1. Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, cruiser accidents, sportbike accidents, touring motorcycle accidents, motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents, road rash injuries, personal injury representation for riders
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, underinsured motorist motorcycle accidents, motorcycle passenger injury claims, negligent driver claims
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, legislative advocacy for motorcyclists’ rights
Background: Firm founded in 1990 with over 30 years of motorcycle accident litigation experience. All attorneys are active motorcycle riders who understand the unique situations motorcyclists face. Attorney Liz Sorrell is the primary attorney, licensed in Virginia and North Carolina, serves as Director and Lobbyist for Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists (VCOM), member of Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Concerned Biker Association/ABATE of North Carolina, Hampton Roads Harley Owners Group (HOG), Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and American Motorcyclists Association. Named to National Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Attorneys have proven track record advocating for motorcyclists’ rights in statehouses.
Location: 1427 W. Main St., Richmond, VA 23220
Contact: (804) 355-7505 | https://motorcyclelawgroup.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless you win)
2. Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, tractor trailer accidents, car accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, wrongful death, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse and neglect, workers’ compensation, personal injury litigation throughout Virginia
Case Types Handled: Left-turn motorcycle accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, catastrophic injury cases, fatal motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical records analysis, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, case investigation with in-house investigators
Background: Founded in 1910, one of the oldest and largest plaintiff’s personal injury firms in Virginia and the United States. Over 100 years of combined legal experience. More than 30 attorneys and over 100 support staff. Ten attorneys listed in Best Lawyers in America, 25 attorneys named as Super Lawyers, Tier 1 Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers (2024). George E. Allen, Jr. (founder) served in Virginia General Assembly. Attorneys active in legislative advocacy. Case result: $450,000 recovery for motorcycle accident victim requiring four surgeries.
Location: 1809 Staples Mill Rd., Richmond, VA 23230
Contact: (804) 353-1200 | (866) 388-1307 | https://www.allenandallen.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis
3. Marks & Harrison
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, tractor trailer accidents, car accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, premises liability, veterans’ disability benefits, personal injury cases throughout Virginia and Washington D.C.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn motorcycle accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, defective motorcycle accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, catastrophic injury cases, fatal motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, punitive damage claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Founded nearly 100 years ago, serving Richmond and throughout Virginia. Case result: $120,000 obtained for client with fractured knee from motorcycle training class incident. Firm has represented dozens of motorcycle wreck victims. Multiple office locations throughout Virginia including Richmond, Chesterfield, Harrisonburg, Hopewell, Petersburg, Charlottesville, Tappahannock, Louisa, Staunton, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, Warrenton, Roanoke, and Washington D.C.
Location: 1500 Forest Ave, Rm 100, Richmond, VA 23229
Contact: (804) 282-0999 | (800) 283-2202 | https://www.marksandharrison.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, 24/7 phone availability, contingency fee arrangement
4. Silverman Law Firm LC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, truck accidents, hit-and-run accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, product liability, personal injury litigation, traumatic brain injury cases
Case Types Handled: Left-turn motorcycle accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, speeding accidents, unsafe turn accidents, road hazard accidents, defective part accidents, fatal motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident scene investigation, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical records review, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, loss of companionship claims
Background: Attorney Joshua D. Silverman, Richmond native, licensed to practice in Virginia since 1998. AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell (highest possible rating). Named Virginia Super Lawyer for personal injury every year from 2015 to 2022 (and since 2013). Board of Governors member for Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. Multiple six-figure verdicts and settlements, some reaching over $1 million. Top Rated Lawyer in Healthcare Law (2015) based on Martindale-Hubbell AV Peer Review Rating.
Location: 3415 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23221
Contact: (804) 325-4992 | https://www.joshsilvermanlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (no fee unless you win)
5. Merrick Brock, PLLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, rideshare accidents, drunk driving accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, dog bites, premises liability, slip and fall accidents, trip and fall accidents, wrongful death, business disputes, personal injury litigation
Case Types Handled: Left-turn motorcycle accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, catastrophic injury cases, fatal motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical records review, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, government claims for dangerous road conditions
Background: Founded by John Merrick and Les Brock, each with over 25 years of legal experience. Unique background: both founding attorneys previously defended insurance companies and major corporations, now using that knowledge to fight for injured plaintiffs. Proven record of courtroom success. Direct communication with attorneys handling cases. Limited caseload for personalized service. Also serves Arlington, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach areas.
