Short Pump Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Helping motorcycle riders pursue the compensation they deserve for motorcycle crashes in Virginia
Motorcycle riders enjoy Short Pump for many reasons, including the freedom of the open road, affordability, and the friendships they make with fellow riders. However, these pleasures come with risks. Wind, rain, and uneven road conditions can make motorcycles harder to control, and many drivers fail to watch for or respect motorcyclists. When crashes occur, riders are far more likely to suffer serious injuries.
At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we have the skills and experience with motorcycle safety issues to show the cause of your accident and who is responsible. We can seek compensation for your financial and personal damages, such as your medical costs, physical and emotional trauma, and lost income. We’re ready to help you now.
In one case, our firm obtained $700,000 for a motorcycle accident victim who suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Past results do not guarantee or predict future outcomes. Each case is different.
How can we help?
- Why are motorcycle accidents so serious?
- What are the different ways motorcycle accidents happen in Short Pump?
- What causes motorcycle crashes?
- How does Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers advocate for motorcycle accident victims in Short Pump?
- Who is responsible for motorcycle crashes in Short Pump?
- What are the common types of motorcycle accident injuries?
- What laws regulate motorcycle riding in Virginia?
- What compensation can Short Pump motorcycle accident victims receive?
- What happens if my negligence contributes to a motorcycle accident in Virginia?
- Do you have a Short Pump motorcycle accident lawyer near me?
Why are motorcycle accidents so serious?
Motorcycle riding is dangerous. Unlike cars and trucks, even the most experienced rider still must cope with wind, rain, potholes, and other dangers that make controlling a motorcycle difficult. If an accident occurs in Short Pump, a motorcycle lacks a hood, roof, doors, or trunk to protect the rider. During a crash, riders can collide with another vehicle and then with the hard ground.
These challenges are why many motorcycle accidents cause serious injuries (some catastrophic) and fatalities.
What are the different ways motorcycle accidents happen in Short Pump?
At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we have several decades of experience and resources to handle all types of motorcycle accidents, including the following:
- Head-on accidents. These accidents are often due to a driver missing a turn, driving while distracted, driver intoxication, or passing without enough room.
- Left-hand turn accidents.Motorcycle accidents can occur when a vehicle is turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle.
- Lane splitting.This type of motorcycle accident may happen when a motorcycle changes lanes, sometimes riding in the same lane as another vehicle.
- Lane switching.Drivers of large vehicles need to be aware of smaller motorcycles when changing lanes.
- Roads with curves. It’s hard to keep a motorcycle upright when riding on sharply curved roads.
- Rear-end accidents.Cars and motorcycles should keep a safe distance from vehicles in front of them. Driver distraction and speeding are common causes of rear-end accidents.
- Single-vehicle accidents.A motorcycle crash can occur without another vehicle due to road hazards, weather conditions, mechanical failures, or loss of control.
- Dooring accidents.Drivers of vehicles with doors (such as cars and trucks) need to look for motorcycle drivers who could crash into the door when a driver opens the door.
- Riding in groups accidents.Motorcycle riders who ride in groups need to understand where to position themselves to avoid colliding with other riders.
- Hard braking. If the front brake of a motorcycle locks, your motorcycle could flip over.
What causes motorcycle crashes?
Our Short Pump motorcycle accident lawyers work with investigators, the police, other liability experts (when necessary), and through the discovery process to show how collisions happen and who is liable. Motorcycle accidents may happen for many reasons, including the following:
- Drivers of cars and trucks who fail to respect the right of motorcycle drivers to be on the road
- Drivers of cars and trucks who fail to understand how to drive when motorcycles are nearby
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Driver distraction (texting, using a cell phone, eating, drinking, and other distractions)
- Speeding, failing to yield, and other Virginia traffic violations
- Driving too fast for the weather or traffic conditions
- Driving while tired
- Dangerous road conditions
- Defective motorcycle parts
- Motorcycle operator inexperience or negligence, including:
- Driving in groups improperly
- Turning improperly
- Lane splitting (which is illegal in Virginia)
- Not having the correct motorcycle equipment
- Failing to inspect the motorcycle before each trip
- Failing to control a motorcycle on inclines
- Other types of motorcycle riding negligence
Motorcycle operators should consider enrolling in an approved motorcycle education course.
