Your Motorcycle Accident Advocates
Motorcyclists, both operators and passengers, are at an increased risk of experiencing fatal or catastrophic accidents. Unfortunately, larger vehicle drivers often neglect to pay attention to smaller ones, especially motorcycles. This carelessness can lead to devastating results, causing severe injuries or even death. Unlike passengers in cars, motorcyclists rely on helmets and fabric clothing for protection, leaving them exposed to the full impact of an accident. Safety measures must be taken by both motorcyclists and other drivers to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
If you find yourself in such a situation, it is important to enlist the services of a motorcycle accident lawyer at Slaughter & Lupton Law, PLLC. Attorney Everett Lupton has operated motorcycles for more than 30 years and knows first-hand the dangers faced by motorcyclists from aggressive and negligent drivers of cars and trucks on the road. In 2021, 5,932 motorcyclists were killed–14% of all fatalities. In 2020, more than 180,000 individuals were treated for injuries in emergency departments, with several thousand losing their lives due to these incidents.
Passenger vehicle drivers are legally required to extend the same courtesy to motorcycles when passing or following as they would to vehicles of similar size. Furthermore, drivers of cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs should take into account many unique challenges motorcycles face in inclement weather conditions–rain, sleet, and snow, and different road surfaces such as steel decks of drawbridges, railroad crossings, and foreign substances on the roadway like debries from vehicles, gravel, and oil. When a motorcycle is slowing down to navigate an obstacle, such as a pothole, responsible drivers should decelerate as well, affording them the necessary space to navigate safely.
Addressing motorcycle injury cases often demands knowledge of relevant laws and a meticulous investigation into the causes of the crash. In certain instances, an at-fault driver may claim, “the motorcycle stopped too quickly” or “the motorcycle came out of nowhere” However, after investigating and reviewing stopping distances and other factors, a comprehensive investigation can reveal that the at fault driver was simply not paying attention, drove aggressively, violated one or more traffic violations, or acted with willful and wanton reckless disregard for the motorcycle and the riders on the motorcycle!
We urge you to reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Slaughter & Lupton Law, PLLC for your free initial consultation. Your safety and legal rights are our top priorities, and we are here to advocate for your interests.
Here for you when you need it most.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Virginia & North Carolina
Why Should I Hire A Motorcycle Lawyer
Irrespective of the circumstances surrounding your motorcycle accident or the determination of fault, it’s highly likely that you’ll find yourself engaging with an insurance company when seeking compensation.
From the outset, insurance companies maintain a distinct advantage in this process. They handle claims similar to your claim on a daily basis. Insurance companies are staffed by trained insurance adjusters and defense attorneys, backed by substantial resources. Many insurance carriers employ complicated software systems that are designed to minimize payouts on claims.
By retaining the services of a proficient personal injury lawyer, you place a skilled legal advocate firmly in your corner, effectively leveling the playing field with the insurance company.
A motorcycle accident can leave you feeling helpless and uncertain about your next steps. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with this challenge alone. At Slaughter & Lupton Law, PLLC, we understand the stress and confusion that can result from an accident. Our empathetic and authoritative approach is designed to provide you with the guidance and support you need during this difficult time. We will help you navigate the complexities of your accident claim, establish fault and negligence, handle insurance claims and legal processes, and prioritize your overall well-being.
Meet Our Attorneys
Robert C. Slaughter
Attorney at Law
W. Everett Lupton
Personal Injury Attorney
David Moyer
Personal Injury Attorney
Nicole T. Sanzo
Personal Injury Attorney
Recoverable Damages in a Motorcycle Accident
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Hampton Roads, Virginia or Northeastern North Carolina, you have the legal right to seek compensatory damages. Both a claim or a lawsuit can be filed, with compensatory damages covering both economic and non-economic losses. These include:
- Economic damages: To compensate for financial and economic losses stemming from the accident, these cover expenses related to medical care, lost wages, and future loss of earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages: These provide compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, and suffering, as well as life-altering changes that go beyond the scope of economic damages.
Our experienced team of attorneys are here to support and guide you through the complexities of your motorcycle accident case. We understand the physical, emotional and financial burdens you may face after an accident and are committed to representing you with compassion and dedication. Let us help you receive the compensation you deserve by pursuing the following types of compensation on your behalf: medical expenses, lost wages and income, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, scarring or disfigurement and out-of-pocket expenditures. With our legal advocacy, you can focus on your recovery, while we handle your case.
At Slaughter & Lupton Law, we know how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. We’re here to make sure you get the compensation you deserve and won’t back down when it comes to fighting for your rights. Our attorneys have years of experience and work with experts in various fields to ensure you have a strong case.
Motorcycle Laws in Virginia and North Carolina
When it comes to motorcycle accidents, it is essential to know which laws apply to a specific case. If you are in Virginia or North Carolina, it’s mandatory to have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement before operating a motorcycle.
In Virginia and North Carolina, you must possess a valid motorcycle license or endorsement to operate a motorcycle. Virginia issues three types of motorcycle license endorsements:
North Carolina issues a motorcycle endorsement on driver’s licenses and commercial driver’s licenses.
