Richmond Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents are often more serious than other vehicle crashes. Riders are much more exposed, which means collisions can easily result in broken bones, road rash, internal injuries, or permanent disability. When someone else is at fault, the stakes are high for your health, finances, and future. You need a Richmond motorcycle accident lawyer with the experience and determination to fight for what you deserve.

At Merrick Brock, PLLC, founding attorneys John Merrick and Les Brock have the seasoned legal insights that come with over 25 years of experience defending insurance companies and major corporations. Today, we use our knowledge and skills to stand up for people who have been seriously injured, including motorcycle riders who face an uphill battle after a crash. With a deep understanding of defense tactics and a proven record of courtroom success, Merrick Brock, PLLC has earned a reputation for taking on tough cases and delivering real results.

We represent injured riders and their families across Richmond and throughout Virginia. We can help you pursue the recovery you deserve. And, we won’t back down when the insurance company tries to minimize your claim. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Richmond?

Taking the proper steps after a motorcycle crash can protect your health and legal rights. Some actions must happen immediately, while others may follow once the dust has settled. Here’s how to move forward:

1. Call 911. Report the accident and request emergency services. This helps ensure that you have access to medical help and the police, who will create an official report.
2. Get medical attention. Accept treatment at the scene or go to the hospital as soon as possible. A prompt evaluation can uncover injuries you might not feel immediately and create a medical record tied to the crash.
3. Document the crash scene. If you can, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and anything else that helps show what happened. Make note of any video surveillance or traffic cameras in the area that may have captured the accident.
4. Exchange information with other drivers. Be sure to get the names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details of everyone involved in the crash. This information is essential for filing claims and understanding who may be responsible.
5. Collect witness information. Eyewitnesses may provide key support for your claim. Try to get their names and contact details before they leave the scene.
6. Talk to a lawyer early. A Richmond motorcycle accident lawyer can launch an immediate investigation, preserve critical evidence, and protect your claim from insurers’ strategies to avoid paying full value.  

If you’re reading this after the fact and missed one or more of these steps, that’s okay. We can still help by investigating what happened, identifying potential witnesses, and gathering documentation that supports your claim. 

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Motorcycle Crash?

Motorcycle accidents can involve multiple responsible parties, and identifying them is crucial to recovering full compensation. Here are some examples of potentially liable parties:

• Passenger vehicle drivers. Most often, crashes occur when a driver fails to see a motorcyclist while turning, changing lanes, or pulling into traffic. Drivers can also cause serious harm if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, or distracted.
• Commercial vehicle drivers. Truck drivers, delivery drivers, and other commercial vehicle operators are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines, which can lead to speeding, fatigue, or inattention. 
• Employers of commercial drivers. The companies that hire and oversee commercial drivers may be held responsible under vicarious liability laws if their employees cause a crash during the course of their jobs. In some cases, they may also be directly liable for negligent hiring, poor training, or failing to maintain safe driving policies.
• Manufacturers. The manufacturer could be liable if a defective motorcycle part (such as brakes or tires) caused or contributed to the crash.
• Local or state government. If dangerous road conditions, such as missing signs or potholes, caused the crash, the agency responsible for road maintenance may be at fault.

A thorough investigation often reveals more than one contributing factor to a crash. Our attorneys can work to evaluate the facts and pursue every avenue to maximize your recovery.

Why Are Motorcycle Accident Claims Complex?

Motorcycle injury cases can be challenging to resolve without experienced legal help. Here’s why:

• Injuries are often more severe. Because motorcyclists have little protection, even low-speed crashes can result in serious or permanent injuries. This fact can mean longer recovery times, higher medical bills, and a greater impact on quality of life.
• Insurance companies may blame the rider. There’s a common bias that assumes motorcyclists are reckless. Insurers often use this stereotype to dispute liability or reduce the value of your claim, even when the facts support your side.
• Virginia’s contributory negligence law is strict. Being found even 1% at fault for a crash can bar you from recovering compensation altogether. This legal rule makes it critical to present a compelling, well-documented case that leaves no room for assigning fault to the rider.
• Evidence can disappear quickly. Physical evidence, like skid marks and debris, and digital records, such as surveillance video or black box data, may only be available for a limited time. Witness memories also fade, making early investigation crucial.
• Multiple parties may be involved. In some cases, responsibility may lie with a commercial entity, a vehicle manufacturer, or a government agency responsible for road maintenance. Sorting through these layers of liability takes time, resources, and legal knowledge.

Because of these factors, motorcycle claims require more than basic representation. They demand a legal strategy tailored to the unique facts of your case. Our team of Richmond motorcycle injury attorneys is willing to work to challenge assumptions, uncover the truth, and advocate for the compensation you’re entitled to pursue.

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Virginia?

Under Virginia law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. You may lose your right to seek compensation if you miss this deadline.

However, some cases require quicker action. If a government agency may be responsible for dangerous road conditions, you may need to submit a notice of claim within a much shorter period. Therefore, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Acting quickly also gives your lawyer more time to investigate, gather records, and prepare a strong case.  

Talk to a Richmond Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

A motorcycle crash can upend your life in an instant. You shouldn’t have to carry the burden alone when someone else is at fault. At Merrick Brock, we focus on serious injury cases that require careful attention and a strategic approach. Our clients include individuals and families facing real setbacks, who need knowledgeable legal support to move forward.

We’re not a volume firm. We don’t take every case that comes our way. Instead, we limit our caseload so we can provide personalized, responsive service to every client. When you work with us, you get direct communication with the attorneys handling your case and a team that takes time to understand the details.

We’ve helped countless Virginians through various personal injury matters. Our approach is built on preparation, clear communication, and a willingness to go the distance. If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation. A Richmond motorcycle injury lawyer at Merrick Brock is ready to discuss your situation and explain how we can help.