West Virginia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents are often severe and deadly. Suppose you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in West Virginia. Then it would help if you spoke with an experienced West Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. You could lose out on a possible motorcycle accident claim if you delay your action.

Motorcycle crash injuries require immediate medical attention. In some cases, unattended victims may lose their life at the accident scene. Acting fast can help improve your chances of recovering compensation from your motorcycle accident.

A West Virginia motorcycle accident attorney can help you with this. Connecting with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in West Virginia can help. The West Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers at J. Miles Morgan PLLC know how devastating these accidents can be for you and your family.

We have helped many victims get compensation after their motorcycle accidents! Call us today to schedule your free consultation with our experienced West Virginia motorcycle injury attorney!

How Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Motorcycle riders are the most vulnerable in the road compared to other riders. Their vehicle doesn’t offer enough protection to keep them safe during a collision. Even with protective gears, these riders cannot prevent catastrophic accidents from happening to them.

Because of this, you must connect with an expert motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you with your case. Our West Virginia motorcycle accident attorney at J. Miles Morgan PLLC offers the best legal services in West Virginia. We have vast experience in handling motorcycle accidents.

We can help you with the following aspects of your legal case:

• In-depth investigation. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in West Virginia can help you with your accident investigation. They will conduct their own research and analysis of the accident scene. They will look at a lot of factors that lead to your accident.
• Negotiating for settlement. We know how much motorcycle riders are concerned about getting compensation soon after an accident. Our West Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers know how to negotiate with insurance companies. We will help you guarantee that you will receive the best offer.
• Litigation if the negotiations fail. Suppose the insurance company does not agree to offer you enough compensation. Then our West Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys can litigate your case in front of a court to get maximum benefits.

Motorcycle accidents are serious and deadly accidents. Suppose you obtained serious injuries in a motorcycle incident in any part of West Virginia. Then it would help if you spoke with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in West Virginia as soon as possible. You could lose out on a possible motorcycle accident claim if you delay your action.

Understanding the Motorcycle Laws in West Virginia

To understand how motorcycle accident attorneys could help you, it would be best if you first comprehended the motorcycle laws in West Virginia. Like most states, West Virginia has a law that requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets while on the road.

Furthermore, these laws aim to increase the safety of all motorcycle riders and passengers on the road. In addition, there is a law that prohibits any person under the age of 18 from riding without a helmet. West Virginia also has a law that requires all motorcycles to have headlight lamps and taillight lamps while on the road.

Below are some of the state regulations about motorcycles:

• West Virginia Code § 17B-1-1(c). This statute establishes the state’s definition of a motorcycle. Under this law, a motorcycle is a seated vehicle with less than three wheels traveling by the ground. This law also excludes farm tractors as a motorcycle.
• West Virginia Code § 17A-10-3a. This law states that any motor vehicles or motorcycles greater than 25 years old have an annual fee. Moreover, the annual registration fee of these ‘classic’ vehicles is $2. This law also states that an owner cannot use classic vehicles for general transportation.
• West Virginia Code § 17B-2-7(b). This law regulates the use of motorcycles without a valid registration. According to this rule, all motorcycle riders must undergo and complete a motorcycle examination. The said examination will measure the rider’s knowledge of motorcycle operation and traffic laws.
• West Virginia Code § 17C-15-44(a). This law requires motorcycle riders to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. Furthermore, it establishes the standard requirement of a motorist’s helmet while on the road.
• West Virginia Code § 17C-15-34. This law requires every motorist to equip their vehicle with a working muffler. Moreover, the law states that if the rider wants to replace the motorcycle’s muffler, it must be equivalent to the original muffler.

What Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

The value of motorcycle accident claims will depend on the severity of your injuries and other damages. A court will assess the damages you receive and place a value on them. In general, a claimant could recover damages for the following:

• Past and future medical expenses;
• Future lost wages and future lost potential earnings;
• Property damage;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress;
• Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive damages (in cases of egregious negligence)

It is difficult to evaluate the worth of each motorcycle accident case without first investigating the facts and circumstances of each case. Some of the elements that may affect the value of a case include, but are not limited to the following:

• The gravity of the physical and other injuries suffered by the accident victim;
• The extent of property damage caused by the accident;
• Who was at fault for the accident;
• The availability of insurance coverage is available to pay for damages;
• The price of medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident.

