Have you been injured in a motorcycle crash in Charleston, West Virginia? Contact the top-rated team at Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC right away. As a crash victim, you have rights. Someone else was negligent, and our Charleston motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you demand the financial accountability you deserve.
Since 2007, Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC has been a trusted name in motorcycle accident litigation. We’re award-winning West Virginia trial attorneys with a demonstrated ability to win big for clients like you. Our results total in the hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.
Make the most of a difficult time by putting our accomplished legal team in your corner. We offer a free consultation, so reach out to our law office in Charleston, WV, or call (304) 720-1000 to schedule yours today.
How Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Charleston, WV
As a motorcyclist, you’re vulnerable to serious, potentially catastrophic injuries if you’re involved in a wreck. These injuries can be costly and turn your world upside-down. And while the insurance company might appear to be sympathetic, it certainly won’t put your interests above its own.
You’ll need to level the playing field and show the insurer that you’re serious about getting the compensation you deserve. That’s why our Charleston personal injury lawyers should be your first call for help.
At Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC, we’re recognized as Super Lawyers, members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and Top Avvo Lawyers (10.0 Ratings) because of our client-first approach and ability to win top results.
When you choose our personal injury law firm to represent you after a motorcycle accident, you’ll be able to rest easy while we:
- Lead an independent investigation into your motorcycle crash to determine why and how it happened
- Gather pieces of evidence that will be critical for building a successful personal injury claim for damages
- Bring in expert witnesses to consult on your case and provide support during the valuation process
- Defend against allegations of shared responsibility that could derail your case
- Force the defense to engage in meaningful negotiations in pursuit of a top-dollar settlement offer for you
- Bring your motorcycle accident lawsuit to a Kanawha County jury, if necessary
We represent injured motorcyclists and grieving families in Charleston on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win compensation for your motorcycle accident case. Contact our legal team today to schedule a time for a free consultation. We’re always here to help – 24/7/365.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents?
Every year, thousands of motorcyclists are killed in crashes around the nation. West Virginia has seen a rise in fatal motorcycle accidents in recent years. In 2020, 38 riders were killed in area crashes – up 36 percent from the year prior.
These are just deadly motorcycle wrecks. Thousands of other riders are seriously injured in motorcycle accidents every year, too.
Why are there so many motorcycle accidents? Most often, motorcycle accidents that happen in West Virginia can be avoided. They happen because someone is negligent.
Specifically, some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Inexperienced riders or riding without a motorcycle license
- Speeding
- Lane splitting
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Illegal turns
- Following too closely
- Defective equipment or vehicles
- Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Negligent vehicle maintenance
- Rolling stops
- Failing to yield the right of way
Other factors, including bad weather conditions, limited visibility, and road defects, can also contribute to motorcycle crashes in Charleston.
Who’s Liable for a Charleston Motorcycle Accident?
When someone’s negligent or wrongful actions contribute to a motorcycle accident, they can be held financially responsible for the resulting damages.
Liability will depend on the specific facts of your case.
Following a thorough investigation, our law firm might determine that one or more of the following parties are liable:
- The driver of a passenger vehicle
- Another motorcyclist
- Truck driver
- Bus driver
- Transportation company
- Manufacturer
- Pedestrian
- Bicyclist
- Property owner
- Government agency
- Negligent party’s employer
Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC will carefully evaluate the details of your crash to determine why it happened and, in turn, understand who’s at fault. Once liability is clear, our Charleston motorcycle accident attorneys will work to secure the compensation you need and deserve.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Crash?
When you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Charleston, West Virginia, because of someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue damages through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Damages can include both economic and non-economic awards.
