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Suffolk Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Every year, there are thousands of motorcycle crashes in Virginia, many of which result in fatalities and severe injuries. Motorcyclists who are victims of accidents often experience physical and emotional trauma as well as significant financial stress. A Suffolk motorcycle accident lawyer with Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can help you pursue a fair settlement to compensate you for the pain and suffering you experienced due to someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior.  Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers is the first law firm in Virginia with access to video footage from 978 traffic cameras throughout the state. If there is footage of your accident, Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers’ Crash Cam may have the critical evidence needed to win your case.

Although any type of road accident can be dangerous, motorcycle operators are at an especially high risk of suffering physical, mental, and emotional pain and distress. Even motorcyclists who follow the rules of the road and exercise great caution can be injured due to the carelessness of another motorist. If you are a motorcyclist injured by someone’s negligence or recklessness, consider seeking financial recovery from the at-fault driver’s insurers with the help of a qualified Suffolk personal injury lawyer.  

Many potential pitfalls could derail a motorcycle accident claim, especially when insurance companies are reluctant to offer reasonable payouts. The expert attorneys at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers have the experience and knowledge necessary to ensure that your case is successful. We can identify your options, guide you through the claims process, and advocate for your rights.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Suffolk Help Me?​

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 2,053 motorcycle crashes in the state in 2022. Of those crashes, 113 resulted in fatalities, and 1,573 caused injuries. Many motorcyclists are killed or injured in these accidents through no fault of their own.  

After a motorcycle accident, focusing on your physical and emotional health is important. Unfortunately, navigating calls with insurance companies, gathering documentation, and researching state laws can create additional stress, distracting you from your recovery.  

A motorcycle accident lawyer in Suffolk can alleviate this burden by overseeing every stage of your accident claim, including the following:  

  • Collecting evidence: An experienced attorney will review critical evidence, including witness statements, police reports, toxicology reports, medical records, videos of the accident, and property damage, to determine exactly what happened and why.  
  • Building a case: With the evidence in hand, your attorney will build a convincing legal claim proving the other party was at fault for the accident that caused your injuries.  
  • Dealing with insurance companies: By dealing with the insurance companies involved in the case, your attorney will protect you from manipulation or pressure to accept a small settlement.  

A compassionate and dedicated motorcycle accident attorney is a valuable source of advice, insight, and support as you begin your recovery process.  

What to Do After Your Accident 

The actions you take in the days and weeks following your accident can significantly affect your claim’s success. Whether you’re a motorcycle operator who wants to be prepared for a potential accident in the future or a victim of an accident that recently occurred, knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident is vital. These are the essential steps:  

  • Contact the police to officially document the details of the accident.  
  • If you’re physically able, take photographs of the accident, including any damaged property. Also, get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.  
  • Visit a hospital or doctor to receive treatment, ensuring that your health care provider takes specific notes about your injuries and what caused them.  
  • Reach out to a qualified Suffolk motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your case.  

Keep in mind that your first priority following a crash should always be your health and safety. If you’re seriously injured, immediately seek emergency care. Witness statements, photographs, and police reports can wait until your condition is stable. 

You Don’t Pay Us Unless We Win  

Accident victims sometimes hesitate to seek help from an attorney because they worry they won’t be able to afford representation. At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we believe everyone deserves justice following an accident, no matter how much money they have. That’s why we offer free consultations to evaluate your case’s strengths and determine what damages you might be eligible to receive. If you decide to proceed with your claim, rest assured that we only charge a fee for our services if we win the case. We’ll never ask you to pay any money upfront to get started on your claim. 

Meet the Award-Winning Team at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers 

If you’re seeking a lawyer for a motorcycle accident in Suffolk, the attorneys at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers are ready to serve you. With vast experience in both out-of-court settlements and jury trials, our attorneys have deep knowledge of Virginia’s personal injury laws.  

John Cooper has over three decades of experience as a personal injury attorney and is a prominent car accident attorney in Suffolk. He’s ranked among the top 100 trial lawyers in Virginia.  

Jim Hurley has practiced law in Virginia for over 25 years, trying more than 100 cases before juries and reaching hundreds of settlements outside the courtroom. In addition to being a Suffolk truck accident lawyer, he also specializes in motorcycle accidents and other types of personal injury cases.  

