At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we know how insurance companies try to minimize payouts, and we have the experience, resources, and determination to stand up for injured riders. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Choose Our Newport News Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?
Choosing the right lawyer after a motorcycle accident can have a major impact on your case. Our Newport News personal injury attorneys understand the unique challenges injured riders face and know how to build strong claims under Virginia law. We offer comprehensive representation and compassionate support throughout the claims process. Here is what sets our attorneys apart:
- Successful litigation in jury trials in both federal and state courts
- Award-winning services, including recognition from Super Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Lawyers of Distinction, and Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia
- We never represent insurance companies and are solely focused on protecting injured riders
- Free consultations with no upfront fees
- A history of partnering with Road Guardians to support accident scene management courses for the riding community
- Our deep connections to the Newport News community and our commitment to our Hampton Roads neighbors
- Individualized representation that focuses on your situation and goals
- A team with more than 235 years of combined experience in personal injury law
Our commitment to Virginia’s riding community goes beyond legal representation. As a proud partner of Support Bikers by The Badgers, we help support local riders through initiatives like the Wrecked Rider Fund and stand with injured motorcyclists during some of life’s most difficult moments.
“The commercial says don’t need to worry, they were right, all I had to do is to get well, they handle everything. Thank you, Cooper Hurley. They went beyond.”
Aleshia F.
At Cooper Hurley, you will experience very knowledgeable and passionate people. Yes they are lawyers and paralegals, so on and so forth but most of all they are people. As such, they are down to earth, and patient as they navigate you through your process. They listen and help you get what you want. Customer service the way it is supposed to be. Refreshing huh?
Darryl
OMG!! I have had the most wonderful experience with Cooper Hurley!! Ms. Monique walked me through the entire process and pretty much held my hand the entire way. I truly felt like I was part of the CH family. I would recommend them to anyone that is in need of assistance. Thank you so much for all that you’ve done!
Gabbie M.
Proven Results for Injured Motorcyclists
Our track record reflects our commitment to helping injured motorcyclists recover the compensation they need after serious crashes. In one case handled by our team, we secured a $7 million settlement that helped an injured motorcyclist recover compensation for catastrophic injuries, ongoing medical care, lost income, and other damages after a serious crash.
$177k
for navy man injured while riding motorcycle in Virginia Beach
$150k
for motorcycle accident victim
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Newport News?
Motorcycle accidents can occur for many reasons, but they are often the result of another driver’s negligence. Our Newport News lawyers have helped injured riders pursue compensation after crashes caused by:
- Left-turn collisions: Drivers turning left at busy intersections often fail to see approaching motorcycles, resulting in devastating crashes.
- Distracted driving: Motorists who are texting, using navigation systems, or otherwise distracted may overlook nearby riders.
- Failure to yield: Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield to motorcyclists’ right-of-way while entering traffic or crossing intersections.
- Unsafe lane changes: Drivers who fail to check blind spots before changing lanes can sideswipe or force motorcycles off the road.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of motorcycle crashes.
- Drunk driving: Impaired drivers pose a significant danger to motorcyclists because they have slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
- Road hazards: Potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, and debris on roads such as Mercury Boulevard or Jefferson Avenue can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
Identifying Liable Parties After a Motorcycle Accident
Determining liability after a motorcycle accident is a critical step in pursuing compensation. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties may be responsible for causing your crash and resulting injuries.
Other Drivers on the Road
Negligent drivers may have caused the crash by failing to use safe driving practices. Distracted driving, violating traffic rules, and not sharing the road with motorcyclists could have contributed to the accident.
Municipalities or Government Agencies
In some cases, government entities may share fault for your motorcycle accident. There are also instances in which a government employee operating a vehicle may cause a motorcycle accident. These cases can be especially challenging and often have special notice procedures that must be followed. Often, the city, county, school board, or town argues it has immunity against an injury or wrongful death case. We have extensive experience navigating these cases against the government for our injured clients and their families.
Commercial Vehicle Drivers and Companies
Parts or Equipment Manufacturers
Faulty equipment or defective vehicle parts can also lead to a motorcycle accident. You can take legal action against these manufacturers to recover damages and get back on your feet.
Our attorneys have extensive legal knowledge and understand the steps required to prove liability and fight for fair compensation in these cases.
How Do You Prove Liability After a Motorcycle Accident?
You must establish four legal elements to hold another liable under Virginia law. These include:
- Duty: The defendant had a legal duty. For example, another driver has a duty to follow the rules of the road and operate their vehicle safely.
- Breach of duty: The defendant fails in their duty. For example, a careless driver may be speeding or texting, both of which violate traffic laws.
- Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty caused your motorcycle crash. A texting driver who fails to see a motorcyclist switching lanes could cause an accident.
