Motorcyclist Whose Leg Was Amputated After Virginia Accident Receives $385,000

Severe leg fractures and even amputations are not uncommon in motorcycle accidents, even when the accident occurs at a low rate of speed.

I was saddened to read the details of an accident reported in Virginia Lawyers Weekly in which a 47-year-old auto mechanic was riding his motorcycle to work in July, 2012 when he was hit by a vehicle driven by a 71-year-old man.

The driver had stopped at a stop sign. However, he pulled out without seeing the motorcycle, causing a crash. The rider’s leg fractures were so serious he was hospitalized at VCU Medical Center for 24 days. His right leg had to be removed below the knee.

The defendant admitted liability and lawsuit was filed against his insurance company. Virginia Lawyers Weekly reported a settlement of $385,000 was reached in the case. The defendant paid $85,000 of his own money to the motorcyclist, selling his home to make the payment.

This sad case demonstrates how one lapse of concentration on the highways of Virginia can have terrible consequences. Motorcyclists have considerably less protection than the drivers of cars and are vulnerable to injuries that lead to amputations. The attorney for the plaintiff was John C. Shea from Richmond, VA. All cases are different and we cannot guarantee the same result in your case, although we will do all we can to fight for your rights.

The leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Virginia is cars. On many occasions I have represented motorcyclists who have been very seriously injured by a moment of carelessness or the failure of another driver to notice them.

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Virginia Beach or elsewhere in Virginia or north eastern North Carolina, call the Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers at 757.455.0077.