Roanoke Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Compassionate Advocacy for Injured Riders & Passengers

Motorcyclists face a much higher risk of injury and death in an accident than those in cars or trucks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists have a fatality rate per vehicle mile traveled that is more than 27 times higher than that of car occupants. In fact, motorcyclists are about 5 times more likely to be killed in a crash than those in passenger vehicles.

At Kalfus & Nachman PC, our Roanoke motorcycle accident lawyers understand the dangers motorcyclists face on the road. We are committed to helping those who have been injured or have lost a loved one in a crash caused by another person's negligence.

Do you need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Roanoke? Call (855) 880-8163 or contact us online today for a free consultation!

Virginia Motorcycle Laws

Understanding Virginia’s motorcycle laws is essential for riders and accident victims alike. These laws often play a key role in determining liability and the outcome of your case:

• Helmet Requirement: All motorcycle riders and passengers in Virginia must wear helmets that meet federal safety standards. Eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield, is also required unless the motorcycle is equipped with a protective windshield.
• Licensing: Riders must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license, obtained through training courses or testing.
• Insurance Requirements: Virginia requires motorcyclists to carry liability insurance or pay an uninsured motor vehicle fee. Coverage must meet the state minimums for bodily injury and property damage.
• Traffic Laws: Motorcyclists must obey the same rules of the road as other drivers, including speed limits, lane usage, and right-of-way laws. Lane splitting is illegal in Virginia.

Violations of these laws can complicate accident claims, especially since Virginia follows a pure contributory negligence rule. This means that if you are found even 1% at fault for your accident, you could be barred from recovering damages. That’s why it’s critical to have a skilled attorney advocating on your behalf.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to injury and death due to a number of factors. First, they have much less protection than those in cars or trucks. Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles have little to no safety equipment. This includes airbags, seatbelts, and even a roof. Second, they are much more difficult to see. Motorcycles are much smaller than cars and trucks and can easily get lost in a driver's blind spot. Third, they are less stable. Motorcycles are more prone to tipping over than cars and trucks.

The following are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

• Left-turn accidents
• Intersection collisions
• Lane changes
• Failure to yield
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Impaired driving
• Failure to see the motorcycle
• Opening car doors
• Weather conditions
• Motorcycle defects

What Are the Most Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle riders and passengers can suffer a wide range of injuries in a crash. These can include:

• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Road rash
• Lacerations
• Amputations
• Burns
• Soft tissue damage

In many cases, even seemingly minor accidents can cause life-changing injuries. Our Roanoke motorcycle accident lawyers know that even a seemingly minor accident can result in catastrophic injuries to a motorcyclist. This is due to the lack of safety equipment and the instability of motorcycles. We know how to investigate these cases and can help secure the compensation you need to get the care you need.

Compensation Available for Injured Riders

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Potential recovery may include:

• Medical Expenses: Current and future hospital bills, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to time away from work, as well as loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your motorcycle and damaged personal items.
• Wrongful Death Damages: For families who have lost a loved one, recovery may include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and lost financial support.

At Kalfus & Nachman PC, we work with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and financial professionals to ensure your claim fully accounts for the impact the accident has had on your life.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Virginia?

You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, according to Virginia’s statute of limitations.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during the crash?

While riding without a helmet may impact your case, you may still be eligible for compensation if another driver was at fault. However, insurance companies will likely argue that your injuries were worsened by not wearing one.

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Virginia’s contributory negligence law bars recovery if you are even slightly at fault. This is why working with a knowledgeable Roanoke motorcycle accident lawyer is critical to protecting your rights.

Should I talk to the insurance company after my accident?

You should avoid speaking with insurers without legal representation. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or use your statements against you.

How much is my case worth?

The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and other factors. An experienced lawyer can provide an estimate after reviewing your situation.

How Can an Attorney Help Me After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need a strong legal advocate on your side. Our Roanoke motorcycle accident lawyers know how to investigate a crash and can help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.

An attorney can help you with the following in a motorcycle accident claim:

• Investigating the accident
• Determining fault
• Calculating your damages
• Negotiating a settlement
• Representing you in court

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to file a claim against the driver, the motorcycle manufacturer, the motorcycle dealership, the helmet manufacturer, the helmet dealership, and/or the helmet retailer. We have the experience and resources to handle your case against all of these entities.

Let Our Firm Help You at No Upfront Cost

In most cases, our Roanoke motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means we are paid only if we recover compensation on your behalf. We do not get paid if we do not win.

Our team will work with you to determine the best way to recover compensation and will fight to ensure you get the maximum amount possible. We know how to negotiate with insurance companies and can help you get the care you need.

Contact our Roanoke motorcycle accident attorneys today at (855) 880-8163 for a free case review.