Both partners hold a Top Lawyer designation by Coastal Virginia Magazine and the highest possible rating by Martindale-Hubbell.  

Our Results  

The distinctions awarded to the attorneys at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers result from many years of successful verdicts and settlements. Our most notable accomplishments include the following:  

  •  $7 million dollar settlement for a motorcycle accident victim who suffered a traumatic amputation of their foot. 
  • $6.5 million settlement for a car accident victim 
  • $5 million for a woman injured by a truck driver  
  • $177,000 awarded to an injured motorcyclist 
  • $150,000 settlement for a motorcycle accident victim 

Behind each of these numbers is a victim struggling to overcome the consequences of an accident. We strive to obtain a fair settlement that will empower accident survivors to move forward and rebuild their lives. 

What Damages Are Available in Motorcycle Accident Claims? 

Victims of motorcycle accidents often experience massive trauma that results in significant financial burdens. A 2023 study found that the average cost of hospitalization for a patient recovering from a motorcycle crash is just over $580 per day.  

While this number might not seem especially alarming, imagine the cost for a seriously injured victim who remains hospitalized for weeks or even months. Many victims also require medication, lengthy periods of rehabilitation, and follow-up visits with specialists and primary care providers. These costs accrue while an accident victim cannot work, creating an insurmountable mountain of bills.  

If you find yourself in this position, you may be able to seek damages with the help of a Suffolk motorcycle accident attorney. You may be eligible for both economic damages, which compensates for your quantifiable losses, and non-economic damages, which covers the harder-to-value losses. Potential damages include the following:  

  • Medical expenses: Medical care is expensive, particularly when victims suffer severe or life-threatening injuries. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may be eligible to receive damages for past, present, and future medical bills related to your accident.  
  • Lost wages: Many accident victims cannot work during their recovery period after an accident. Serious injuries may also cause you to lose wages in the future or have a diminished earning capacity because you cannot resume working in your previous position or field.   
  • Out-of-pocket expenses: A motorcycle accident may leave you with a long-term or chronic condition that requires modifications to your home to accommodate your physical limitations. For example, if you need a wheelchair, installing a ramp or lift chair may be necessary, and you can seek damages to cover these costs.  
  • Pain and suffering: Injuries from a motorcycle accident can be catastrophic, leaving the victim with ongoing pain and permanent disfigurement. You can include compensation for this suffering in your claim. 
  • Mental anguish: The effects of a motorcycle accident aren’t always limited to physical injuries. Your damages may also include the fear, anxiety, or depression you experience as a direct result of your accident.  

In some tragic cases, motorcycle accidents lead to fatalities, and compensation may be available if you have lost a loved one due to a collision. A Suffolk motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand the damages available in your wrongful death case and lead the fight for full compensation.

Injuries from Suffolk, VA Motorcycle Crashes 

Unlike drivers of cars and trucks, motorcyclists have very little to protect them from harm in the event of an accident. As a result, motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities are common. Data from the National Safety Council reveals that while motorcycles only represent three percent of all registered vehicles, motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and three percent of all occupant injuries in 2021.  

The physical consequences of a motorcycle accident range from minor scrapes to life-altering injuries, including:  

  • Broken bones  
  • Cuts  
  • Burns 
  • Road rash  
  • Crushed limbs  
  • Spinal cord injuries  
  • Traumatic brain injuries  
  • Amputations  
  • Paralysis  

Some of these injuries come with extremely high medical expenses and limitations on a person’s ability to work and enjoy life. For example, the lifetime costs of spinal cord injuries can reach $5 million. A motorcyclist with a damaged spinal cord may find it difficult to work and require assistive devices and rehabilitation. Motorcycle accident victims with traumatic brain injuries face similar economic and physical challenges.  

Unfortunately, even if you follow the law and use adequate protection, you may still sustain severe injuries in a collision with a car, truck, or bus. In some cases, you may get pinned beneath your motorcycle or struck by an oncoming car. Additionally, even with protective clothing, the lack of a metal frame on a bike makes road burns, amputations, and penetrating injuries more common.  

