Manassas, Virginia Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

A motorcycle accident can be devastating, resulting in injuries that can drastically affect a person's life and completely change their future. Motorcycle riders understand the dangers they face, and they will usually take care to avoid situations where they could be injured. However, other drivers may not use the same level of care while sharing the roads with motorcycles, and they can cause dangerous accidents when they fail to notice motorcycles or commit other types of traffic violations.

People who have been injured in motorcycle accidents will need to understand their legal options. They may take action to obtain financial compensation from a driver who caused an accident through negligence. When doing so, legal representation can be essential. At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, we understand the issues that can affect motorcyclists and the uphill battles they may face as they recover from their injuries, address their financial losses, and file claims against negligent drivers. We have the experience needed to build strong claims for our clients and fight for full and fair compensation.

Why Motorcyclists Are Often Overlooked by Other Drivers

Motorcycles are smaller and narrower than cars and trucks, which makes them harder to see in traffic. This size difference may be a factor in several common types of motorcycle accidents, including:

Left-Turn Accidents

A motorcycle crash can occur when a driver makes a left turn while a motorcycle is approaching. A driver may turn without realizing how quickly a motorcycle is traveling, or they may fail to see the motorcycle at all. This could lead them to strike a motorcycle from the side, or they may place their vehicle in a motorcycle's path, giving the rider no way to avoid a collision.

Blind Spot Collisions

Motorcycles can easily disappear into a car or truck's blind spot. A driver may be completely unable to see a motorcycle near their vehicle when checking their mirrors. If a person does not look over their shoulder before changing lanes, they may not notice a motorcycle, and they may cause a sideswipe collision.

Rear-End Collisions

Because motorcycles can stop more quickly than larger vehicles, a driver who is not paying attention may be unable to stop in time. When a driver rear-ends a motorcycle, the rider may be thrown to the ground, causing them to suffer severe injuries.

Intersection Accidents

A motorcycle accident can occur when a driver fails to yield the right of way at an intersection or misjudges the timing of a light. When a motorcycle rider is passing through an intersection, they may be struck by a vehicle unexpectedly because the driver did not notice that they were approaching or did not obey a traffic signal.

Other Forms of Driver Negligence That Can Cause Motorcycle Accidents

• Speeding: When a person is driving above the speed limit, they may not have enough time to react when a motorcycle merges into their lane or slows down to make a turn. At higher speeds, the forces involved in a collision will be more severe, and they can lead to more serious injuries for a motorcyclist.
• Distracted Driving: When a driver looks away from the road because they are texting or checking their phone, they will be more likely to fail to notice a motorcycle. Other activities, such as eating, adjusting the radio, or grooming, can also prevent a driver from being able to act in time to avoid a collision that can injure a motorcycle rider.
• Driving Under the Influence: When drivers have been drinking alcohol or using drugs, they will experience impairments that can lead to motorcycle accidents. A driver may experience vision problems that will make it more difficult to see motorcycles, as well as delayed reaction times and poor coordination that can prevent them from taking the right actions to avoid a collision.
• Aggressive Driving: Issues such as tailgating, unsafe passing, and abrupt lane changes can put motorcyclists at risk. Drivers who engage in aggressive behaviors can seriously injure motorcycle riders in accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents

Serious Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists do not have a protective frame around them, and they will often be exposed to a direct impact during a collision. Even if an accident occurs when a motorcycle and/or another vehicle were traveling at a relatively low speed, a motorcycle rider can suffer serious harm. Common injuries that can occur in motorcycle crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries, which may take place even when a person is wearing a helmet
• Spinal cord injuries, which may result in paralysis or other permanent impairments
• Broken bones, which may affect the arms, legs, pelvis, ribs, collarbones, or other parts of the body
• Road rash, which involves severe skin abrasions caused by contact with the road
• Internal organ damage from the blunt force trauma of a collision
• Amputation or crushed limbs when a person is struck or run over by a vehicle

The injuries that occur in a motorcycle accident will often require emergency treatment, multiple surgeries, extended hospital stays, and ongoing rehabilitation. Some riders may suffer from permanent disabilities that will affect their ability to work and manage daily responsibilities. The pain and emotional trauma that can occur after a motorcycle accident can also be severe.

Contact our Manassas, VA Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

After a motorcycle accident, you may be dealing with serious injuries and financial difficulties. While you can take steps to obtain compensation from a driver who was responsible for your injuries, you may encounter legal concerns and disputes with insurance companies when doing so. At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, we can provide the legal representation you need during your claim, and we will help you take the right steps to obtain full and fair compensation for your damages. Contact our Manassas motorcycle accident injury attorneys at 540-662-4222 to set up your free consultation.