Being involved in any motorcycle accident can result in the motorcyclist being seriously hurt. However, the injuries are much more likely to be long-term or fatal if they were caused by the driver of a motor vehicle or truck driver who got behind the wheel when they were drunk. Here’s why these collisions are so dangerous.
How Alcohol Consumption Affects Driving Abilities
Even if a driver is not considered legally drunk under Virginia law, their driving abilities can be affected if they consume alcohol before driving. This can dramatically increase the likelihood that a drunk driving motorcycle wreck will occur. Crucial driving skills that can be impaired include:
- Reaction time. A driver’s reaction time will be reduced when they are intoxicated. This can make it impossible for them to react quickly enough to avoid colliding with a motorcycle.
- Vision. A drunk motorist’s vision will also be diminished. This is especially dangerous for a motorcyclist who will already be less visible due to the much smaller size of their motorcycle.
- Coordination. A person’s fine and gross motor skills are less precise when they are drunk. They may have limited hand and feet coordination, which is crucial to driving safely and avoiding a collision.
- Judgment. A drunk driver’s judgment will also be affected. They are much more likely to speed, swerve between lanes, tailgate, and engage in other unsafe practices that lead to motorcycle crashes.
Most Common Types of Drunk Driving Motorcycle Crashes
Drunk drivers cause many types of dangerous motorcycle collisions that result in victims suffering devastating injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, back injuries, internal organ damage, and death. The most common types of accidents include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end crashes
- Distracted driving accidents
- Unsafe lane change wrecks
- Wrong-way accidents
What Are Your Rights to Compensation in a Drunk Driving Accident?
Under Virginia law, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries if you can prove your crash was caused by the driver’s intoxication. You can recover both your past and future damages. Obtaining compensation for your future losses is especially important in a drunk driving motorcycle accident because you could need long-term medical care and be off work for months or longer—if you do not become permanently disabled. Types of compensation you may be able to recover include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages
- Punitive damages
Were you injured in a drunk driving motorcycle crash in the Virginia Beach or Norfolk area? Was a loved one killed? Our dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers will collect the evidence you need to prove that the drunk driver caused your wreck and will go up against their insurance company for the maximum recovery you deserve. To learn more about your rights and how we can assist you, fill out our convenient online form to schedule your free consultation today.
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