out of traffic lanes, sometimes riding in the same lane as another vehicle.
- Lane switching. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles need to be careful when trying to pass, trying to move into a different lane, or trying to exit a highway. Drivers of larger vehicles may not be able to see a smaller motorcycle when changing lanes.
- Roads with curves. Generally, it’s more difficult to keep a motorcycle rider stable when riding on sharply curved roads.
- Rear-end accidents. Cars should never drive too closely to a motorcycle in front of them. Likewise, motorcycle riders should keep a safe distance from the car in front. A pothole, a car that stops suddenly, or other events can cause a rear-end accident to occur.
- Single-vehicle accidents. At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we represent passengers when operators drive negligently, injuring or killing a passenger.
- Dooring accidents. Car and truck drivers should look for motorcycles when opening their doors. Otherwise, a motorcycle operator could crash into the door.
- Riding in group accidents. Riders need to have the experience and understand the proper procedures for riding in groups. It’s nice to ride with friends, but riders should understand where they need to position themselves when riding with other riders.
- Hard braking. If the front brake locks, your motorcycle could flip over.
What causes motorcycle accidents in Mechanicsville?
We can work with the police, our investigators, and others to show how motorcycle accidents happen and why they are due to negligence.
Causes of vehicle accidents, including motorcycle accidents, may include the following:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving while distracted (such as driving and texting, using a mobile phone, looking at a GPS, eating, or drinking)
- Speeding, driving too closely, passing improperly, or other Virginia traffic violations
- Driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions
- Driving while tired
Causes of motorcycle accidents that more commonly affect motorcycles may include:
- Drivers of larger cars and trucks who fail to respect the right of motorcycles to be on the road
- Drivers of larger cars and trucks who do not react properly when a motorcycle is nearby
- Potholes, construction work, roadkill, and other dangerous road conditions
- Defective motorcycle parts, including brakes, throttles, and electrical systems
- Motorcycle mistakes which may include:
- Driving in groups improperly
- Handling turns improperly
- Lane splitting (which is illegal in Virginia)
- Failing to have the correct motorcycle equipment
- Failing to handle a motorcycle on inclines and at high speeds
- Motorcycle rider inexperience
Motorcycle riders may benefit from taking an approved motorcycle education course.
How do your Mechanicsville motorcycle accident lawyers help accident victims and their families?
At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, our accomplished trial attorneys work with a network of liability and medical professionals to stand up to large and powerful opponents and insurance companies.
Some of the steps we can take include the following:
- Review the police reports and speak with the police called to the scene of the accident.
- Work with investigators who examine the accident site, speak with eyewitnesses, inquire whether any businesses or neighbors have video, and make many other inquiries.
- Work, when necessary, with traffic reconstruction experts and product safety experts to show what happened.
- Make formal demands to see the relevant insurance policies.
- Formally question the defendants in writing and in person.
- Formally question any witnesses in person.
- Review every aspect of your injuries (diagnosis, prognosis, treatments, your pain, and your limitations) with your physicians.
- Make a demand for compensation to the insurance carriers.
- Negotiate just and fair settlements.
- Argue your case before a Hanover County jury if there is no just and fair settlement.
What types of injuries do motorcycle accidents cause?
Our Mechanicsville motorcycle accident lawyers handle all types of catastrophic, permanent, or serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and other types of head trauma
- Paralysis, herniated disks, and other types of spinal cord damage
- Broken bones/fractures
- Traumatic amputations/loss of limb
- Lung, kidney, and other types of organ damage
- Burns
- Tissue injuries – including nerve, muscle, tendon, and ligament damage
- Back, neck, and shoulder injuries
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Crush injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
One common motorcycle injury is road rash. Road rash occurs when a rider slides along the ground after falling from the motorcycle. Road rash can cause infections, flu-like symptoms, and severe skin damage. Victims may need skin graft surgery, plastic surgery, and other types of immediate treatments. Victims may also need psychological help to cope with any scars or disfigurement.
What laws govern motorcycle riding in Virginia?
Virginia motorcycle laws include the following:
- Operators need a valid motorcycle license.
- Owners must properly register their motorcycles.
- Virginia law generally requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear protective helmets, and for operators to use a face shield/safety glasses/goggles or have the motorcycle equipped with safety glass or a windshield.
- Passengers must have a separate seat and footrest.
Mopeds and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have their own separate requirements.
How much is my Mechanicsville motorcycle accident worth?
At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we can work with your physicians, employers, motorcycle repair experts, other experts – and you – to verify all your damages so far and all the future damages you will likely have.
We can seek compensation for the following:
- Medical bills of every nature by every type of healthcare provider, including emergency care, hospital stays, doctor visits, psychological care, medications, and assistive devices and technology.
- Lost income and benefits.
- Every moment of physical pain or emotional suffering.
- Property damage, including the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle, depending on the amount of damage.
- The loss of bodily function.
- The inability to enjoy life’s pleasures.
- The loss of consortium (marital comfort and enjoyment).
We may seek punitive damages in cases involving willful or reckless misconduct, such as extreme intoxication, subject to Virginia’s $350,000 statutory cap.
Our Mechanicsville motorcycle accident lawyers file wrongful death claims if a motorcycle accident is fatal. Many motorcycle accidents are deadly. Wrongful death damages include the funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support, and the loss of personal support (love, guidance, comfort, and companionship).
What happens if I’m partially at fault for a motorcycle accident in Virginia?
Unlike most states, Virginia has a strict contributory negligence law. In many cases, if you’re even slightly at fault, contributory negligence can bar recovery. The strictness of this law is one of the many reasons accident victims should consult with an experienced trial lawyer. At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we work to show that the defendants were responsible for the motorcycle accident.
Do you have a Mechanicsville motorcycle accident lawyer near me?
Yes. We can meet with motorcycle accident victims at our office located nearby at 3315 West Broad Street in Richmond. Our lawyers speak with clients by phone and through online video if necessary. We can make alternate arrangements to meet with you, such as meeting you at your home, if your injuries prevent you from traveling.
We can prepare you for each stage of the claims process.
Contact our Mechanicsville motorcycle accident attorneys today
We understand how traumatic motorcycle crashes are. At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we’re ready to fight for your future. While many motorcycle accident claims settle, we’re always ready to present your case before a judge and jury. To schedule a free consultation, please contact us. Our Mechanicsville motorcycle accident lawyers handle personal injury and wrongful death claims on a contingency fee basis. We serve clients throughout Virginia.