Charleston Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle wrecks can be life-altering, and working through the aftermath of one requires both legal expertise and a commitment to justice. A Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer can make sure that you understand your rights, fight for your fair compensation, and help rebuild your life after a crash.

We offer free consultations to discuss the rights you have under West Virginia law.

The Risks of Riding Motorbikes in Charleston

Charleston’s scenic highways and byways attract many motorcyclists.

Unfortunately, they also present some challenges and risks. Our city’s mix of busy urban streets, rural highways, and ever-changing weather conditions can all increase the danger of accidents. Distracted drivers, hazardous road conditions, and limited visibility are common contributors to motorcycle collisions as well.

Unlike victims of car accidents, motorcyclists have very little protection in a crash, even with helmets and other safety gear. Because of this, injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries are all too common.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that motorcyclists are twenty times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle crash than passenger vehicle occupants and four times more likely to be injured.

Motorcyclists are an important part of the Charleston community, and they deserve to ride safely without fear of being unnoticed or treated unfairly after an accident. Your motorcycle accident lawyer in Charleston will not only advocate for you but also work to raise awareness about motorbike safety.

Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks in Kanawha County

Many motorcycle accidents happen because other drivers don’t see the motorcyclist or misjudge their speed.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone or with passengers, or allowing other distractions can miss motorcyclists until it’s too late
• Left-Turn Collisions: Cars turning left at intersections will often fail to yield to oncoming motorcycles, leading to accidents
• Speeding: Driving too fast not only reduces reaction time for both motorcyclists and drivers but also increases the likelihood and severity of accidents
• Road Hazards: Obstacles like potholes, debris in the road, and uneven pavement also pose a greater threat to motorcyclists than to drivers of larger vehicles
• Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers are more likely to make dangerous mistakes that endanger motorcyclists

Understanding the cause of your accident is critical in building a strong case. When you work with a Charleston motorcycle accident attorney like ours, you can expect us to conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and consult experts to establish liability.

Why You Need a Charleston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The legal process following a motorcycle accident can be confusing and overwhelming. Having to deal with insurance companies, mounting medical bills, and lost wages adds stress to an already difficult situation, especially when you’re still recovering from injuries.

A motorcycle accident lawyer in Charleston helps you navigate these challenges by offering legal guidance and advocating on your behalf.

Insurance companies will often try to minimize payouts by arguing that the accident was the motorcyclist’s fault or by downplaying the severity of their injuries. An experienced attorney understands these tactics and knows how to counter them with evidence and a clear presentation of facts. When you work with one of our attorneys, we’ll make sure that you get the fair compensation you need for losses such as medical expenses and pain and suffering.

However, it’s important to note that West Virginia’s comparative negligence laws mean that any compensation you’re owed may be reduced if you’re found even partially at fault. Your motorcycle crash lawyer will fight to minimize any percentage of fault and maximize your potential recovery.

The Legal Process After a Motorbike Crash

The legal aftermath of a motorcycle accident involves several key steps, and it’s vital to have qualified legal representation to make sure that each is handled correctly.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Initial Consultation: A motorcycle accident lawyer begins by listening to your account of the incident and reviewing the details of your case. This meeting is your chance to ask any initial questions, discuss your concerns, and learn about potential next steps.
• Investigation and Evidence Collection: To build a strong case, your lawyer will gather evidence like police reports, medical records, eyewitness statements, and photos or videos of the crash scene. Sometimes, they’ll work with accident reconstruction experts to help determine exactly how and why the motorcycle crash in Charleston happened.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often aim to settle claims quickly and for as little cost to themselves as possible. Your attorney will be familiar with these tactics and negotiate on your behalf, using the evidence they’ve gathered to support your claim and fight for fair compensation.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your Charleston motorcycle accident lawyers may recommend filing a lawsuit. This step involves preparing legal documents, adhering to deadlines, and representing your interests in court in Kanawha County.
• Settlement or Trial: Many motorcycle accident cases are resolved through a settlement between the victim and the insurance company, but sometimes, a fair agreement can’t be reached, and the case must proceed to trial. In either scenario, your lawyer aims to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To

As a motorcycle accident victim, you may be eligible for several types of compensation based on the circumstances of your case. These can include:

• Medical Expenses: This covers past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover lost income and be compensated for diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: This includes repairs or replacement for your damaged motorcycle and any other personal property.

A motorcycle accident lawyer in Charleston evaluates your case and helps you understand the full scope of compensation you may be entitled to.

The Importance of Acting Quickly After a Motorcycle Wreck

Per the West Virginia statute of limitations for personal injury claims, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. If you fail to act within that time, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

Another reason that it’s important to act promptly is that evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories may fade as time passes. Talking with a lawyer as quickly as possible after your accident helps preserve critical evidence.

Recovering from a motorcycle accident is never easy, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. Forbes Law Offices can help. A Charleston, WV motorcycle accident lawyer on our staff can provide the legal guidance and support you need to pursue justice and maximum compensation.

Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income, or emotional trauma, one of our experienced attorneys can help you focus on healing. At the same time, we handle the complexities of your case.

With the right legal representation, you can hold negligent parties accountable and work toward a future where motorcyclists in Charleston can enjoy the freedom of the open road with greater peace of mind.

Meeting with our attorneys for a free initial consultation doesn’t cost you anything, nor do you have to pay any upfront fees if we represent you in your legal matter.

Contact us today for a free consultation.