Motorcycle accidents can completely derail your life. One moment you’re on the road, and the next, you’re in the hospital, dealing with painful injuries, lost time at work, and a flood of medical bills. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next, you’re not alone. Working with a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer in Alexandria can give you a path forward.
If you’re looking for an Alexandria personal injury lawyer who understands how life-changing a crash like this can be, we’re here to help.
At Kitchel Law PLLC, we offer hands-on, compassionate legal support backed by 28 years of combined experience. Our team is committed to helping you feel heard, supported, and protected, especially when the system feels stacked against you.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Alexandria
Motorcyclists face a unique kind of uphill battle after a crash. People often assume the rider is to blame, even before the facts are clear. Insurance companies lean into that bias and try to shift responsibility away from the driver who caused the crash.
We don’t let them get away with that. As a motorcycle accident law firm serving Alexandria, we focus on the details that actually matter: who had the right of way, who failed to see the rider, and what real-world decisions led to the crash. We investigate thoroughly, gather all the evidence, and build a case that tells your full story.
We know how to challenge assumptions. When adjusters argue that riding a motorcycle is risky by nature, we remind them that drivers have a duty to share the road responsibly. When they question your actions, we show exactly what happened through traffic reports, witness statements, and expert input. This isn’t just a legal strategy. It’s about making sure your voice is heard in a process that too often overlooks motorcyclists.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash
If you’re recovering from a motorcycle crash, knowing what to do next can be overwhelming. These steps can help protect your health and your case:
- Get medical care immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, some conditions take time to appear. Documentation also strengthens your claim.
- Request a police report. The report provides an official record of what happened, which can be crucial later.
- Take photos if possible. Images of your injuries, the crash scene, your bike, and your helmet all help tell your story.
- Keep your riding gear. Damage to your helmet, jacket, or gloves may support your injury claim.
- Talk to an attorney before speaking with insurance. We’ll step in and handle those calls so you can focus on recovery.
In the days after the crash, keep a written log of how you’re feeling, what treatments you’re receiving, and how your injuries are affecting your daily life. This personal record can be helpful when explaining the full impact of the accident, especially if your case takes time to resolve.
And most importantly, don’t wait too long. Preserving evidence early can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
Why Timing Matters
After a motorcycle accident, time isn’t just valuable—it’s critical. Evidence at the crash scene can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage gets erased, road debris is cleared, and witnesses start to forget the details. The sooner we’re able to begin investigating, the better we can protect your case.
There are also legal deadlines that affect your ability to file a claim. In Virginia, the statute of limitations (Code of Virginia § 8.01-243) generally gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. That may sound like a long time, but in a complex case involving serious injuries, medical records, and insurance disputes, it goes by faster than you’d think.
Getting legal advice early doesn’t mean you’re committing to a lawsuit right away. It just means you’re putting yourself in a stronger position to make informed decisions when the time comes.
What if You Weren’t Wearing a Helmet?
Virginia law requires riders to wear helmets, but we know real life doesn’t always line up perfectly with the law. Maybe your helmet came off during the crash. Maybe you weren’t wearing one at all.
If you’re worried that not wearing a helmet means you don’t have a case, don’t assume the worst. The law focuses on whether the lack of a helmet contributed to the specific injuries you suffered. That’s something we’ll evaluate carefully, often with input from medical experts.
We’ve handled these situations before. Let us look at the full picture and give you honest, experienced guidance about where you stand.
What if You Were Partly at Fault?
Sometimes the facts aren’t black and white. Maybe you swerved to avoid a car, or maybe you were going a little over the speed limit. That doesn’t automatically make the crash your fault.
Virginia’s laws around shared fault are strict, but not unbeatable. If the other driver made an unsafe move, failed to yield, or simply didn’t see you, there may still be a clear case for compensation.
We’ll review the details carefully and give you straightforward advice. We don’t believe in sugarcoating things, but we also don’t give up when there’s a chance to fight for what’s fair.
We’re Here When You’re Ready
At Kitchel Law PLLC, we believe that no one should have to deal with a motorcycle crash alone. We offer personalized guidance, regular communication, and the kind of legal support that puts your well-being first.
If you’re feeling unsure about your next steps, we’re happy to talk it through with you. Reach out today for a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in Alexandria who takes your case seriously and treats your story with care.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. We’re here, and we’re ready to help.