Since these injuries and their treatment usually bring high medical bills, talking with a Suffolk motorcycle accident lawyer is important if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a crash. If you’re still recovering in a hospital or rehabilitation center, our attorneys will be happy to come to you to discuss your claim.

What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Suffolk? 

Some motorcycle accidents are no one’s fault. Roads may be slick due to weather conditions, or an animal might suddenly move into a motorcyclist’s path. In other cases, the behavior of other motorists directly contributes to or causes motorcycle accidents.  

When the driver of a car or truck collides with a motorcyclist, there may be special factors at play, such as:  

  • Driving while intoxicated: Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or other substances have slower reaction times and are less likely to take note of their surroundings. Drunk driving is dangerous, illegal, and irresponsible behavior that can result in a motorcycle accident. 
  • Distracted driving: Because motorcycles are much smaller than cars and trucks, distracted driving poses a serious hazard. A driver who isn’t paying attention or is texting while driving can fail to notice a motorcyclist in an adjacent lane.  
  • Reckless driving: A motorist driving without regard for the safety of others is considered reckless. Drivers who exceed speed limits, tailgate, or ignore stop signs and signals can cause serious harm to motorcyclists in their path.  

In situations where another motorist was driving unsafely, police reports are especially vital pieces of evidence. They typically describe any illegal or inappropriate behavior on the part of the at-fault driver. 

Who Is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident in Virginia? 

Liability in a motorcycle case depends on the actions of the parties involved. Either or both parties can be considered at fault if they are found to have engaged in dangerous or reckless behavior, including:  

  • Driving under the influence  
  • Driving while distracted  
  • Running a red light  
  • Lane splitting  
  • Changing lanes without checking  
  • Speeding  

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, one party might be found solely responsible, or both parties might share responsibility. Winning a personal injury case in Virginia can be especially challenging because of the state’s pure contributory negligence rules. Under Virginia law, a victim who shares even the slightest responsibility for an accident is barred from receiving any damages.  

While many other states reduce the monetary damages a victim receives based on their level of responsibility, if you were even marginally responsible for an accident in Virginia, you get nothing. These complex laws highlight the importance of working with a knowledgeable and qualified motorcycle accident attorney who can help prove that you bear no fault for your accident. 

What Does it Take to Win a Motorcycle Injury Case? 

Even when a motorcyclist is not at fault for an accident, the insurance company for the responsible party may try to shift the blame, particularly if there weren’t many witnesses. As a result, an attorney must know how to properly pursue the case and achieve the best possible outcome. The key elements of winning a case include the following:  

  • Persistence in obtaining sufficient evidence to back up your claim  
  • Understanding that the insurance company will do whatever it takes to avoid a payout  
  • Identifying and clearly communicating the full extent of your injuries and suffering  
  • Knowing the complexities of Virginia’s laws for personal injury cases  

The Suffolk motorcycle attorneys at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers are prepared and qualified to give your case the attention and dedication it deserves. 

Virginia Motorcycle Laws

Virginia has several laws to reduce the frequency of motorcycle accidents and prevent injuries and fatalities. Motorcycle operators must have a Class M driver’s license. Most motorcycles are also required to have certain equipment, including:  

  • At least one headlight  
  • A taillight  
  • A working brake light  
  • A white light illuminating the license plate 

Motorcycle helmet laws in Virginia mandate that all motorcyclists wear protective helmets while operating their bikes. If a passenger is accompanying you on your bike, they must also wear a helmet. In addition, VA Code Ann. § 46.2-910 requires that all motorcycle operators wear or use one of the following:  

  • Face shield 
  • Safety goggles or glasses 
  • Bike-mounted safety shield or windshield 

Although you may not be able to fully prevent injuries from an accident caused by another motorist on a roadway, following these safety laws may help you limit their severity. It’s important to note that while failing to wear a helmet or face covering violates the law, it doesn’t stop you from filing a claim following an accident. Your failure to wear protective gear wasn’t the cause of the accident and thus won’t bar you from seeking or receiving damages. 

Rely on Our Suffolk Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

You should never be expected to bear the consequences of a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence or dangerous behavior. You deserve compensation for your injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses.  

If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers for your free case evaluation. Our Suffolk motorcycle accident attorneys will help you fight for the justice you deserve. 

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