Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Charleston, WV
Overview
Motorcycle rides in The Mountain State offer some of the most incredible views in the United States. Whether you ride through the streets of Charleston, up and down US 250, or on US-33 through the Shenandoah Valley, you understand why there’s nothing like riding a motorcycle. But riding on two wheels also brings additional risks.
Many people ride for enjoyment, but others like the cost efficiency of a motorcycle. While anyone on the road can suffer an injury, a motorcycle rider is the most vulnerable and suffers the most serious injuries. Data from 2015 from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that motorcyclists are five times more likely to suffer accident injuries than drivers of passenger cars or trucks.
Before you ride, it’s important to understand West Virginia’s motorcycle laws, including wearing a helmet. Even if you practice proper safety and ride within the law, the unfortunate reality is that too many car and truck drivers have no idea how to share the road. Many accidents between motorcycles and passenger vehicles are due to the drivers of these vehicles who either ignore motorcyclists or refuse to respect a rider’s rights.
COMMON CAUSES OF A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
Although an accident can happen anywhere, anytime, there are some common reasons for one:
- Bad weather with poor visibility
- Inexperienced or distracted drivers
- Alcohol and/or drugs
- Vehicle defects
- Suboptimal road conditions, such as potholes, cracks, or road construction
- Speeding
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
A motorcyclist doesn’t have the same protection as the cab (or the frame) of a car. That means that an accident can lead to injuries such as:
- “Road Rash” and other contusions
- Scarring
- Dislocated joints
- Broken bones
- Loss of limb through amputation
- Soft tissue injuries (muscle, ligament, tendon)
- Lower body injuries (foot, ankle, and leg injuries)
- Upper body injuries (chest, abdominal)
- Back injuries, including slipped and herniated disks
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Paralysis and nerve damage
Many people believe that motorcyclists are “dangerous,” when in fact, the opposite is true. In truth, more motorcycle crashes happen because drivers fail to recognize motorcyclists and pull out into their path. Drugs, alcohol, fatigue, and other factors like distracted driving can also prevent a driver from detecting a motorcycle’s presence so that they ignore it completely. Chances are that the other driver and their insurer will likely lay the blame for the accident on the motorcycle rider.
WHY YOU NEED A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Once you’re on the road to recovery from your accident, the reality of details sets in. Missing work. Doctor’s appointments. Getting your bike fixed. And the inevitable call from the other party’s insurance company trying to settle your case quickly.
You answer the phone and hear a friendly voice ready to talk about your claim. They may tell you how they can quickly and easily resolve your claim so you don’t need to get an attorney involved. What do you do?
Thank them, don’t say another word, then hang up and call us.
An insurance company does not want to pay any money and will work to pay you as little as possible to settle your claim. Their adjusters and defense lawyers will look for anything to ruin your claim, including any statements you make, recorded or not. That’s why you shouldn’t speak with them, either.
If you talk to them, chances are your claim will settle for less than you could receive than if you are represented by an attorney. But you won’t know that because there is an adjuster on the other end who is telling you that it’s all your case is worth and that you don’t need legal counsel.
That’s exactly why you do need a Charleston, WV, motorcycle accident attorney.
WHAT WE’LL DO FOR YOU
The Love Law Firm is experienced in handling accidents of all kinds, including motorcycle accidents. We understand what’s involved in getting to the point of settlement or taking the case to court.
When you work with us, you get our years of experience in handling cases like yours. We collect police reports, witness statements, and any other evidence to thoroughly investigate your case and find out what really happened. Then we’ll discuss our findings with you and discuss how to proceed. The insurance adjusters and their legal team won’t bother you because we are the ones they have to call—not you.
An accident attorney will protect your interests and ensure that you’re receiving a fair and equitable settlement that meets your needs. Accident victims represented by legal counsel more often receive higher settlements than those who settle claims on their own.
Because a defendant and their insurer will lay blame on the rider, a motorcycle accident attorney will work to rebut these arguments and help you recover the settlement you need. Contact one immediately, and don’t speak to anyone else about your case.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT TO RECOVER IN A CHARLESTON MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIM?
In a motorcycle claim or lawsuit, we work for a settlement that covers all of your expenses, including:
- Medical expenses, past and future
- Lost wages, past and future, as well as diminished earning capacity
- Physical impairment and disfigurement
- Pain & suffering
- Any other applicable losses or damages
We will also explore punitive damages, which are intended to punish the negligent party for reckless conduct that led to the accident and injuries.
Our firm will work to recover from every party that contributed to your motorcycle accident injuries. We’ll also review all insurance coverage you have available. Additionally, we’ll assertively rebut any efforts to assign the negligence to you to decrease your settlement.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to a motorcycle accident, we can also bring a wrongful death claim and work for survivor damages on behalf of your loved one.
Get The Leading Motorcycle Accident Lawyer On Your Side
Pursuing a motorcycle accident case is a highly complex affair, and it is important to have an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side who can aggressively investigate and pursue your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and hold the responsible party accountable for negligence.
Contact the Love Law Firm online or at (304) 344-5683 for a free consultation regarding your case.
Phone:
(304) 344-5683
