Lynchburg & Roanoke Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a motorcycle can be an exciting activity, one which many Virginians are keen on. However, it presents high injury risk, especially to riders. Unlike drivers and passengers in cars and trucks, motorcyclists do not have the protections of an enclosed vehicle. They are completely exposed on the road. When a motorcycle collision occurs, the results are often catastrophic or even fatal.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Lynchburg, Roanoke, or anywhere in Virginia, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. For more than 30 years, Attorney Jaleh Slominski of Slominski Law has helped injured bikers throughout the state obtain the compensation they deserve. Call Attorney Jaleh Slominski today at (434) 205-9894 (Lynchburg office) or (540) 307-8478 (Roanoke office) for a free case review.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There are many hazards motorcyclists must contend with on Virginia’s roads and highways. These include:

• Driver Negligence – Most motorcycle crashes involve a motorcycle and another vehicle. Often, the other driver fails to see the motorcycle and turns into the bike’s path. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or distracted by their cell phones also cause a high number of motorcycle wrecks.
• Hazardous Road Conditions – Slippery roads, uneven pavement, debris in the roadway, and other dangerous conditions play a role in many single-vehicle motorcycle accidents.
• Mechanical Failures – Defective motorcycle parts can cause loss of control crashes. Common defects include bad tires, brake failure, and throttle issues.

No matter what caused your motorcycle accident, you have legal rights. An experienced attorney can help you understand those rights so you can make informed decisions about your case.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

When a motorcycle crash occurs, the motorcyclist often suffers severe trauma. Common injuries in motorcycle accidents include:

• Road Rash – If the rider slides across the pavement after being thrown from the bike, the skin scrapes along the ground. This causes painful and disfiguring injuries. Road rash can lead to infections in the wounds.
• Broken Bones – Fractures of the arms, shoulders, legs, and ribs are common in motorcycle crashes. These injuries may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the spinal cord often causes paralysis of the legs or arms, along with loss of bodily functions. Spinal cord injuries result in high medical costs and may prevent the victim from ever returning to work.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries – A serious blow to the head can cause bleeding, swelling, and other trauma to the skull or brain. Many TBI victims suffer cognitive problems, personality changes, memory loss, and more.
• Internal Organ Damage – Bike riders may suffer lacerations of the liver or spleen. They are also vulnerable to kidney, bladder, and bowel injuries.

Sadly, many motorcyclists do not survive their crash injuries. Wrongful death claims may be possible when negligence causes a fatal motorcycle accident.

Most Dangerous Intersections and Roads for Motorcyclists in Roanoke and Lynchburg

As bustling cities, Lynchburg and Roanoke see plenty of road traffic each day. Unfortunately, this means numerous motorcycle crashes, and some intersections stand out as particularly accident-prone.

In Lynchburg, these roads and intersections have become notorious for the number of accidents there:

• Wards Road
• Candlers Mountain Road
• Norfolk Avenue at Rivermont Avenue
• US Route 501 at Route 221.

Meanwhile, in Roanoke, locals and law enforcers note the following as particularly risky spots:

• Orange Avenue at Williamson Road
• Melrose Avenue at Peters Creek Road
• Electric Road at Elm View
• Challenger Avenue at Cloverdale Road.

Motorcyclists know that intersections require extra caution. In an accident, however, it’s the motorcycle rider who often gets blamed. No matter where a motorcycle accident takes place, the motorcyclist may be eligible for compensation if another driver was at fault.

What Should I Do After A Motorcycle Crash?

Seek Medical Attention Immediately.

This is the most vital step, even if you feel uninjured. Adrenaline can mask pain, making you overlook potentially serious issues. In addition, documentation of injuries is crucial for any potential legal case down the line. Follow up with any recommended medical care as well.

Document the Scene.

Take photos of damage, injuries, and the surrounding area. Gather the contact info and insurance details of others involved and get a police report if possible. Get witness names, numbers, and recorded statements. DO NOT discuss fault or apologize to anyone.

Track Expenses

Keep records of all bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the crash to potentially claim later.

Contact Your Insurance Company.

It’s likely that your policy requires you to notify the insurer of the crash. When you speak with them, stick to the facts and avoid assigning fault, especially yours. An insurance adjuster may get in touch with you and ask for a recorded conversation about your accident. You have the right to refuse the recording. Consult a lawyer before speaking further with the adjuster.

Speak with an Attorney.

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and guide you towards seeking fair compensation if the crash was another party’s fault.

Take Care of Yourself

Follow doctor’s orders, attend therapy, stay active within recommendations, eat healthy foods, avoid alcohol or drugs, and call on loved ones for emotional support.

The most important factors are seeking immediate and follow-up medical care, plus speaking to an attorney to understand how to recover damages. But taking care of both your physical and mental health aids the recovery process as well.

How Much Is My Case Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?

