West Virginia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
You have rights. Klie Law Offices can fight for them.
Motorcyclists in Clarksburg, Elkins, Buckhannon and other communities throughout West Virginia routinely rely on our experienced attorneys to help them with their serious motorcycle accidents. That’s because injury victims know we will do whatever it takes to help accident victims obtain the compensation they rightfully deserve.
Motorcyclists sometimes face an uphill battle after an accident involving another driver. And it’s not just because of the severe injuries they often sustain. The other obstacle they often have to overcome is the outdated attitudes about motorcyclists. Many people wrongly think that motorcyclists are reckless risk takers. Insurance companies are aware of the bias against riders, and will use it to minimize payments or deny claims.
We know it’s unfair. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident on Route 48 in Buckhannon or I-79 in Weston – wherever it may have happened – you deserve justice. If you were hit by another driver, we will fight hard to hold that individual accountable.
We aggressively represent motorcyclists at Klie Law Offices. We strongly believe that careless or reckless drivers who cause accidents should be held responsible for their actions.
What are common causes of motorcycle accidents?
Motorcycle accidents in West Virginia happen for many reasons. Drivers often claim they did not see the motorcycle, which may have been sideswiped while traveling in another lane on the highway. Not seeing a vehicle that is legally using the road is no excuse. Drivers have a responsibility to share the road and avoid accidents with motorcyclists. We encourage drivers to look out for motorcycles at all times, especially at intersections.
“Failing to see” a motorcycle may also be an excuse a distracted driver or driver who is impaired by drugs or alcohol might make. Some of the most common causes we regularly encounter at our law firm include:
- Distracted drivers – Many drivers think they can multitask and operate a vehicle. Studies show that multitasking creates a distraction and increases the chance of causing an accident. A distracted driver poses a threat to everyone sharing the road, including motorcyclists. Some of the most common reasons why drivers aren’t paying attention include:
- Texting while driving
- Talking on a cellphone
- Operating a GPS device
- Eating while driving
- Reckless drivers – Weaving between vehicles, changing lanes without warning and tailgating – these are some of the most common examples of reckless driving that often result in serious motorcycle accidents.
- Speeding drivers – When drivers exceed the speed limit, they often don’t have the time or space to stop safely. As a result, speeding trucks and cars sometimes crash into motorcyclists.
Important topics related to motorcycle accidents
Click on any of the following links to get more details about types of motorcycle accidents in West Virginia:
- Why do I need a lawyer for my motorcycle accident?
- Cars turning in front of motorcycles in intersections
- Cars changing lanes and striking motorcyclists
- Motorcycle rider gets hit from behind
- Common injuries in motorcycle accidents
- How insurance companies view motorcyclists
- Why motorcycle accidents are so severe
Why do I need a lawyer for my motorcycle accident?
You have a limited amount of time to take legal action after your motorcycle accident. Specifically, you have two years after your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Sometimes, filing a lawsuit is the best way to obtain the money you rightfully deserve for your accident. But there are many other legal options available to you. That’s why it’s important to contact us. Call (866) 408-9059 for a free and confidential case evaluation. Whatever legal matter you’re dealing with after your accident, no matter how complicated it might seem, contact our law firm. We have years of experience dealing with motorcycle accidents throughout the Mountain State.
Cars turning in front of motorcycles in intersections
Many drivers turn left in intersections without looking to see if a motorcyclist is approaching from the other direction. Drivers also may see the motorcycle, but misjudge the distance and violate the biker’s right-of-way. And in some cases, the driver of the car turning left, whether it’s in an intersection or not, may claim not to see the motorcyclist coming from the opposite direction.
Speeding by the driver of the car may be a factor in an intersection motorcycle accident, but often these accidents occur at speeds of 30 mph our less. The motorcycle rider, however, may still sustain severe or fatal injuries due to little crash protection. A rider may apply the brakes as an evasive maneuver, which may result the rider being thrown over the top of the motorcycle or forcing him or her to lie down and slide across the pavement.
Cars changing lanes and striking motorcyclists
Many drivers change lanes without looking and crash into motorcyclists in that lane. The excuses drivers use often range from claiming they didn’t see the rider or saying the rider was in a blind spot to even blaming the motorcyclist for causing the accident.
A motorcycle may be harder to see, but that’s no excuse. The motorcycle rider has a right to use the road. If the driver of the car swerves into the motorcycle’s lane, the rider may be unable to avoid getting struck.
Don’t settle for their excuses if you were cut off by a negligent driver. Take action. Let our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in West Virginia help you seek justice.
Motorcycle rider gets hit from behind
Distracted drivers, speeding drivers and even drunk drivers sometimes crash into the back of motorcycles. These rear-end motorcycle accidents can be extremely serious because motorcyclists do not have the same protection around them as people traveling in cars. A low-speed rear end crash that may be viewed as a “fender bender” between two cars can have grave consequences if the collision involves a car and a motorcycle.
The driver from behind is almost always at fault in a rear-end motorcycle accident in West Virginia. Discuss your rights with an experienced attorney.
Common injuries in motorcycle accidents
Motorcyclists often sustain a wide range of serious injuries in accidents. Some of the most common injuries motorcyclists sustain include:
- Head injuries
- Spine injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Foot injuries
- Arm injuries
How insurance companies view motorcyclists
Many people don’t like motorcycles. They don’t trust the riders and may assume they are reckless daredevils who flaunt the law and ride out of control. Insurance company adjusters are well aware of this bias. They know that a jury may be less likely to award a motorcycle accident victim with fair compensation. That’s why insurance companies may make an insultingly low ball offer to a motorcycle victim or a family that lost a loved one in an accident.
We know the truth. We know how important it is to mount a rock solid case to prove the driver was negligent. We take all the steps necessary to support an injury or wrongful death claim. To get the results our clients need, we carefully compile evidence and interview witnesses and first responders. In many cases, we work with medical experts and accident reconstructionists. We’re determined to show the insurance company that the motorcyclist did not cause the accident and hold the other driver accountable. While most cases settle, Klie Law Offices is prepared to file a lawsuit and take the case before a just and jury if necessary.
Why motorcycle accidents are so severe
Riders and their passengers may wear durable clothing and helmets, but West Virginians on motorcycles generally have little to protect themselves against serious injuries when they are struck by cars, trucks and other large vehicles. As a result, when another driver crashes into a motorcycle, the consequences can often be catastrophic. That’s why it’s important for other drivers to look carefully before changing lanes or turning.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, motorcyclists are about 26 times more likely than an occupant of a car to die in a crash. And motorcyclists are five times more likely to be injured.
If you or a loved one has sustained a serious injury in a motorcycle accident, you might be unable to work for many weeks or months – or even longer. You may face permanent disabilities. In cases of wrongful death, families often worry about the long-term financial impact of the loss. When so much is at stake, it’s important to have an experienced West Virginia motorcycle accident attorney on your side, vigorously fighting for your rights.