Obtaining a license or endorsement requires passing a vision screening and passing motorcycle knowledge and practical skills tests.
However, not having a license may not hurt your injury case. If not having a license is not related to the cause of the accident, you should still be allowed to recover full compensation for your damages. Remember that in Virginia and North Carolina, helmets are legally required for both riders and passengers. If you don’t wear a helmet and are injured, it might affect your ability to get compensated as the defendant or insurer will argue that not wearing a helmet may have contributed to injuries that may have been mitigated if you were wearing a helmet. Even if you were not wearing a helmet, you can still take legal action or file an insurance claim to recover damages for your injuries.
Virginia and North Carolina have fault-based insurance rules for claims against third parties, enabling you to pursue compensation from the party responsible for causing your motorcycle accident. Specifically, you may file a claim against their insurance company to seek payment from one or more policies that cover your loss.
In Virginia and North Carolina, if you own a motorcycle that is licensed (active registration), you are legally required to maintain an insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum requirements. The minimum coverage required is at least $30,000/$60,000 for bodily injury per person/accident and $20,000 for property damage. In Virginia, for all motorcycle insurance policies effective after January 1, 2025, the minimum insurance requirements increase to $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury per person/accident and $25,000 for property damage. North Carolina’s General Assembly passed a bill increasing North Carolina minimum limits to $50,000/$100,000 in the Fall of 2023, but the bill was vetoed by the Governor.
It is essential to be informed about Virginia and North Carolina laws and procedures affecting motorcyclists. However, for any legal challenges or issues you encounter following an accident in which you are injured, call on Slaughter & Lupton Law, PLLC, the experienced motorcycle accident injury attorneys. We understand the relevant Virginia or North Carolina laws that apply to your case. We have a lot (decades) of courtroom trial experience in front of juries and judges! We possess the skills and expertise required to help you pursue the best possible outcome.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Virginia and North Carolina
Motorcycle accidents have the potential to be highly devastating, even when riders adhere to safety precautions such as wearing helmets and protective gear and following the rules of the road.
While motorcycle helmets play a vital role in reducing the risk of wrongful death and severe traumatic brain injuries in the event of a collision, riders frequently endure a range of injuries, including:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Burns
- Road rash
- Concussions
- Facial injuries
- Partial or complete amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Chest injuries
- Crush injuries
- Neck injuries
- Knee injuries
- Cuts and abrasions
If you have been involved in a serious motorcycle accident and you are injured, seeking medical attention promptly is legally important. Swift medical care may prevent complications and help diagnose any injuries early on. Additionally, receiving immediate medical attention documents your injuries in your medical records, which is important in establishing the evidentiary link between the accident and your trauma.
Most importantly, our main focus is on your health and recovery.
Common Causes of a Motorcycle Accident
Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. Unfortunately, even when you’re doing everything right, other drivers may not be. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Hampton Roads, Virginia or Northeastern North Carolina due to someone else’s negligence, we understand the frustration and confusion you may be feeling. Our team of experts is here to help guide you through this difficult time.
Drivers may be deemed to have acted negligently in certain circumstances if they fail to exercise reasonable care. These driving behaviors include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driving while sleepy
- Tailgating
- Ignoring the right of way
- Running traffic signals and stop sign
- Making illegal turns
- Not maintaining proper vigilance
If you have been involved in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, our team at Slaughter & Lupton Law, PLLC is here to provide the guidance and representation you need to navigate this difficult time.
Who Could Be Liable
Under Virginia and North Carolina law, anyone who bears responsibility for causing a motorcycle accident through negligence or willful and wanton conductmay be held accountable for the resulting damages.
In the majority of instances, this encompasses individuals whose negligence played a role in the accident, including:
- Passenger vehicle drivers
- Truck drivers
- Fellow motorcyclists
- Bus drivers
- Employers of negligent parties
- Property owners
- Government agencies
We are aware of how daunting and stressful it can be to deal with an accident. Our team with lawyers having significant litigation experience litigating motorcycle injury cases before judges and juries is available to provide you with support and guidance throughout the entire process. We are committed to gathering all the necessary evidence of liability and damages to present a strong case against the negligent driver and their insurer on your behalf.
No matter how tricky the road ahead may seem, we have your back!
Don’t face this alone – we are here to help. Contact us today for a free initial consultation and let us get started on the path to the justice that you deserve.
Why Choose Slaughter & Lupton Law
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to find the right Virginia Beach personal injury attorney who knows about motorcycles and can expertly navigate the legal process. Don’t settle for mediocre representation. Choose a knowledgeable and skilled lawyer who can fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Slaughter & Lupton Law, our clients are the focus of our attention.
We hold a genuine and deep concern for the well being of every individual we represent. Our attorneys are committed to taking the time to attentively listen to your case and the challenges you have faced and continue to experience. Every client and every case is different and serves as our driving force. Your story empowers us to build your case for the financial recovery that you deserve.
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