Virginia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Injured as a Passenger on Someone Else’s Motorcycle? You May Be Eligible for Compensation.

Unlike being a passenger in a car, truck, or SUV, being a passenger on a motorcycle is an active experience. It requires you to hold on to the driver or bike itself tightly, to lean during turns, and to brace for acceleration and braking. In addition to being a much more demanding role, it’s also a much more dangerous role. Just like motorcycle drivers, motorcycle passengers are often severely injured in crashes.

If you or someone you love was recently injured while riding as a passenger on someone else’s motorcycle, it’s important to review all of your options for getting compensation. Your medical bills may be significant, and you may be facing weeks or months out of work while you recover. Filing a compensation claim can help you get the money you need to move forward with your life, and as an injured passenger, you may have multiple sources of compensation.

If another driver hit you, you may be able to sue him or her for your accident-related expenses. If the operator of the motorcycle you were riding on was negligent and caused the crash, you may be able to get compensation through his or her insurance. And if both another driver AND the driver of the motorcycle were negligent, you may be able to sue both.

The Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers have decades of experience handling motorcycle crash claims, and we want to help you, too. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options.

Motorcyclists, Protect Yourself on the Road and After a Crash

Although the popular image of motorcyclists paints them as being fiercely independent and strong, the reality is that they are very vulnerable on the road and after accidents.

When motorcyclists are involved in crashes, they are much more likely to be injured than people in cars, trucks, and SUVs. And when those same motorcyclists seek compensation for their damages, they’re also more likely to be denied or lowballed by the insurance companies.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we believe that motorcyclists should do everything in their power to protect themselves both before and after accidents. That includes:

• Always wearing full safety gear on every ride, no matter how short it is or what type of road you’ll be traveling on
• Riding with the expectation that other drivers don’t see you and never assuming they do
• Being especially cautious when encountering drivers who are turning left, which is one of the biggest risk factors for crashes
• Never accepting the insurance company’s settlement offer after a crash without speaking to a lawyer first
• Calling a lawyer right away after an accident to begin protecting your rights to full compensation

Unfortunately, just as almost all drivers will eventually be involved in an accident, so too will almost all motorcyclists. In fact, there’s a common saying that breaks down motorcyclists into two groups: those who have had accidents and those who will.

If you or someone you love gets hurt on a motorcycle because of someone else’s negligence, we want to help. Contact our Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation to find out how we can help you get maximum compensation.

Why It’s So Important for Motorcyclists to Follow All Traffic Laws

There’s a common image of motorcyclists being speed demons and adrenaline junkies. And while those labels may accurately describe some riders, they certainly don’t describe all. Unfortunately, motorcyclists tend to get lumped in together, and after crashes, it’s common for police, other drivers, and insurance companies to assume that riders were at fault.

In Virginia, that can be a double whammy. First, Virginia uses a contributory negligence system for awarding compensation after crashes. It means that people who are assigned even 1% of fault are ineligible for compensation. And second, insurance companies are extremely reluctant to give motorcyclists compensation even when they were following all traffic laws to a “tee.”

As a rider, you must do everything in your power to not give the insurance company any wiggle room to deny you compensation. That means not only avoiding legitimate fault for a crash—even 1% of it—but also not even giving them room to make up their own idea of fault.

You can achieve this by never speeding, always signaling before turning or changing lanes, coming to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights, and never following vehicles too closely, just to name a few. Unfortunately, safe riding can’t always prevent crashes, and when they occur, riders frequently find themselves in uphill battles for compensation.

The Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers at know the unique challenges riders face after crashes, and we’re here to help if you get hurt in a crash that wasn’t your fault. Contact Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.

After a Motorcycle Crash, Don’t Accept the Insurance Company’s Offer Without a Lawyer on Your Side

If you’re hurt in a motorcycle crash, the only thing protecting you is the equipment you’re wearing. Even the best helmets and riding gear can only do so much to reduce the severity of your injuries when you’re thrown from your bike. And the injuries you suffer aren’t just painful and disabling, but they’re also expensive.

For many motorcycle accident victims, getting compensation after their crashes is their top priority after receiving medical care. Insurance companies know that, and they take full advantage of it. A common cost-saving measure is for them to contact victims in the days or weeks after their accidents and offer them settlements for their medical bills and lost wages.

