West Virginia Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycles provide freedom for those who ride them: freedom from walls, luggage, stop-and go-traffic. They also provide freedom from safety features that protect drivers, such as airbags and seatbelts. Without these safety features, even relatively minor accidents can have catastrophic effects. Thousands of motorcycle accidents every year are fatal, with tens of thousands more resulting in injuries. All of these accidents are preventable, meaning that if someone was injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t their fault, they could receive compensation for the damages they have suffered.

The Causes and Consequences of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are caused by the same factors as any other motor vehicle accident: distractions, negligence, reckless driving, and hazardous road conditions. Accidents are often a result of a combination of one or more of these factors, with the severity of the accident often correlating with the number of factors. For example, an accident caused by wet roads is made worse when one or more parties is speeding.

Some common situations that lead to motorcycle accidents:

  • Tailgating
  • Passing without sufficient space
  • Left hand turns
  • Merging without sufficient space
  • Sudden breaking
  • Opening driver side doors
  • Wet/icy roads

All of these situations can lead to accidents that could be dangerous for drivers in cars, but are especially catastrophic for those on motorcycles. Without the protection of airbags, seatbelts, and tons of metal surrounding them, motorcyclists often suffer serious injuries even in seemingly minor accidents.

Some common injuries:

  • Broken bones
  • Crushed limbs
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Temporary or permanent paralysis
  • Spinal/neck injuries
  • Amputations
  • Burns
  • Death

Filing A Claim For Your Motorcycle Accident

If the accident you were involved in was not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages you have suffered. These damages can include the costs associated with your physical injuries, the cost of repairing your bike, and compensation for the psychological impact the accident had on you. These costs are normally covered by the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Damages Related to Physical Injuries

The costs associated with physical injuries don’t stop with copays and ER bills. People who require immediate medical attention are often hit with bill after bill once they get out of the hospital, from ambulance costs, to diagnostic expenses, to the cost of treatment. While health insurance covers some of the costs, it rarely covers everything. Financial devastation is not an uncommon result of motor vehicle accidents; the high medical costs are why the at-fault party is often responsible for compensating all out-of-pocket expenses.

Property Damage

Property damage includes any damage done to your possessions. This could be your motorcycle, a watch you were wearing, your phone, or any other physical item of value. Broken items can be replaced or repaired by the at-fault party. If the item is irreplaceable and irreparable, the at-fault party may be required to refund the value of the item. The exact value of the item is determined by an appraiser.

Further Damages

Physical injuries and property damage are not the only impacts of motorcycle accidents on victims; the consequences are often further reaching. Emotional damages, wage loss, temporary disability benefits, and wrongful death benefits are a few more of the damages that can be claimed. If you want to know what costs you are eligible to claim, contact one of the experienced personal injury lawyers at Skinner Accident and Injury Lawyers.

Contacting An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

The best way for you to know that you are getting the maximum compensation is to hire the best personal injury lawyer you can. Here at Skinner Accident and Injury Lawyers, we understand how devastating a motorcycle accident can be to all aspects of your life, and we are here to provide strong representation and help you recover.

The attorneys at Skinner Accident and Injury Lawyers are experienced, skilled, and ready to fight for your best interests in court. For help with your case, contact us today at 304-725-7029.