Location: 1801 Libbie Avenue, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23226
Contact: (804) 676-6724 | (804) 500-9796 | https://merrickbrock.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Virginia
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Virginia law. Missing this deadline typically ends the ability to take legal action.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Five years from the date of the accident.
Government Claims Deadline: If a government agency may be responsible for dangerous road conditions, notice of claim must be submitted within a much shorter period than standard personal injury claims.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance State Status: Virginia is a fault-based (tort) state. The at-fault driver or their insurance company is responsible for paying damages.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Virginia follows pure contributory negligence, one of the strictest standards in the nation. If a motorcyclist is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be completely barred from recovering any damages. This makes detailed documentation and swift legal action essential.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Virginia requires minimum liability insurance coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 for property damage (30/60/20). Higher limits are recommended for better protection.
Mandatory Helmet Laws: Virginia has a universal helmet law requiring all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear an approved motorcycle helmet meeting American National Standards Institute, Inc. and Federal Department of Transportation standards.
Eye Protection Requirements: All motorcycle operators must wear a face shield, safety glasses, or goggles unless the motorcycle is equipped with safety glass or a windshield.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering Laws: Lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is illegal in Virginia. Motorcycles must operate within a single lane like other vehicles.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Motorcyclists must hold a valid motorcycle classification (Class M) or endorsement on their Virginia driver’s license. Both written and road skills tests required through the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: All motorcycles must have working headlights, taillights, turn signals, brakes, mirrors, and tires meeting inspection standards.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Regulations: When the at-fault driver lacks enough insurance, the victim’s own policy may provide coverage through UM/UIM provisions.
Damage Caps: Virginia does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Punitive damages are capped at $350,000.
Dram Shop Liability Laws: Virginia has limited dram shop liability. Licensed alcohol vendors can be held liable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons if that intoxication caused injuries.
Wrongful Death Statute: Two-year statute of limitations. Eligible claimants include surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, and other family members depending on circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Virginia’s contributory negligence rule affect my motorcycle accident claim?
A: Virginia follows pure contributory negligence, one of the strictest fault standards in the country. Under this rule, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be completely barred from recovering any compensation. This makes motorcycle accident cases particularly challenging in Virginia. Documenting evidence carefully, obtaining witness statements, and consulting with an attorney immediately after an accident are critical to protecting your rights. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help present facts that establish the other party’s sole negligence and counter any attempts to assign fault to you.
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Richmond?
A: Under Virginia law, you generally have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you typically lose your right to seek compensation through the courts. However, some cases require quicker action. If a government agency may be responsible for dangerous road conditions (such as poorly maintained roads managed by the city or state), specific notice requirements apply with much shorter deadlines. Property damage claims have a five-year statute of limitations. Consulting with an attorney promptly ensures compliance with all procedural requirements and preserves evidence while memories and physical evidence are fresh.
Q: Does Virginia require motorcycle helmets, and how does helmet use affect my injury claim?
A: Yes, Virginia has a universal helmet law requiring all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets. Virginia also requires face shields, safety glasses, or goggles unless the bike has a protective windshield. If you were not wearing an approved helmet at the time of an accident, it could affect your claim, particularly if you sustained head injuries. Under Virginia’s contributory negligence doctrine, failure to wear proper safety equipment might be used to argue you contributed to your own injuries, which could bar recovery entirely. Always wear proper safety equipment when riding.
Q: Can I recover compensation if the driver who hit me was uninsured or underinsured?
A: Yes, if another driver caused your motorcycle accident but lacks sufficient insurance to cover your damages, you may turn to your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage is optional in Virginia but highly recommended, especially for motorcyclists who face greater injury risks. If the other driver has no insurance or their coverage is insufficient to cover your medical bills and other losses, your UM/UIM policy can help cover the gap. An attorney can help you file claims under these provisions and pursue additional legal options if needed.
Q: What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident in Richmond?
A: If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, future care costs), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement), and in rare cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages (capped at $350,000 in Virginia). Wrongful death claims may include funeral costs, loss of income for the family, and loss of companionship. Because Virginia’s contributory negligence rule is strict, having thorough evidence and experienced legal representation is essential to maximizing your recovery.