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Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Huntington, WV
Huntington’s scenic routes, winding roads, and riverfront vistas provide some of the most beautiful rides in the Tri-State area, but they often present unique hazards for motorcyclists. From heavy traffic and congested intersections around Marshall University to distracted drivers on more rural routes, bikers face a disproportionate risk of injuries or even death due to others’ negligence.
Despite our state’s emphasis on motorcycle safety, some drivers continue to remain distracted, failing to yield the right-of-way to smaller, more vulnerable vehicles. When someone else’s negligence causes you a significant injury, you need help from a motorcycle accident lawyer in Huntington, WV.
At Warner Law Offices, PLLC, our lawyers help motorcyclists pursue the compensation they deserve after an accident. For a free case review, contact Warner Law Offices, PLLC today. You can also reach us by phone at (304) 345-6789..
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Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Huntington, WV After a Crash
Motorcycle accidents often result in the very worst injuries seen on the road, including spinal cord damage, severe brain injuries, and bone fractures. Injuries like this can require significant medical treatment and time off work. Working with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Huntington can help you seek compensation to make you whole after crashes like this. At Warner Law Offices, PLLC, we fight for your interests and rights by:
- Comprehensive Investigation: We leave no stone unturned, meticulously gathering evidence at the scene and possibly working with an accident reconstruction expert to create a view of the events that led to your collision.
- Strategic Evidence Collection: We gather all available documents, photos, traffic camera footage, eyewitness testimony, and forensic evidence to create a clear chain of causation.
- Expert Witness Collaboration: We partner with leading accident reconstructionists, vocational specialists, and medical authorities to back up the lasting financial and physical toll of your injuries, working to make sure your immediate and lifelong needs are accounted for.
- Aggressive Defense Against Bias: Bikers often experience a bias against them, especially from insurance companies claiming their careless behavior was responsible. We proactively work to neutralize these tactics, protecting your right to a full recovery.
- High-Stakes Negotiation: Our attorneys handle all high-stakes communications with giant insurance corporations and at-fault parties, shielding you from predatory settlement tactics and stressful negotiations.
- Dedicated Partnership: Beyond the courtroom, we serve as your dedicated advocates and advisors, providing clear legal advice and compassionate support you need to navigate the complexities of West Virginia’s personal injury system. Read some of our client reviews to hear stories from other people in situations like yours.
We are ready to hold insurance providers fully liable for your injuries. No matter your financial situation, working with a Huntington motorcycle accident lawyer can help you protect your legal rights while you focus on recovery. At Warner Law Offices, PLLC, we take on your case with no upfront costs, only charging our legal fees if we successfully obtain a payout for you.
- 20+ Years of Experience
- Award Winning Law Firm
- No Fees Unless You Win
- Millions Won For Our Clients
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Huntington
The moments following a crash in Huntington can be chaotic, but the actions you take are critical for your physical and legal recovery.
Call 911 to Notify Authorities
Your first priority is safety. Whether you are on the 29th Street Bridge or along Route 60, move out of the flow of traffic if possible and call 911. The Huntington Police Department or the West Virginia State Police should come to you to document the crash with an official accident report.
Get Photos and Contact Information
If you are able, collect any evidence and details at the scene or, if you are too injured, have someone do this for you. Collect contact information, car details, and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved. If there were any additional witnesses, get their information as well so we can follow up at a later time. Use your phone to capture high-resolution photos of the vehicle’s positions, damage, skid marks, road hazards, and even photos of your injuries.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you do not have any immediately obvious injuries, make sure to seek medical evaluation at the closest hospital or urgent care. Symptoms from internal injuries and concussions can be delayed due to adrenaline. Getting checked out immediately can help you get treatment sooner and also establish the direct connection between your accident and injuries, which can be a vital piece of evidence later.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Huntington and the Tri-State Area
In the last year of reporting data, there were 6,335 motorcyclists killed in the United States, according to Motorcycle Safety information from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). The West Virginia DOT showed that motorcyclists account for 14% of statewide traffic fatalities. Motorcyclists in the Tri-State area face unique environmental hazards, distracted drivers, and blind spot issues. At the Warner Law Offices, PLLC, we commonly see crashes resulting from:
- Commercial Vehicle Blind Spots: Heavy freight traffic moving towards the port creates blind spots where truck drivers may not see a lane-splitting or passing motorcycle.
- Defective Parts: Poorly manufactured or installed parts on the motorcycle or another vehicle can be the cause of a crash as well.
- Distracted Drivers: Heavy congestion and stop-and-go traffic can lead to drivers getting distracted by phones, other passengers, or mapping their route on a GPS.
- Fatigued or Under the Influence: Drivers who are fatigued after a long shift or under the influence of drugs or alcohol have slower reaction times, leading to a higher risk of accidents.
- Left-Turn Intersections: Drivers often fail to properly gauge the speed of oncoming motorcycles at busy intersections such as 5th Avenue and 10th Street. If they turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle, it can result in a crash due to the motorcyclist’s not having enough time to brake or steer out of the way.