Economic damages are paid to help you deal with the financial losses and costs you experience because of the crash, such as:
- Current and future medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Nursing care
- Out-of-pocket expenses, such as the cost of a rental vehicle
- Property damage
- Disability
- Temporary lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Funeral expenses
Non-economic damages are paid to help you cope with harder-to-value losses, such as:
- Chronic physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
- Disfigurement and scarring
Don’t be surprised when the defense tries to downplay your injuries and argue that your life hasn’t changed all that much because of the motor vehicle accident. Trust our legal team to help you take a stand and build a compelling motorcycle accident claim to force more meaningful negotiations. Our goal is not just to win your case; it’s to help you maximize your recovery.
How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
There is no set value for motorcycle injury claims. In truth, the facts that make your situation unique will influence the amount of money you might be able to recover through a legal claim.
- What types of injuries did you suffer?
- Are those injuries catastrophic?
- How much will it cost to fix or replace your motorcycle?
- Are you disabled?
- Can you continue to work?
- Has your income or earning capacity changed?
- How old are you?
- Has your life expectancy changed?
- Do you share responsibility for the motorcycle wreck?
- What insurance benefits are available?
- How has your quality of life changed?
You can learn more about the potential value of your motorcycle injury case by reaching out to an experienced personal injury attorney near you in Charleston. Call Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC to set up a free consultation today.
Can Shared Fault Affect My West Virginia Motorcycle Accident Settlement?
Yes, your ability to recover compensation will be affected if you are partly responsible for your motorcycle accident.
West Virginia has a system of modified comparative negligence with a 50 percent bar. Simply put, sharing 50 percent or more of the blame for an accident is a total bar to recovery. You can receive a reduced award if your liability is less than 50 percent.
Let’s say you’re involved in a Charleston motorcycle accident and suffer damages valued at $100,000. However, you’re assigned 20 percent fault. As a direct result, your maximum financial recovery will be limited to $80,000. If you were 51 percent at fault, you’d be unable to recover damages from a third party.
Victim-blaming tactics are common. Quite often, claims of comparative negligence are unsubstantiated. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Charleston will be ready to fight back against attempts to blame you for your motorcycle accident. The less fault you’re assigned, the higher the potential payout when your claim is resolved.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Even though West Virginia has strict motorcycle helmet requirements, riders can still suffer catastrophic injuries when they’re involved in an accident.
At Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC, we’re here to help you seek compensation for all of your crash-related injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Burn injury
- Road rash
- Amputation
- Degloving injury
- Nerve damage
- Soft tissue injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Neck injury
- Back injury
- Internal organ damage
- Crushing injury
- Concussion injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Eye injury
- Dental injury
- Catastrophic injury
- Wrongful death of someone you love
Make sure you report your motorcycle wreck to the local police and then seek prompt treatment at the nearest hospital. Many times, the rush of adrenaline you experience from being in an accident can hide signs and symptoms of trauma. A physician will be able to diagnose your injuries and order an appropriate course of treatment to keep you safe.
What’s West Virginia’s Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits?
You’ll have a limited amount of time to pursue compensation for injuries and damages suffered in a Charleston motorcycle accident.
In West Virginia, the statute of limitations for these types of claims is two years.
If you don’t file your legal claim before time runs out, you will lose the opportunity to seek the monetary benefits you need and deserve.
Protect your rights by contacting our West Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys for help right away. Members of our team are always available to take your call.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Charleston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Have you been injured or lost a close family member in a Charleston, WV, motorcycle accident? Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC is here to make a difference in your fight for compensation.
Our Charleston motorcycle accident lawyers have over 71 years of combined experience handling tough cases like yours. We’ve helped our clients win hundreds of millions in monetary awards.
Trust us to help you move forward. Contact our Charleston law office to get started. Your initial case assessment is free.
Highly Rated Motorcycle Shops In Charleston
- Appalachian Offroad MC – 702 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301
- Dohm Cycles Inc – 616 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV 25301
- Hidden Trails Motorsports of Charleston Service Department – 702 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301
- Elk City Cycles – 613 Tennessee Ave, Charleston, WV 25302
- NAPA Auto Parts – 614 Virginia St W, Charleston, WV 25302
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