Because many victims need money right away, they may jump at the chance to obtain a big lump-sum payment that can replace their lost wages, begin paying down their medical bills, and help them afford their day-to-day expenses. But reality sets in once their full prognosis is revealed, which includes how much treatment they’ll need and how long they’ll be out of work.

Compensation after an accident or injury is a one-shot opportunity. After you’ve accepted a settlement, you’re locked out of pursuing more money down the road. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced law firm on your side right away—especially if the insurance company is offering you a settlement.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys can review any offer you receive to determine if it’s enough money for you and your family. If it isn’t, we’ll work hard to ensure you get fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

We Don’t Let Biased Insurers Mistreat Injured Motorcyclists

When motorcyclists are involved in crashes, they face two huge problems. First, they’re almost always dealing with serious injuries. Motorcycles have no built-in safety features, and even the most well-equipped riders are still susceptible to serious injuries. Second, they face uncooperative insurance companies that often blame them for their crashes—even when evidence shows otherwise!

Motorcyclists are often helpless against these greedy and biased insurance companies and adjusters, especially when they’re seriously injured. It can be impossible to plead your case effectively when all you want to do is recover from your injuries, which may be extremely painful and even disabling. That’s where we come in.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers know the uphill battles that injured riders face. It’s hard enough for personal injury victims to get compensation from insurance companies already, and it’s even worse when those insurance companies have preconceived notions about them.

When we build claims for injured riders, we work hard to gather evidence that insurance companies can’t deny. Then, we aggressively pursue compensation for all of their losses, including their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. And if they still refuse to pay what our clients are owed, we don’t hesitate to take them to court.

It’s important to have an experienced legal advocate in your corner after a crash that wasn’t your fault. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll work hard on getting you a fair settlement while you focus on getting better.

Why Springtime is Crash Season for Motorcyclists

Everyone loves a beautiful spring day, but they are heaven sent for motorcyclists, especially after a long winter. There’s nothing better than suiting up and hitting the open road on one of the first nice days of the year. But when you dust off your bike after several months of storage, it’s important to remember that your risks may be higher during the first few weeks of riding than at any other time of year.

Why? Because other drivers aren’t used to being around motorcyclists, and they may be even less likely to look out for you while you’re riding. The biggest risk factor for all riders is inattentive and distracted drivers. When drivers don’t see riders, those riders face enormous risks. All it takes is making a left turn into the path of a biker, drifting into their lane, or failing to slow down or stop to seriously injure or even kill a motorcyclist.

Whether you’ve already started riding again or are planning on doing so soon, be sure to focus on safety. That means wearing full riding gear, including a helmet, jacket, pants, boots, and gloves. Cover every square inch of your body in protective gear, and ride cautiously and defensively. Although you can’t control the movements and behaviors of other drivers, you can reduce your risks of being involved in a preventable crash and reduce the severity of any injuries you might suffer.

And because the injuries associated with motorcycle accidents can be so expensive, our Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help if you do get hurt. Contact the legal team at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.

Recent Motorcycle Accident? It’s Not Too Late to Call a Lawyer!

It’s the dead of winter and few people are out riding their motorcycles in Virginia these days. But if you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in the spring, summer, or fall of last year, it’s not too late to pursue compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. In fact, you can even go back to 2019 and still be eligible.

That’s because the statute of limitations for injury claims in Virginia is two years from the date they happened. That means crashes that occurred in spring 2019 can still be pursued for full compensation. However, getting compensation is often more difficult when more time has passed. That’s because evidence may be harder to find, witnesses may be more difficult to track down, and the insurance company may be even less likely to believe your story.

But those factors don’t automatically rule out victims from pursuing compensation, especially when there’s plenty of evidence in their accident reports or their medical records. At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers always recommend that victims get legal representation immediately after crashes, but we know that’s not always possible.

Simply put—as long as the statute of limitations hasn’t expired on a claim, there’s always a chance to get compensation. So, if your family is hurting financially because of a crash that happened 6 months ago, a year ago, or even 18 months ago, it’s always worth a shot to speak with a lawyer about your options. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’ll review your claim and give you honest advice on what to do next.

Is It Safe to Ride a Motorcycle During the Winter?

