What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Virginia?

 Posted on May 07, 2026 in Car & Truck Accidents

Riding a motorcycle on Virginia roads means sharing the road with drivers who may not always see you. When a motorcycle crash happens, the injuries tend to be severe, and the legal fight that follows can be just as difficult. 

Virginia's contributory negligence rule is one of the strictest in the country, which means that if the other side can show you were even slightly at fault, you may walk away with nothing. If you were hurt while riding in 2026, a Prince William County, VA motorcycle accident attorney can help you build the kind of claim that holds up in court.

Why Do Motorcycle Crashes in Virginia So Often Lead to Serious Injuries?

Motorcycles offer no protective shell around the rider. When a car or truck hits a motorcycle, the rider takes nearly the full force of the impact. In Virginia alone, 2,245 motorcycle crashes in 2024 injured 1,839 riders, according to the Virginia DMV. Behind each of those numbers is a rider facing the same difficult road: Medical bills, time off work, and a body that may never fully recover. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, road rash, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries. Many riders need surgery or extended time away from work. Many riders suffer from long-term PTSD or other psychological trauma.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Virginia?

Drivers in cars and trucks often fail to see motorcycles, especially at intersections and when changing lanes. Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Virginia include:

• A driver turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle at an intersection

• A vehicle merging into a lane already occupied by a rider

• Rear-end collisions caused by a driver following too closely

• Drivers running red lights or stop signs

• Distracted driving, including texting behind the wheel

When another driver caused the crash, Virginia law gives you the right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim.

How Does Virginia's Contributory Negligence Rule Affect Motorcycle Accident Claims?

Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If your own negligence helped cause the crash, you are barred from recovering compensation. Insurers know this and use it aggressively in motorcycle cases. After a crash, the other driver's insurer may argue that you were speeding, weaving, or riding in a blind spot. These claims are hard to fight without strong evidence and a competent attorney.

What Steps Should You Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Virginia?

If you are able to do so safely:

• Call 911, make sure the police respond, and file a report.

• Seek medical care right away, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, including head trauma, do not show up immediately.

• Take photos of the crash scene, both vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.

• Get contact information from witnesses.

• Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before speaking to a lawyer.

Take your care seriously. Gaps in medical treatment or careless statements to adjusters can be used against you later.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Virginia Motorcycle Crash?

If another driver caused your crash, you may be able to recover money for medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring or disability. If a loved one was killed, Virginia law allows a wrongful death claim, but it must usually be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. 

You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit under Virginia Code § 8.01-243. Waiting too long can cost you the right to recover anything.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Prince William County, VA Motorcycle Accident Attorney

A motorcycle accident claim in Virginia is not simple, and having attorneys who will fight for you makes all the difference. At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, we take on complex cases that other firms turn away, and we only accept cases we are prepared to take to court. With more than 120 years of combined experience, we bring serious resources to every case. From your first call through the final resolution, we stay in close contact so you always know where things stand. Call 540-662-4222 today to schedule your free consultation with our Haymarket, VA personal injury lawyers.