Charleston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Any kind of accident can be traumatizing for all parties, especially when there are motorcycles involved.

According to data from the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 83,000 motorcycle injuries and 5,932 motorcycle deaths in 2021. If you or someone you know has been in an accident on a motorcycle in West Virginia, we have an experienced team of Charleston motorcycle accident lawyers to walk you through all the details.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

As of 2021, there were 9.88 million registered motorcycles in the United States.

Although nearly 83% of motorcycle deaths happened in clear weather, most motorcycle crash fatalities occurred at night, with multiple vehicles involved, and in urban areas. Additional cars and dark roads increase the chances of a motorcycle accident happening, and when it does, the results can be devastating and deadly.

Data from the NSC shows that 53.25% of motorcycle crash deaths involved two vehicles, and 7.92% involved three or more vehicles. Additionally, 58.78% of motorcycle deaths involved drivers who were wearing helmets, and 71.6% were not alcohol-impaired at the time of the accident.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and are often easily overlooked on the roads, which can lead to disastrous accidents and injuries. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Speeding
• Distracted drivers
• Fatigued drivers
• Poor weather or road conditions
• Failing to yield to a motorcyclist
• Illegal turns or lane changes
• Following too closely
• Failing to leave enough space for a motorcyclist

Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Damages

Every accident case is different, and results vary widely depending on the severity of injuries.

While an experienced lawyer can’t guarantee results, they can give you some idea of what compensation may look like, and that can include:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Property damage
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Emotional or mental distress
• Funeral expenses

Even if you, as the motorcycle driver, contributed to the crash in some way, you may still be able to recover compensation under West Virginia law. Your lawyer knows that if you are found less than 50% at fault, you may still collect a portion of your damages.

Injuries From a Motorcycle Accident

Because motorcycles are smaller and the drivers and riders are far less protected than the drivers and occupants in other vehicles, when an accident involving a motorcycle occurs, the injuries are usually far more severe.

Motorcycle injuries can include:

• Spinal cord injury
• Head and brain injury
• Body disfigurement
• Back, neck, and shoulder injury
• Burn injuries or road rash
• Partial or total paralysis

These are just some of the common injuries that motorcyclists can suffer from when they’ve been in an accident, and unfortunately, sometimes, these accidents can lead to permanent injury or even death.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash

In the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle crash, things can be confusing, and you may be hurt, but it’s important to try and follow these steps as best you can:

• Call 911
• Exchange information with the other parties involved
• Do not admit fault
• Seek medical attention
• Hire a lawyer

Motorcycle accident cases may take a long time to resolve because the involved drivers usually have severe injuries. Typically, it’s not advisable to settle your claim until treatment of your injuries is complete.

If you rush too quickly into a settlement, you may not get full compensation for your claim.

The statute of limitations in West Virginia is generally two years from the date of a collision, but it’s always a good idea to start your claim as soon as you can and have a good lawyer on your side.

Motorcycle Crash Liability

According to West Virginia law, liability in an accident is shared by all parties involved, meaning that anyone who contributed to the accident will be held at fault in some capacity. If a motorcycle driver wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, they can be held at fault for some of their own injuries, even if they didn’t cause the accident.

Insurance companies often try to paint motorcyclists as reckless and irresponsible, especially if they aren’t wearing a helmet. This is why it’s important to have a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney on your side.

Help Is a Phone Call Away

Although an accident can be confusing and overwhelming, it’s important to know your rights and have someone experienced on your side. If you or someone you know has been in a motorcycle accident, you don’t have to file or fight on your own, especially if you’re injured.

Reach out to our office today so that we can help you with your claim and take some of the stress off your shoulders.