Newport News Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injury or wrongful death. The extent of losses people suffer from their injuries after being involved in a motorcycle crash or losing a loved one from the accident is unimaginable.

According to a national study, in 2020, motorcycle accidents accounted for over 5,500 deaths, 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. Because motorcyclists have no protection against impact, a crash with another vehicle can be devastating and have a permanent impact on the rest of a victim’s life.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Newport News, you deserve compensation for your losses. The understanding attorneys at Montagna Law are here to help you fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Call our Virginia law firm today at 757-622-8100 for a free consultation.

A motorcycle accident can change life in an instant. In the wake of a serious crash, injured bikers and their families often face overwhelming physical pain, financial strain, and emotional loss. For some, these collisions result in lifelong disabilities; for others, they bring the devastating reality of losing a loved one.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Newport News, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. The attorneys at Montagna Law provide compassionate guidance and strong advocacy to help you pursue the compensation you need to rebuild and move forward.

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Crash in Newport News

After a motorcycle accident, consulting with an attorney as soon as possible can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. While insurance companies may seem understanding at first, their priority is protecting their bottom line, often by minimizing or denying claims.

An attorney can:

• Protect your rights from the start of the claims process.
• Anticipate and counter common insurance company tactics.
• Work to secure compensation that reflects the full extent of your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

By having legal representation early on, you place yourself in a stronger position to recover fair compensation and focus on your recovery.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me Recover Damages?

Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can significantly improve your chances of recovering damages after a motorcycle accident in Virginia. An attorney can defend you against accusations of negligence, handle communication with insurance companies, and gather the documentation needed to support your claim. This includes medical records, accident reports, and witness statements that demonstrate the full extent of your losses.

If your case cannot be resolved through negotiations, your lawyer can represent you in court and present a strong argument on your behalf. While winning a motorcycle accident case in Newport News can be challenging, having skilled legal representation gives you a better opportunity to secure the compensation you need for your recovery.

Why Clients Choose Montagna Law

At Montagna Law, we believe that exceptional legal representation begins with attentive service and open communication. Clients can expect courteous, respectful, and professional treatment from the moment they contact our Newport News office.

We understand the stress and uncertainty that follow a personal injury, and our legal team works to ease that burden. Throughout your case, we keep you informed, explain each step of the process, and negotiate with insurance companies to pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Our goal is to explore every available legal option to help you move forward with confidence.

Providing Trusted Legal Representation for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Newport News

For more than 50 years, Montagna Law has represented injured Virginians in their pursuit of fair compensation. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to strong advocacy and personalized support, and our work has resulted in more than $30 million recovered in personal injury cases.

We value the attorney-client relationship and make it a priority to provide individualized attention to every case. Our firm has earned more than 85 five-star reviews, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and recognition through awards such as The National Top 100 Trial Attorneys, Lawyers of Distinction 2024, and NAOPIA Top 10 Attorney 2024.

Recent Injury Case Results

Montagna Law has extensive experience advocating for injured Virginians. In many cases, defendants challenge liability and deny compensation, but our attorneys are prepared to take cases to court when necessary. This readiness can strengthen your negotiating position and support your pursuit of fair compensation.

Examples of recoveries for personal injury clients in the Hampton Roads area include:

• $1,900,000 for a client injured aboard a vessel who suffered a serious neck injury.
• $1,060,000 for a client with a leg injury from an industrial accident.
• $1,000,000 for a client who sustained a severe neck injury in a slip and fall case.
• $995,000 for a client with neck and back injuries from a motor vehicle accident.
• $750,000 for a client who sustained a broken foot in a motor vehicle accident.
• $725,000 for a client rear-ended by a commercial truck.
• $625,000 for a client with a back injury from a motor vehicle accident.

Our Client’s Firsthand Testimonials

“My Attorneys at Montagna Law provided me with good sound legal [advice] with my case. If you need help with your case give them a call and see if they can help you.” — Michael

“My experience with Montagna Law Firm was one of my best experiences! From the receptionist Mrs. Sherry to the paralegal Mrs. Grace! So grateful for the patience they had with and for me getting to different levels in the process. Explaining and breaking things down so I could understand! I would recommend the Montagna Law firm to any and everyone that seek for an attorney. Thank you Mr. Montagna, Mr. Jackson for all that you done! Bernetha &Michael Robinson.” — Bernetha

Understanding Motorcycle Laws in Virginia

Virginia has specific laws designed to protect motorcyclists and promote safety on the road. Riders and passengers are expected to follow these rules, which can also play a critical role in determining fault after an accident:

• Riders and passengers must wear helmets that meet state safety standards.
• Motorcycles must have essential safety equipment, including working mirrors and a functioning speedometer.
• The number of people who can ride on certain types of motorcycles is limited to maintain stability and control.
• Traffic and equipment regulations, such as stopping at signals, using proper lighting, and keeping the motorcycle in safe operating condition, must be followed at all times.

Some violations, such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, or failing to yield, can influence who is found at fault. However, under Virginia law, not wearing a helmet or eye protection does not constitute negligence per se in a civil case. At Montagna Law, we understand how Virginia’s motorcycle regulations and traffic rules apply to motorcycle injury claims, and we use that knowledge to build strong cases for our clients.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Newport News?