If you have sustained catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident, speaking with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in West Virginia is important. These legal experts can help you defend your rights in this situation. Our West Virginia personal injury lawyer at J. Miles Morgan PLLC can review all the facts of your case.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in West Virginia

Motorcycle accidents can result in various injuries, some more serious than others. A victim needs to receive emergency medical attention after the accident. Immediate care will keep the victim’s condition from deteriorating. 

Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include the following:

• Head injuries. A head injury can be severe and may result in a brain injury. Traumatic head injuries can range from mild to severe concussions. In some cases, a victim may fall into a coma.
• Neck injuries. Neck injuries are also usually encountered in motorcycle accidents. These painful injuries can cause persistent pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. In a few cases, a neck injury may need surgical treatment.
• Spinal cord injuries. An injury to the victim’s spinal cord injury can be life-altering. Several cases of this injury lead to permanent or temporary paralysis.
• Broken bones. Broken bones are another common injury sustained in motorcycle accidents. Bones may need to be surgically repaired or may require physical therapy.
• Burns: Burns are another common injury associated with motorcycle accidents.
• Internal injuries. Internal injuries can result from a motorcycle accident. This injury may damage the chest, spine, abdomen, and reproductive organs. Furthermore, a victim may need surgical treatment for these injuries.
• Traumatic brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury can be caused by a head injury and may result in loss of consciousness. Some victims also suffer from memory problems and mood changes.

Suppose you have suffered any of these injuries due to a motorcycle accident. In that case, you should contact an experienced West Virginia personal injury lawyer right away.

Damages Available to West Virginia Motorcycle Accident Victims

Motorcycle accident victims must receive fair compensation for the damages they obtained from the incident. Victims can receive this by filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit against the responsible individual. There are different compensations available for an accident victim.

We listed below the types of damages that may be available to a motorcycle accident victim in West Virginia:

• Medical expenses. A claimant can recover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses incurred due to the accident. This includes past and future medical expenses.
• Lost wages. A claimant can recover all lost wages and income, both past and future. In some cases, a claimant may also recover lost potential earnings.
• Property damage. A claimant can recover the cost to repair or replace damaged property.
• Pain and suffering. A claimant can recover from pain and suffering and emotional distress caused by the accident. This is an award intended to compensate the victim for their losses.
• Punitive damages. Punitive damages may be available in some cases. If the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or harmful, a victim might receive this.

A victim can recover these compensations by hiring a West Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer. A West Virginia personal injury lawyer knows the ins and outs of personal injury law. They can help you prove your rights in this situation.

Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Cases in West Virginia

West Virginia law establishes a statute of limitation for motor vehicle accidents. This means that a victim can only sue a defendant for a limited time. Because of this, you must act fast if you are a victim of motorcycle accidents.

The state of West Virginia sets a two-year limitation for victims to file lawsuits against a negligent driver. Victims of motorcycle crashes should connect with a West Virginia personal injury lawyer at the soonest possible time. This will increase their chance of recovering full compensation from the accident.

Types of West Virginia Motorcycle Accidents

A motorcycle rider is prone to roadside accidents. Because of the structure of their vehicle, a motor rider may face fatal injuries in an accident. These riders need to know the common types of motorcycle incidents in West Virginia.

Some of these include:

• Rear-end collision. A motorist may rear-end a victim because the driver was distracted or failed to stop in time. This can happen more often on four-lane highways with high speeds.
• Lane splitting. Lane splitting is another dangerous accident, especially on interstates with high-speed limits. This happens when one vehicle cuts off another vehicle by driving between lanes. The victim may not see the motorcycle if they drive too close to it.
• Chain reaction collisions. A chain reaction collision occurs when the first motorcycle crashes into the second and so forth. This usually takes place on narrow roads with barely any space for maneuvering.
• Head-on collision. A head-on crash is when one motorcycle crashes into the front of another motorcycle. This usually happens when either motorcyclist tries to change lanes without enough time and space. The rider can be ejected from his bike, increasing the chance of injuries and death.
• Vehicle turn accidents. This usually occurs at intersections and can lead to severe injury or death for motorcyclists involved in the crash.
• Sideswipe accidents. When a car or truck strikes a motorcycle from its side, it can produce devastating effects on the victim’s body.

