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West Virginia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Finding accurate statistics on the state of motorcycle accidents nationwide can be challenging. But in the state of West Virginia, where the 100 percent mandatory helmet law is strictly enforced, there are still nearly 600 reported motorcycle accidents each year in the state, and more than a dozen fatal motorcycle accidents annually. Currently, there are more than 18,000 registered motorcycle owners in the state of West Virginia.

While statistics vary greatly depending on the source, one fact remains: Thousands of motorcyclists die each year in fatal motorcycle accidents around the country. Additionally, thousands more suffer serious injuries from motorcycle accidents annually. Several reports claim that around 2,000 to 3,000 motorcyclists die each year in the US in single-vehicle motorcycle crashes, and some 80,000 to 130,000 non-fatal motorcycle accidents occur each year.

Because of the very nature of a motorcycle, accidents are a common hazard, and unlike car accidents, the potential of having a fatal accident is high. It is reported that anywhere from 70 to 80 percent of all reported motorcycle accidents result in injury or death, while the injury/fatality rate of passenger vehicles is 20 percent. This discrepancy is due in part to the fact that motorcycles offer little to no protection from other elements on the roadway. Without any sort of protective barrier between the motorcycle operator and the roads and cars, fatality is always a probability.

If a cyclist is not wearing a helmet and is involved in an accident due to another driver's fault, the cyclist can still file a claim against the at-fault driver. And even if you, as the cyclist, are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover a percentage of the damages. An example of this is, if you were 10 percent at fault and the amount of damages for you amounted to $100,000, then you would instead receive $90,000. It's difficult to calculate such fault, making it all the more crucial to retain the services of a West Virginia lawyer experienced in such cases. They will be able to determine liability and asses situations accordingly.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in West Virginia, or you are a family member of a loved one who was killed in a motorcycle accident, then you need to hire a West Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer to help you file your case. Doing so will provide you with the best chance of receiving compensation for your injuries, psychological trauma, and rehabilitation.

An experienced West Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer or personal injury attorney will be well-versed in West Virginia's motorcycle laws at both the state and local levels; they will understand West Virginia's personal injury and insurance laws, and they can help you recover monetary compensation for injuries, including medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, damages to the motorcycle, and other accident-related costs.

In recent West Virginia motorcycle accident news, two people died after their motorcycle collided with a truck. They lost control of the motorcycle and went left of the center-line and hit the truck.

When searching for motorcycle accident lawyers in West Virginia, look for those who are also familiar with motorcycles, open-minded about motorcyclists, and have an understanding of motorcycle culture. In general, personal injury attorneys can help you with your case, but be sure to ask about the number of motorcycle accident cases they have handled. Most experienced attorneys have handled hundreds, if not thousands, of cases.

If you are ready to hire a West Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer, it is in your best interest to seek counsel right away. In West Virginia, your claim must be filed within one to two years of the motorcycle accident, depending on the type of action. This time period is called the Statute of Limitations and it varies state-to-state. Simple cases may take around several months to resolve, while more complicated cases could take several years.