- Damages: The accident resulted in damages, including injuries, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photos, videos, medical records, and expert testimony can help support a motorcycle accident claim. Our attorneys have extensive legal knowledge and know the steps to take to prove liability and fight claims of contributory negligence in your case.
Available Compensation After a Newport News Motorcycle Crash
Compensation is designed to help injured motorcyclists recover financially, physically, and emotionally after an accident. However, the exact type of compensation you are entitled to will depend on the severity of your injuries and the facts of the case.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to quantifiable monetary losses, including payment for the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Future medical bills
- Lost future wages
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the more difficult-to-quantify effects on your life. They can include payment for the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Inconvenience
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Depression and anxiety
Punitive Damages
Courts award punitive damages as punishment for particularly egregious behavior. In Virginia, the courts cap punitive damages at $350,000. Punitive damages is additional money awarded to an injured person to punish an at-fault driver and to send a message to the community that certain conduct will not be tolerated. Common instances in which Virginia law will permit a claim for punitive damage are hit-and-run cases and some drunk driving cases.
How Does Virginia’s Pure Contributory Negligence Rule Affect Your Compensation?
Virginia follows a pure contributory negligence rule, one of the strictest fault laws in the country. If you are found even 1% at fault for causing a motorcycle accident, you cannot recover compensation from the other party.
Insurance companies know how powerful this rule is and often look for ways to shift even a small amount of blame onto injured riders or play into biker bias. Successfully challenging those allegations requires a thorough investigation and strong evidence.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can gather dash cam footage, surveillance video from nearby businesses, eyewitness statements, accident reconstruction analysis, expert testimony, and other evidence needed to establish fault and protect your right to compensation.
Virginia Motorcycle Laws That May Affect Your Case
Virginia’s motorcycle laws can significantly affect how fault is determined and whether an injured rider can recover compensation. Several state laws may apply when pursuing a motorcycle accident claim or lawsuit.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Under most circumstances, Virginia’s motorcycle helmet laws require motorcyclists and their passengers to wear protective helmets and safety glasses or goggles while operating or riding the vehicle. However, failure to follow helmet requirements does not determine fault. You can still pursue a personal injury claim even if you were not wearing a helmet.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting, or riding between lanes, is unlawful in Virginia. However, two motorcycles can share a single lane. If a rider is accused of improper lane use, it may affect how insurance companies or courts assess liability in an accident.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
Motorcycles must have a muffler, a speedometer, and proper mirrors. Violations of these requirements may be used as evidence when determining whether a motorcycle was operated safely or whether a defect contributed to a crash. Often it can be successfully argued that minor or irrelevant equipment issues did not contribute to the wreck and all blame lies with the other driver.
Motorcycle Passengers
Passengers may ride only on a motorcycle equipped with a passenger seat and designed to carry more than one person. Failing to meet these requirements could affect a claim if the violation contributed to the accident or a passenger’s injuries.
Proceeding Through Red Lights
Motorcyclists may proceed through an intersection on red if they are fully stopped for two traffic light cycles or two minutes. Understanding this exception can be important when determining whether a rider legally entered an intersection after a light failed to change.
An attorney can explain how these laws apply to your specific situation. Consult our Newport News team today to discuss your case.
The Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Virginia
In Virginia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. However, there are unique circumstances that may affect the filing deadline, such as cases involving government entities or minors. Meeting with an attorney immediately after your accident can ensure proper evidence is preserved and that you fully understand your legal rights for filing a claim.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Crash in Newport News?
You are not required to hire legal representation. However, it is a smart decision. A motorcycle accident attorney supports injured riders throughout the claims process, not just during settlement negotiations.
When you choose to partner with our dedicated lawyers, we can take on the investigation of the crash, gather evidence, handle insurance companies, and protect you from contributory negligence arguments. Similarly, our team has extensive experience in calculating damages and representing clients in court if necessary.
Motorcycle crashes often cause life-changing injuries, and determining fair compensation requires looking beyond current medical bills to account for future needs. At Cooper Hurley, we have experience handling complex motorcycle cases. Our case results include securing a $7 million result for a rider who suffered a life-altering injury after another driver turned left in front of him.
Our legal team will establish the full extent of your damages, using medical and financial evidence to build claims that account for both immediate and future needs.
Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers Will Fight for You
Our experienced legal team at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers understands the challenges injured riders face. We have the knowledge, resources, and dedication needed to take on insurance companies and pursue the compensation you deserve.
As The Car Crash Experts, we are committed to providing trusted legal guidance and strong advocacy for motorcycle accident victims throughout Newport News and Virginia. Contact Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers today at (757) 333-3333 to schedule your free case evaluation.