Virginians enjoy three seasons of “outdoor” weather: spring, summer, and fall. And while spring and fall can have frosty mornings and evenings, the daytime hours are typically pleasant. Winter, on the other hand, can range from chilly to downright freezing. Because of the cold temperatures, many motorcyclists prefer to leave their bikes in storage, but others brave the cold weather.

Riding a motorcycle at any time of year can be an economical choice due to their excellent MPG, but is riding one during the winter safe? Here are a few things to consider:

• It’s easier to tolerate full gear during the winter—When you ride, you should wear all the gear, all the time. But for many riders, suiting up can be unbearably hot in the summer. Wearing a thick riding jacket and pants during the winter can be a bonus, however, as they can keep you warm.
• There are more road hazards—Unfortunately, the tradeoff for being more comfortable in your gear is facing more dangers on the road. Ice is extremely hazardous for riders. All it takes is driving over a small patch of ice to lose control of your bike. In addition, potholes are more likely to form in the winter, and even small ones can be life-threatening hazards.
• You get fewer daylight hours—Staying safe as a motorcyclist is all about being seen, and that typically means riding during the day. When you ride at night, drivers can’t see you as easily. And unfortunately, winter has much fewer daylight hours than summer, limiting your riding time.

What’s the verdict? Winter riding can be as safe as you make it, but one thing is for sure: avoid riding when temperatures are near or below freezing, as ice is among the biggest risks you’ll face.

And if you’re ever hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, contact the Norfolk motorcycle accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.

Motorcyclists: Are You Wearing the Right Gear When You Ride?

As a motorcyclist, you face increased risks compared to people in passenger vehicles. They’re protected by airbags and seatbelts during crashes—you’re not. It’s up to you to take your safety into your own hands, and that means wearing all the right gear when you ride your motorcycle.

What does it mean to wear the right gear? It involves always wearing the following equipment:

• Full-face helmet—Wearing a helmet is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself as a rider. But just any helmet isn’t enough. Make sure your helmet is full-faced, fits you properly, and is certified by DOT, ECE 22.05, and Snell.
• Riding jacket and pants—Asphalt and bare skin aren’t a good combination, especially at high speeds. If you want to avoid road rash, infection, and possible skin grafts, always wear a thick riding jacket and pants.
• Gloves and boots—Your fingers, hands, feet, and toes aren’t just susceptible to road rash—they’re also susceptible to amputation during crashes. Wearing high-quality, protective gloves and boots not only protect your skin, but they also reduce the risk of catastrophic injuries.

You can further improve your safety by ensuring that your gear is brightly colored and reflective. One of the biggest causes of motorcycle crashes is drivers not seeing riders, regardless of time of day or weather.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys strongly believe in the importance of safety equipment, but we also know that even the most well-protected and safety-conscious riders still get hurt in accidents. If you were injured by a negligent driver while riding, we want to help you get compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Be Careful on Your Motorcycle this Spring

Spring hasn’t officially arrived just yet, but temperatures are already warming throughout the Commonwealth. The arrival of warm weather is a welcome change for many, especially motorcyclists. If you’re planning on taking your bike out for your daily commute or just for a weekend ride, it’s important to prioritize safety from the moment you pull out of your driveway until the moment you return home.

Motorcyclists face serious risks on Virginia’s roadways, but you can reduce your chances of being involved in a crash by keeping these tips in mind:

• Scan the road ahead—One of the biggest dangers that motorcyclists face is roadway hazards. They can include everything from potholes and wet leaves to loose gravel and fallen tree limbs. Staying alert for these hazards can keep you safer on your bike.
• Watch for left-turning vehicles—Drivers don’t always look out for motorcyclists. Inattentive left-turning motorists is one of the biggest risk factors motorcyclists face when it comes to roadway collisions, but you can reduce your risks by anticipating when drivers might turn in front of you.
• Reduce your speed—The torque and horsepower to weight ratio of motorcycles is unrivaled by even some of the fastest production vehicles. However, speeding on a motorcycle is significantly more dangerous than speeding in a vehicle. Always drive at the speed limit, and don’t forget to reduce your speed during inclement weather.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we know that simply representing injured motorcyclists after crashes isn’t always enough.  Because insurance companies are biased against them, they need aggressive representation from experienced Roanoke motorcycle accident attorneys, and that’s exactly what we provide. Contact us today for a free consultation if you were hurt on your bike.