How does Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers advocate for motorcycle accident victims in Short Pump?
At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we have the experience and working relationships with liability and medical professionals to fight the insurance companies.
Our personal injury lawyers advocate for motorcycle accident victims in the following ways:
- We can examine the police report and talk with officers about the accident if necessary.
- Hire investigators who examine the accident site and the damage to the vehicles, talk with witnesses, and question whether any businesses or neighbors have video of the accident.
- Work with traffic reconstruction experts and product safety experts in appropriate cases.
- Question the defendants in writing and in person.
- Question any witnesses in person.
- Review the scope and severity of your injuries with your doctors, including the diagnosis, necessary treatments, possible complications, and the cost of your medical care.
- Review your financial damages.
- Negotiate with the defendants' insurance companies.
- Argue your case before a Henrico County jury if no settlement can be reached.
Who is responsible for motorcycle crashes in Short Pump?
At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we can file personal injury and wrongful death claims against everyone responsible for your motorcycle accident, including the following:
- A car driver
- A truck driver
- A motorcycle driver
- An employer of a negligent driver
- The owner of the negligent driver’s vehicle
- A manufacturer of defective motorcycle parts, such as throttles, electrical systems, brakes, tires, and clutches
- The Virginia Department of Transportation, Henrico County, or other entities/agencies – as permitted by Virginia law
What are the common types of motorcycle accident injuries?
At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we handle all types of catastrophic, permanent, chronic, and/or serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), other types of head trauma
- Paralysis and other types of spinal cord damage
- Traumatic amputations/loss of limb
- Burns
- Fractures/broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Organ damage
- Tissue injuries – including muscle, nerve, ligament, and tendon damage
- Back, shoulder, and neck injuries
- Loss of hearing or sight
- 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 regulate motorcycle riding in Virginia?
Virginia motorcycle laws require the following:
- A valid license with a motorcycle classification/endorsement (or other lawful authority to operate a motorcycle).
- Riders and passengers must wear helmets that meet or exceed Snell, ANSI, or DOT standards.
- Eye protection is also required unless the motorcycle is equipped with an approved windshield.
- Operators must wear a face shield, safety glasses, or goggles unless the motorcycle is equipped with safety glass or a windshield.
- Passengers must have a separate seat and footrest.
There are separate requirements for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and mopeds.
What compensation can Short Pump motorcycle accident victims receive?
At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we can seek compensation for the following:
- All your reasonably necessary medical bills from healthcare providers
- All your lost income and benefits, including wages and business income
- All your daily physical pain or emotional suffering
- Property damage, including damage to your motorcycle
- The inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
- The loss of bodily function
Our lawyers may seek punitive damages in cases involving willful or reckless misconduct, such as extreme intoxication, subject to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s $350,000 statutory cap.
We can also file wrongful death claims if a motorcycle accident is deadly. Wrongful death damages include the funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support, the loss of personal support (companionship, comfort, and society, sorrow, mental anguish, and solace), and any outstanding medical bills due to the motorcycle accident.
What happens if my negligence contributes to a motorcycle accident in Virginia?
Virginia has a strict contributory negligence law. This means you generally cannot recover compensation if you were even partially at fault for the accident, subject to limited exceptions such as the last clear chance doctrine. At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we work to show that the defendants were responsible.
Do you have a Short Pump motorcycle accident lawyer near me?
Our office is located at 3315 West Broad Street in Richmond. Our lawyers also consult with new clients by phone and through online video. We can make alternate arrangements to meet with you if your health prevents you from traveling.
We can guide you step-by-step through the claims process.
Speak with our Short Pump motorcycle accident attorneys today
It’s natural to be anxious. Many motorcycle accidents cause serious injuries. Many motorcycle accidents are tragically fatal. At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we help victims and families hold those responsible accountable. We can seek compensation for all your personal and financial losses. We have the experience and resources to try cases in Henrico County.
To schedule a free consultation, please contact us. Our Short Pump motorcycle accident lawyers handle motorcycle accident claims on a contingency fee basis. We serve clients throughout Virginia.