- Road Defects and Hazards: Deep potholes, loose gravel, and other factors due to negligent road maintenance can be dangerous for two-wheeled vehicles.
If you are wondering if you can make a claim against another driver, consulting with one of our attorneys can help. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligent actions, you deserve compensation for your medical bills.
Who’s Liable for a Motorcycle Crash in West Virginia? Proving Fault and Negligence
Establishing liability in a motorcycle accident requires proving that the other party involved breached their duty to drive with care. Liability does not just stop at another driver. Sometimes, government entities may be liable for poor road maintenance, and manufacturers may be responsible for mechanical failures.
Our legal team works to demonstrate that their actions were negligent, whether speeding, failing to yield, or driving under the influence. If your family has lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, we can pursue a wrongful death claim against the liable parties to hold them accountable for your loss.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?
A motorcycle accident can leave you injured and unable to work, with medical bills piling up. We fight to ensure your settlement covers the full scope of your losses, including present and future needs. In West Virginia, you can file for two types of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages encompass all past and future medical bills, motorcycle repairs, damages to riding equipment, and lost wages. If your injury results in a permanent disability, we will calculate the impact of this on your lifetime earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the intangible effects of your injury on your life. This includes physical pain and suffering, lifelong disfigurement, mental health issues, and loss of enjoyment in life.
Damages After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash
For families in Cabell County who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, we can help you pursue wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses, medical costs prior to death, and compensation for the emotional toll on the surviving family members.
West Virginia Comparative Fault Rules and How They Affect Motorcycle Claims
If you were partially to blame for your accident, you may still be able to file a claim. West Virginia follows a modified comparative fault rule, also called the 51% rule. This rule allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident, provided your fault is 50% or less. This rule will then reduce your total financial award by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are determined to be 20% at fault due to you being slightly over the speed limit at the time of the crash, but the other driver was 80% at fault for turning in front of you, your $100,000 settlement would be reduced to $80,000.
West Virginia insurance companies often exploit this rule to devalue your claim, but we use aggressive evidence-gathering techniques to keep your fault as low as possible.
How a Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Builds a Strong Case
At Warner Law Offices, PLLC, we do not wait for the at-fault party or their insurance company to act. We take the offensive by collecting forensic evidence immediately from the scene, examining crush patterns, skid marks, and other physical evidence to prove how the collision occurred. Accident reconstructionists and medical experts may be called upon to provide additional detail to back your case.
We work as your dedicated advocate, handling all communications with adjusters. Due to our more than 20 years of experience handling motorcycle crash claims in Huntington, WV, we know how to anticipate insurance adjusters’ tactics to devalue your claim and counter them with hard data and a readiness to take your case to trial if necessary. We also have experience pursuing options for those in a crash with an uninsured and underinsured motorist.
If an insurance company refuses to play fair, we remain ready to take your case to the Cabell County Civil Court. We start by prepping every case as if it will have to go to trial. This mentality shows insurance companies we mean business, and often forces them to offer a fair settlement before a court date is set. Our goal is to get you the results you need to recover physically and financially from your accident, no matter the work needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Huntington
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of the accident or death. Failing to file within this window usually results in the permanent loss of your right to sue. This gives insurance companies all the leverage, allowing them to lowball you or undervalue your claim, if they payout at all.
Do I Still Have a Case if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
Yes. While riding without a helmet is never recommended, the lack of one during a crash does not automatically bar you from seeking compensation if someone else’s negligence caused the accident. However, the defense may use it to argue for comparative negligence if you suffered a head injury. Working with a motorcycle accident attorney can help you prepare for this.
If Bad Road Conditions (Like Potholes) Caused My Motorcycle Crash, Can I Sue?
Possibly. If the City of Huntington or the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) failed to repair a known hazard, you may have the right to file a claim against the government. These cases have very strict notice requirements, so contact us immediately to determine if you have the basis for a claim.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire A Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Huntington?
Warner Law Offices, PLLC, works on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs or hourly fees you have to pay. We only receive a percentage of the final settlement or court award we help you obtain. If we are not successful, you do not have to pay.
Contact Our Huntington Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
The impact of a motorcycle crash is rarely minor, leaving many riders with life-altering injuries. If you or a family member has suffered a life-changing injury on West Virginia roads, or if you are facing the loss of a loved one in a fatal crash, the legal team at Warner Law Offices, PLLC, is here to stand in your corner.
Our firm has a track record of securing millions in record-setting settlements and verdicts for injury victims. Contact our law firm today to set up a free case consultation to learn how we can secure the compensation your future depends on.
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730 4th Ave
Huntington, WV 25701
Bobby has received many accolades throughout the years from both his peers in the legal community, as well as the media. The National Trial Lawyers association named Bobby a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and he has been selected as a Member of the Nation’s Top One Percent. Additionally, he has been named a Best Attorneys of America by Rue Ratings, which also named Warner Law Offices to its Best Law Firms of America.
We represent clients across West Virginia and surrounding areas, providing compassionate client service and relentless advocacy in and out of the courtroom.
Call us 304-345-6789 or
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