Causes of West Virginia Motorcycle Accidents

The major contributing factor to motorcycle accidents is reckless driving. This includes running stop signs, speeding, and other negligent acts.

We compiled a short list below. This list includes the most common causes of motor collision accidents in West Virginia.

• Distracted driving. Inattentive driving is another major factor in a motorcycle accident. The best example of inattentive driving is texting while driving. Another example includes talking on the phone without using hands-free devices.
• Driving under the influence. Intoxicated driving can also lead to motorcycle crashes. A drunk driver will have decreased attention span. Moreover, intoxication will also shorten their response time.
• Driver fatigue. An exhausted driver will have a similar reaction to a drunk driver. A motorcycle rider needs to be well-rested and in top condition before riding their vehicle.
• Unsafe road conditions. Potholes and poor signage also contribute to motorcycle crashes. Local government units must ensure that their road is reasonably safe for motorists to use.
• Rider inexperience. Lack of training can lead to grave motorcycle incidents. A rider needs to know the operations of a vehicle before operating one.

It’s essential to know these causes to prevent an accident from happening. Seeking the assistance of a West Virginia motorcycle accident attorney will help the victim recover money from the crash incident.

Ways to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents in West Virginia

There are ways to avoid motorcycle accidents. Riders must be defensive while on the road. The list below will help motorcyclists travel safely on West Virginia roads.

• Always be mindful of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for possible risks, such as cars making sharp curves or distracted drivers.
• Drive defensively and anticipate other drivers’ movements. Ride near the center of your lane so you may take evasive action if needed.
• To express your intentions to other cars, use your turn signals.
• Roadside motorists must follow all driving laws and regulations. Do not speed or disregard stop signs.
• Wear brightly colored clothes and a helmet to make yourself visible to cars.
• When cycling in inclement weather, exercise extreme caution. Wet roads may be exceedingly dangerous, as rain or snow can significantly limit visibility.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be less likely to be involved in a motorcycle accident. However, accidents can still happen, so it’s essential to have a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve. 

Contact the West Virginia motorcycle accident attorney at J. Miles Morgan PLLC today for your free consultation!

Steps to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in West Virginia

If you were caught in a motorcycle accident in West Virginia, follow the steps below to ensure your safety.

• Seek urgent medical attention. Motorcycle accidents often cause severe medical emergencies. Calling for an emergency medical service is critical after an accident.
• Take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries immediately after the crash occurs. You can use this as evidence when filing a claim. You must take as much evidence as possible so you and your motorcycle accident lawyer can create a strong case.
• A witness can corroborate information for police investigations. Witness testimonies are another piece of proof you can use for your claim. They can tell the accounts of the accident from their perspective.
• Don’t hesitate to call 911 if necessary. As mentioned above, calling for emergency services is crucial. 
• Don’t admit guilt or apologize for an accident that wasn’t your fault. Avoid apologizing or taking the blame in this situation. The other party can use anything you say to reverse the liabilities of the accident.
• Wait until law enforcement officials arrive before giving any statements about what happened. You must only give information to the authorities or your motorcycle accident lawyer. However, it would be best to disclose complete information with your personal injury lawyer.

Unfortunately, some people will leave details to suit their side of the story. It’s essential to work with a West Virginia motorcycle accident attorney if you were involved in such an incident. Contact the motorcycle accident lawyer at J. Miles Morgan PLLC today for your free consultation!

Finding a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Near Me | Contact Our West Virginia Motorcycle Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you want to recover compensation for your damages, you must contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. J. Miles Morgan is a knowledgeable lawyer with a profound understanding of the West Virginia motorcycle laws. Furthermore, he has been able to help numerous clients since he started his career in personal injury law.

If you need expert legal advice and representation, then call us now! Contact us at (304)-543-6357 or fill up our online contact form on our site.