Motorcyclists are at a high risk of being seriously injured in an accident. Alarming statistics show that 88,000 riders were injured in the year 2015 alone, as reported in the most recent injury data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. In addition to your physical well-being, motorcycle accident injuries in Northern Virginia can have a significant impact on your life financially.
If you or a loved one is suffering from motor vehicle accident injuries due to someone else’s negligence, then you may be entitled to compensation. Discuss your case with a knowledgeable and compassionate motorcycle accident lawyer at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP today. Call to schedule a free consultation or fill out our online contact form.
Why Choose Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP For Your Northern Virginia Motorcycle Accident?
- Our team of motorcycle accident attorneys have over three decades of experience protecting the rights of injured victims.
- Your needs always come first and we will give your case the time and personalized attention it requires.
- We will build the strongest case possible to get the justice for your injuries that you deserve.
- We are dedicated to helping you recover and only accept payment when we get results in your case. You owe us nothing if we’re unable to.
Northern Virginia Motorcycle Accident Laws
Motorcycle drivers must wear a helmet and eye protection unless the motorcycle is equipped with safety glass or a windshield. (Code of Virginia § 46.2-910)
- Passengers must have both a seat and a footrest. (46.2-909)
- Two motorcycles are permitted to travel side by side while sharing a lane. (46.2-857)
- Motorcycles are not required to have turn signals. (46.2-1038)
- Motorcycles may drive through a steady red light after two complete cycles of the signal or after two minutes, whichever is shorter. ( 46.2-833)
- A motorcycle must be equipped with a mirror which reflects to the driver a rear view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet. ( 46.2-1082).
Common Causes of a Motorcycle Accident in Northern Virginia
Alcohol or Drugs – Riding while under the influence is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents across the U.S. In 25% of fatal motorcycle crashes in 2016, riders had a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit, a higher percentage than any other vehicle type.
Distraction – Distractions such as cellphone use, adjusting the radio, roadside distractions or other vehicles can cause accidents. The number of distracted riding fatalities more than doubled in Virginia from 2016 to 2017.
Speeding – A leading cause of motorcycle fatalities in Virginia.
Unlicensed Riders – In 2016, 27% of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents were riding without a valid motorcycle license at the time.
Inexperienced Riders – Riders who lack experience may make unsafe decisions which increase the chances of an accident.
Failure to Yield – Right-of-way errors commonly cause collisions.
Lane Splitting – When a motorcyclist shares a lane with a vehicle; an illegal maneuver in Virginia.
Left Turn Accidents – Accidents are common due to misjudgments of distance while making a left turn and also errors in giving the right of way.
How can our Attorneys help you with a claim?
The legal process is filled with frustrating paperwork and typically lengthy negotiations with insurance companies. Without proper legal representation, a claim may result in a lowball settlement offer and unnecessary stress. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will handle every aspect of your case for you and won’t back down against the aggressive team of lawyers insurance companies tend to have. A lawyer will work to get you the maximum settlement amount that your injuries deserve and to recover your losses.
We Stand With Motorcyclists in a Northern Virginia Motorcycle Accident As Well
Many people within the justice system have biases against motorcyclists. This can make it more difficult to achieve compensation, as others may be quick to blame you for the collision. You will have an uphill battle in your effort to convince an insurance adjuster, judge or jury of the other party’s fault. At Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP, we stand with motorcyclists. We have motorcyclists at our firm who understand your side of the case. We fully believe our clients’ stories and use our best investigative efforts to make others believe them, too.
Our law firm knows how to handle motorcycle accident claims to obtain the best possible results. First, we focus on your health and wellness. We can connect you to top doctors in Northern Virginia for medical care. Then, we start to piece together your case. We can travel to the site of your crash, hire experts, work with investigators, gather evidence and take other steps to build a strong claim against the at-fault party. Finally, we take care of insurance settlement matters while you concentrate on recuperating. Our motorcycle lawyers care about you and all other motorcyclists in Northern Virginia. We will protect your legal rights.
Interviewing Key Eyewitnesses of a NorthernVirginia Motorcycle Accident
One of the most important tasks we can complete on your behalf is bringing in key witnesses for their takes on what happened. A key witness is someone material to your case – a person whose testimony could compel the courts to take your side. It could be someone who was an eyewitness to your motorcycle accident, an expert witness with in-depth knowledge of motorcycle accidents or a character witness. The right witness could make all the difference to your claim.
Hiring an expert witness, for example, could help a judge or jury understand the key facts of your case. While an eyewitness or police officer might not be an expert in motorcycle logistics, a hired specialist would be. Hiring an expert to speak on your behalf could help a jury or judge understand motorcycling and related injuries. A medical expert could explain, for instance, how your lack of helmet-wearing did not make a difference to your injuries in a particular crash.
Key witnesses can help eliminate unfair biases against motorcycle riders in a courtroom. They can clear up inaccuracies and stigmas surrounding motorcycle riding. Our attorneys can promptly interview key witnesses, obtain eyewitness statements and hire experts to testify on your behalf during a claim. Our work with witnesses could help you strengthen your claim to damages and obtain a fair compensatory award for your injuries and losses.
Schedule a Free Consultation With A Northern Virginia Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today!
The personal injury law firm of Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP is ready to help you through this difficult time. Schedule a free consultation today so we may discuss your case and form a legal strategy that fits your needs.