Motorcyclists often suffer severe or lasting injuries when accidents occur, and in many cases, these crashes are caused by the actions of other motorists. In Newport News, common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Inattentive or distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel
• Speeding or following too closely
• Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
• Reckless driving or unsafe lane changes
• Highway fatigue or “highway hypnosis”

Many motorcycle accidents result from the negligence of drivers operating larger vehicles like cars, SUVs, trucks, or buses. Because proving fault is critical in Virginia’s strict contributory negligence system, having a skilled attorney investigate the cause of your crash can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. An experienced lawyer can collect evidence, identify liable parties, and build a strong argument to hold them accountable.

Common and Severe Injuries From Newport News Motorcycle Accidents

Because motorcycles lack the protective structure of other vehicles, motorcycle riders are far more vulnerable to serious injuries when collisions occur. Victims in Newport News often suffer:

• Road rash
• Broken bones or fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional trauma

Some of these injuries may heal with time, but many require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or even lifelong treatment. Severe injuries can lead to permanent disability and significant changes in daily life, limiting a person’s ability to work, care for themselves, or participate in activities they once enjoyed. These lasting effects are a key reason injured riders should seek legal help to pursue compensation for ongoing and future needs.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Newport News

If you or a loved one is involved in a motorcycle accident in Newport News or anywhere in Virginia, taking the right steps immediately can protect both your health and your legal rights:

• Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible.
• Call the police so the crash is documented and a formal report is created.
• If there are visible or severe injuries, call 911 for emergency medical assistance.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
• Get a full medical evaluation to check for hidden injuries and follow all treatment recommendations.
• Collect evidence at the scene, including photographs, video, and witness contact information.
• Document damage to your motorcycle and obtain repair estimates.
• Notify your employer if you will miss work due to your injuries.

Be careful about what you say at the scene or to insurance adjusters afterward, as your statements can be used to limit or deny your personal injury claim. Contacting a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible allows you to protect your rights, preserve important evidence, and strengthen your case from the start.

Why Motorcycle Accident Claims in Virginia Are So Challenging for Injured Riders

Pursuing a motorcycle accident claim in Virginia can be far more challenging than seeking compensation after a typical car accident. One reason is the severity of injuries. Even a low-speed crash can cause life-altering harm to a motorcyclist because there is no protective barrier between the rider and the impact. There is rarely such a thing as a “minor” motorcycle accident.

Another difficulty comes from bias. Some jurors, and even insurance adjusters, may hold stereotypes about motorcyclists, unfairly assuming they are reckless or ignore traffic laws. These assumptions can make it harder for injured riders to be treated fairly, regardless of the actual facts.

Virginia law adds another layer of complexity. Under the state’s pure contributory negligence rule, if you are found even 1% at fault for the crash, you cannot recover any compensation. This strict standard makes it essential to have a lawyer who understands how to gather evidence, challenge bias, and present a clear case proving the other party’s fault. With an experienced attorney on your side, you have a stronger chance of overcoming these obstacles and securing the financial recovery you need.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Motorcycle Accident in Newport News?

In a motorcycle accident, more than one party may be legally responsible for the crash. Identifying all potential sources of liability helps injury victims pursue the compensation they may be entitled to for their injuries. Commonly liable parties include:

• Negligent drivers who fail to yield, drive under the influence, speed, make unsafe lane changes, or open a door into a rider’s path.
• Commercial vehicle operators whose fatigue, distraction, or unsafe driving leads to a collision.
• Employers can be held responsible for at-fault drivers if the crash occurred during work duties, especially when unsafe schedules or delivery demands contributed to the accident.
• Government entities can be responsible for unsafe road design, poor maintenance, or hazardous conditions.

An experienced attorney can conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and work to hold every liable party accountable, and can help improve your chances of receiving the financial recovery you need.

Proving Fault After a Newport News Motorcycle Accident

Proving fault in a motorcycle accident case depends on gathering clear, reliable evidence. This may include photographs or video from the crash scene, the official police report, witness statements, and any available traffic or surveillance camera footage.

A skilled attorney can identify the most useful evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts if needed, and present a strong case showing how the other party’s actions caused the crash. The more compelling the proof, the greater the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome in your claim.

What Damages Can I Recover for a Motorcycle Accident in Newport News?

In Virginia, injured motorcyclists may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the measurable financial losses caused by the accident. These can include medical expenses such as hospital care, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation, as well as lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the more personal effects of an accident, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Wrongful Death

If a motorcycle accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family members may also have the right to pursue wrongful death damages. These can cover funeral and burial costs, loss of the deceased’s income and services, and compensation for the emotional impact of losing a loved one.

An attorney at Montagna Law can assess the full scope of your losses and fight for a settlement or verdict that reflects both your current needs and your future well-being.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Newport News?

In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident, as outlined in Virginia Code § 8.01-243(A). If the accident results in death, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is also two years from the date of death, under Virginia Code § 8.01-244. Missing these deadlines will likely prevent you from recovering compensation.

While there are limited exceptions, it is important to speak with an attorney promptly to determine how these deadlines apply to your case. Acting quickly offers a clear advantage. Evidence such as witness statements, photographs, and surveillance footage can disappear with time, and a strong case requires thorough preparation. Starting the process early gives you the best opportunity to protect your rights and build a persuasive claim.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Speak With Our Newport News Lawyers Today.

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, with medical care, financial strain, and insurance issues all demanding attention at once. The attorneys at Montagna Law understand these challenges and are here to guide you through every step of the legal process.

We are ready to listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward recovery. Call our Newport News office at 757-622-8100 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your case evaluation with a personal injury attorney.