Hill Peterson Carper Bee & Deitzler PLLC

Available 24/7

Call: 800-797-9730
FREE CONSULTATION
Hill Peterson Carper Bee & Deitzler PLLC
Call

A Skilled Team Of Personal Injury Attorneys

Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys In Charleston

Motorcyclists are often given a bad rap. Other motorists on the road think they drive with carelessness and speed. The reality is that motorcyclists are usually the ones who are most alert and careful. At The Law Firm of Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler, PLLC, we advocate for riders who have been seriously injured in crashes.

With decades of collective experience, we have the skills to undertake even the most complicated personal injury claims. Our team of eight lawyers has successfully represented people facing traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns and more.

Motorcyclist Injuries And Statistics

Riders have much less protection than other motorists when an accident occurs. Most motorcyclists suffer from catastrophic injuries when being involved in a crash. In many instances, these crashes, unfortunately, result in fatalities.

According to a 2015 report by the GHSA (Governors Highway Safety Association) on motorcycle traffic fatalities, motorcyclist deaths are predicted to have gone up 10 percent between 2014 and 2015. In addition, 31 states had an increase in motorcyclist fatalities. West Virginia had a 23 percent increase in motorcyclist fatalities. The numbers speak for themselves. Safety to motorcyclists in West Virginia seems to be getting worse and not better.

At The Law Firm of Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler, PLLC, we have significant experience handling motorcycle accidents in Charleston and throughout the state that involve injuries such as:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Burns and infections (road rash)
  • Amputations
  • Broken bones and fractures

Frequently Asked Questions

I have motorcycle insurance separate from my automobile coverage. How will this affect the process of obtaining compensation?

If you were on your motorcycle at the time of the accident, then the negligent party owes you only for damages to your motorcycle. Your car insurance will not increase or be affected by this accident. Your insurance will look only at your motorcycle coverage and determine compensation, which then follows a normal process. However, you may find that insurance companies are biased against motorcyclists and will investigate the case more in depth because of this, which can add additional time.

Are deadly motorcycle accidents common in West Virginia?

While not commonplace, these accidents are increasing year over year. Most fatal motorcycle crashes in the state occur from the motorcyclist not wearing a helmet or riding under the influence of alcohol.

What can I do if I was injured in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident?

Seek medical attention so your injuries are on record. Contact the police and an attorney right away. Try to capture the driver’s license plate information or their car’s description, as well as the driver’s description if you see them.

Unfortunately, if you cannot capture identifying information, the police may not have enough information to find the negligent party. Police or your attorney may be able to determine the car’s color or other features from the damage to your motorcycle. They may also be able to pull camera footage from nearby traffic cameras or buildings.

Can I sue the car driver who caused my motorcycle crash?

Yes. If there is sufficient evidence to prove they were the only negligent party, and you are not at fault, you can bring a lawsuit against them.

Do I have any rights if I wasn’t wearing a helmet when I got into my motorcycle wreck?

Yes. You still have the right to bring a lawsuit against the negligent party. You deserve compensation for the accident and damages to your property. However, the success of your case can be complicated since not wearing a helmet directly violates the law.

What kind of financial reimbursement for damages can I get in a motorcycle accident case?

You should receive compensation for the damage done to, or loss of, your motorcycle. The property will be valued by a professional if it was totaled, which can result in receiving less money than the owner feels the bike is worth.

You should also be compensated for all current and future medical bills related to the accidents, lost wages, and pain and suffering endured from the accident and subsequent injuries. Generally, cases range from the low thousands into tens of thousands of dollars. Catastrophic injuries or serious crashes can enter above the $100,000 range.

Standing As Your Advocate

No matter how complicated the circumstances of your case may seem, we are focused on helping you get the medical treatment and the compensation you need to start your recovery to becoming whole again. We are your advocates and your support team.

Contact Our Motorcycle Crash Lawyers Serving West Virginia

Contact our Charleston attorneys today to discuss the details of your injury claim. Call 800-797-9730, or contact us online.