Cohen & Cohen is a top choice when you need a motorcycle accident lawyer Alexandria VA riders trust to protect their rights. Our lawyers have fought hard for the rights of personal injury victims for the last 20 years. We have recovered more than $100 million during that time for our clients.
If you’re the victim of a motorcycle accident you may have questions. The following answers can be supplemented with more information when you meet with one of our attorneys at a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Claims
In motorcycle accidents, is it unusual for the at-fault party to be the car driver?
Though motorcyclists share the blame for a certain number of crashes, very often the car driver is at fault. In many situations they did not see the motorcyclist and so were unable to avoid hitting them. When hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer Alexandria VA commuters vouch for, verify they have experience recovering damages for personal injuries. Cohen & Cohen’s attorneys are highly experienced in personal injury cases.
What are common causes of motorcycle accidents?
Automobile drivers can cause accidents with other cars or motorcycles for many different reasons. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer Alexandria VA locals turn to can name a number of causes. They may include:
- Driving too fast for the road conditions and losing control of their vehicle as a result
- Not yielding to motorcycles who have the right-of-way
- Misjudging distance or the speed of a motorcycle that’s approaching
- Driving too closely behind a motorcycle who has to suddenly slow or stop
- Driving while distracted from texting, eating, tuning the radio, talking on the phone
- Ignoring traffic signals or road signs
When the at-fault driver’s insurance company offers me a settlement, should I accept it?
The representation from a motorcycle accident lawyer in Alexandria VA can be particularly helpful in scenarios like these. An attorney may be able to advise you on whether or not to accept the offer. They may even be able to negotiate a larger dollar amount; which is another reason it could be prudent to hire a lawyer early on in the claims process.
If I was the passenger on a motorcycle, can I sue the motorcycle driver if I’m injured in an accident?
If the driver is liable for the accident and you suffered injuries as a result, then you can sue them for damages. Provided that they’re insured, which is legally required in most areas, their insurance company may likely pay your claim.
Is it important that I call a lawyer immediately after a motorcycle accident even if it wasn’t my fault?
After tending to your injuries and getting medical attention, you may want to consider contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer Alexandria VA motorcyclists rely on even if you’re not at fault. With an attorney from Cohen & Cohen representing you, we can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Very often our attorneys can get a higher settlement than what the insurance company originally offered the accident victim. Avoid accepting an initial offer until it has been reviewed by your attorney.
Even though the accident was not your fault, that doesn’t guarantee the insurance company will pay you. Our attorneys have experienced firsthand the lengths that some insurance companies will go to in order to avoid paying out claims.
Cohen & Cohen may be able to help make sure that your personal injury case is filed within the statute of limitations. We will work as quickly and efficiently as possible to resolve your case.
What happens if the at-fault driver is underinsured or has no insurance?
If the other driver has insufficient insurance to cover your claim, your own insurance company should recover your injury costs and damages. If your personal injuries are so substantial that even your own policy won’t cover your expenses, an Alexandria VA motorcycle accident lawyer may opt to go after the other driver’s personal assets.
The above is also true for drivers who fled the scene in a hit and run accident. Unless they are caught and have insurance, your insurance carrier will be responsible for payment of your costs.
My spouse was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident. Can I file a lawsuit on their behalf?
When a person dies as a result of another person’s negligence, the victim’s family may be able to file a wrongful death suit. A qualified motorcycle accident lawyer Alexandria VA families hire can explain what damages should be included in your case. They may try to recover compensation for the following costs and damages:
- Medical costs related to the accident prior to your loved one’s death
- Burial costs
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of wages from the moment of the accident until their death, and for as long as they may have worked if they had lived
- Loss of medical benefits that your spouse provided while alive through their insurance policy
- Non-economic losses
How much will it cost me to hire a top motorcycle accident lawyer Alexandria VA riders has to offer?
Many attorneys, including attorneys at Cohen & Cohen, will handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis. That means that we don’t collect a fee until you are compensated by the insurance agency. If we can’t negotiate a settlement amount or win your lawsuit, we don’t get paid.
Contact Us Today
Motorcycle accidents can be especially traumatic; and their aftermath is often a confusing maze of medical bills, compensation claims, and physical and emotional pain. After an accident like this, you need a motorcycle accident lawyer Alexandria VA bikers can rely on — call Cohen & Cohen today to set up a free consultation.