Many factors determine the value of a motorcycle injury claim. Typically, a successful motorcycle crash claim can cover these losses:

• Medical Expenses – These can include current and future costs of hospitalization, surgery, therapy and medications. Severe injuries often require a lifetime of expensive medical treatments.
• Lost Income – If injuries prevent you from working, you deserve compensation for your lost wages. Permanent disabilities may greatly reduce your future earning capacity, and this may be compensated for as well.
• Pain and Suffering – There is no exact formula for calculating pain and suffering damages. The severity of your injuries and impact on your quality of life determine what amount is reasonable.
• Punitive Damages – If the at-fault party’s negligence was extreme, additional sums may be awarded to punish them in hopes of deterring similar harmful behavior in the future.

An accomplished personal injury lawyer thoroughly documents all losses and advocates tirelessly to help injured motorcyclists recover full and fair compensation.

Why Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

The aftermath of a motorcycle crash can be extremely difficult. Victims struggle with pain while trying to manage medical bills that quickly stack up. Insurance companies pressure crash victims to accept unfair settlements that cover only a fraction of their losses.

A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer levels the playing field by handling negotiations with insurance companies so clients can focus on healing. An attorney thoroughly investigates the accident to build the strongest case possible. This includes gathering police reports, traffic camera video, accounts from eyewitnesses, photographs from the scene, and crash reconstruction evidence.

If a fair settlement is not possible through negotiations, a qualified attorney can take the case to court. With experience under their belt, the lawyer should know how to present compelling evidence to the judge and argue persuasively for full compensation.

Why Choose Slominski Law?

Attorney Jaleh Slominski has achieved outstanding results for injured motorcyclists in Lynchburg, Roanoke, and across Virginia. There are many reasons to choose Slominski Law to handle your motorcycle injury claim.

Proven Track Record

With over 30 years of experience, Attorney Slominski has successfully litigated complex motorcycle injury claims and obtained substantial settlements for clients. Her extensive trial experience gives her valuable leverage during negotiations.

Client-Focused Service

At Slominski Law, every client gets personal attention and compassionate counsel. We understand this is an extremely difficult time and provide the supportive guidance injury victims need.

No Fees Unless We Win

We handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us no upfront fees. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you.

Industry Recognition

Slominski Law has been named a “Go-To Lawyer” by the Virginia Lawyers Weekly. She is an upstanding member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and highly respected in the legal community.

Virginia Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle registrations have skyrocketed across Virginia over the past decade. More motorcycles on the road means more motorcycle crashes. Consider these Virginia motorcycle accident statistics:

• In 2022, there were 2,053 motorcycle crashes in the state, more than there were in 2021, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
• These motorcycle accidents in 2022 killed 111 motorcycle riders – about 9 percent more than in 2021.
• Of the motorcycle wrecks in 2022, some 1,677 resulted in injuries and another 762 led to serious injuries.
• Majority of those who were killed or injured were motorcycle drivers. However, there were also 3 passenger fatalities and 129 passenger injuries.

These sobering statistics illustrate why skilled legal help is so crucial following a motorcycle collision. Slominski Law helps injured riders and grieving families in Lynchburg, Roanoke, and across the state obtain the maximum compensation the law allows.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Claims

What should I do after a motorcycle crash?

First, seek medical attention even if you don’t think you suffered serious injuries. Have a doctor document your injuries. Report the crash to the police and cooperate with the investigation. Gather information such as witnesses’ names and contact info. Call a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer for guidance. Avoid discussing fault with anyone except your attorney as what you say can be used against you.

Is it worth getting a lawyer for my motorcycle accident case?

Absolutely. Insurance companies are focused on paying as little as possible to settle claims. Without legal representation, injury victims often accept settlements covering only a fraction of their losses. Skilled negotiators can maximize claim value. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, qualified lawyers litigate cases successfully in court.

What does contingency fee representation mean?

On a contingency fee basis, the lawyer only collects a fee if money is recovered for the client. If the client recovers no compensation, they owe nothing for legal services. Contingency fee rates are typically 33% of the total settlement amount but may vary based on factors unique to each case.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle injury lawsuit?

Virginia has strict statutes of limitations that dictate deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. For motorcycle accident claims, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to start legal action. Evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories fade over time so it is best to contact an attorney promptly.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Some states follow the “comparative negligence” rule, making it possible for you to claim some damages even if you were partly at fault. In Virginia, however, the rule is different. Our state follows the “contributory negligence” doctrine, which mandates that if a claimant is partially at fault, they may be barred from claiming compensation.

Despite this challenging rule, we encourage you to consult a lawyer first before giving up on your potential claim. It may still be possible to overcome the burden of proof and show that you have the right to compensation. At Slominski Law, we know specific exceptions to contributory negligence, and we are deeply familiar with legal precedents that may support claims like yours.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Lynchburg & Roanoke Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Slominski Law provides compassionate, dedicated representation to motorcyclists injured in accidents caused by negligent car drivers, truckers, and other negligent parties. We handle all aspects of injury claims so clients can concentrate on healing. We carefully examine liability issues to build the strongest case possible against those at fault. With our thorough approach, we’ve helped crash victims throughout Virginia recover millions of dollars in compensation over the past 25+ years.

Our experienced Lynchburg and Roanoke motorcycle accident lawyer offers a free consultation to injury victims and their families. Please call us today at (434) 205-9894 (Lynchburg office) or (540) 307-8478 (Roanoke office) to learn how we can help you.