Fairfax, VA Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Protecting Injured Riders in Fairfax, Virginia

Riding a motorcycle requires a certain level of skill. Motorcyclists understand that they may be more likely to be injured if they are involved in collisions, and they will pay close attention to the road around them and take steps to maintain safety. Unfortunately, other drivers may not use this same level of care, and they may act in ways that can put motorcycle riders at risk. When a motorcycle accident occurs, an injury victim will need to determine what steps to take to hold a negligent driver responsible for causing the collision. An experienced lawyer can be an invaluable ally in these situations.

The attorney at Shevlin Smith, P.C. can provide the legal help needed after a motorcycle accident to ensure that an injury victim's rights will be protected. He provides each client with personal attention, addressing the challenges they are facing and working to recover compensation for the damages that have occurred.

Why Driver Negligence Is the Leading Cause of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are at risk of being seriously injured when they collide with other vehicles. In the majority of cases, these accidents are not caused by the carelessness of motorcycle riders. Instead, drivers who act negligently are more likely to cause collisions. The negligence that can put motorcyclists at risk may include:

Failure to See Motorcycles

A motorcycle is much smaller than most other vehicles. It can be easy for a driver to completely overlook a motorcycle traveling near their vehicle. This can lead to left-turn accidents in which a driver turns directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Because a driver did not notice a motorcycle approaching, they may have believed that the road was clear.

Motorcycles can also be difficult to see when they are in a driver's blind spot. A driver who does not check their blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn may strike a motorcycle that they did not notice was next to their vehicle.

Distracted Driving

A driver who is distracted by a phone, adjusting vehicle controls, eating and drinking, reaching for objects, or other activities will be less likely to notice a motorcycle in time to avoid a collision. Since motorcycles may already be more difficult to see, distractions can increase the risks of motorcycle accidents.

Misjudging a Motorcycle's Speed and Distance

Because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, drivers may not realize how quickly they are traveling or how long they will take to cover a certain distance. This may lead a driver to turn in front of a motorcycle or cut a motorcyclist off when pulling out from side streets, driveways, or parking lots.

Aggressive Driving Around Motorcycles

Some drivers treat motorcyclists with less patience or respect than they would another car. They may engage in dangerous behaviors such as tailgating behind a motorcycle, attempting to pass too closely to a motorcycle, or purposely cutting a motorcycle off. Motorcyclists may be forced to take evasive maneuvers in response to aggressive actions by other drivers, or they may be forced off the road. These behaviors can greatly increase the risks of motorcycle accidents.

Traffic Violations

Running red lights, improper lane changes, refusing to yield to motorcycles, or other violations of traffic laws can lead to motorcycle accidents. Because motorcyclists have so little protection in collisions, what may seem like a minor violation could result in catastrophic harm.

Driving Under the Influence

Drunk drivers will experience issues such as slower reaction times and difficulty maintaining control over their vehicles. Symptoms of intoxication may include blurred or double vision that can make it even more difficult for a driver to see a motorcycle. These issues can lead to motorcycle accidents and serious injuries.

Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

The injuries that motorcycle riders may experience can be more severe than anything that could happen to other drivers involved in motorcycle collisions. Due to the lack of protection for motorcyclists, they may suffer multiple types of bodily harm, including:

• Road Rash: When a rider is thrown from their motorcycle, the skin on multiple parts of their body may be injured when it comes into contact with the road. While these injuries may sound minor, severe road rash can remove multiple layers of skin, leading to severe pain, blood loss, scarring, and risks of infection.
• Broken Bones: Motorcyclists may experience fractures in bones throughout the body. They may attempt to brace for impact, which can result in fractures in the wrists and arms. After being struck by a vehicle or thrown to the ground, fractures can occur in the legs, ribs, collarbones, pelvis, or other body parts.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: A rider whose head strikes the pavement or another vehicle may experience injuries affecting their brain. Even with a helmet, the forces involved in a motorcycle crash can cause a concussion or more severe brain injury.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a collision can result in a broken back and damage to the nerves in the spinal cord. These injuries can result in permanent disabilities, including paralysis in different parts of the body.
• Amputations: When a motorcycle rider's limbs are crushed or severely damaged beyond the possibility of repair, they may need to be amputated. These injuries will often result in permanent impairments, and a person will need to adapt to a new way of living.
• Internal Injuries: The force of impact with another vehicle or with the ground can cause internal bleeding and organ damage. Transplants may be needed in some cases, or a person may experience ongoing health issues due to disruption in function of organs.

Contact Our Fairfax, VA Motorcycle Accident Attorney

At Shevlin Smith, P.C., we provide motorcycle accident victims with the legal help and representation they need to address serious injuries, financial losses, and other damages. We understand the physical and emotional impact that these accidents can have on victims, and we work to hold negligent drivers accountable for causing our clients to suffer harm. Contact our Fairfax motorcycle accident injury lawyer at 703-591-0067 to arrange a free consultation.