Charleston Motorcycle Accident Attorney

There is nothing quite like the freedom of two wheels and an open road through the Kanawha Valley. Riders feel the world differently through the rhythm of the road, the shift of the wind, and the connection between man and machine.

But when something goes wrong, freedom can vanish in a split second. All it takes is a distracted driver, a slick patch of pavement, or a piece of debris that shouldn’t be there. Suddenly, you are facing medical bills, pain, and a long list of questions about what happens next.

At Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, we have stood beside injured riders across Charleston and the surrounding area. We know how fast a motorcycle accident can turn your life upside down, and how hard it can be to get the truth heard once the dust settles. Whether your crash involved another driver’s negligence, a road hazard, or you’re fighting to tell your side of the story after a serious injury, our Charleston motorcycle accident lawyer will protect your rights and help you rebuild.

Riders Often Get Blamed First

According to the latest data from the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Annual Report, there are 32,285 registered motorcycles in the state. Unfortunately, motorcyclists have a reputation problem.

Many times, people assume the rider was being reckless just because they were on two wheels. The reality is usually the opposite. In most cases, it is a distracted or careless driver who fails to see the motorcyclist until it’s too late.

We have seen the same patterns over and over:

• A driver drifts into another lane without checking their blind spot.
• Someone opens a car door into traffic.
• A speeding SUV tailgates too closely and clips a bike.
• Texting, eating, or fumbling with the radio leads to disaster.

And then the rider gets blamed.

Our job is to change that narrative. We dig into the facts, collect the evidence, and make sure the real story comes out.

What Makes Motorcycle Accident Claims So Different?

Motorcycle crashes are not like regular car accidents. The injuries are more severe, the damages higher, and the bias against the rider stronger. Since there is no metal frame or airbag to absorb the impact, even a low-speed crash can cause life-altering harm. These can include:

• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

Recovery takes time, and it is expensive.

Insurance companies know this and prey on unsuspecting riders. And unfortunately, their first move is often to minimize your claim. They might suggest you were speeding, weaving, or not wearing proper gear. For that reason, you want to have the right motorcycle accident lawyer in Charleston on your side.

When No Other Driver Is Involved

Not every motorcycle accident happens because of another vehicle. Sometimes, the real danger comes from what is under your tires. Gravel washed across a curve. A pothole big enough to throw off your balance. Uneven pavement on the I-64 exit ramp. Riders encounter these hazards every day, and when they cause a crash, it can feel like no one is to blame. But in many cases, someone is responsible.

Poorly maintained roads, construction sites without proper signage, or unmarked debris can all point to negligence. City, county, or state agencies may be liable, as can contractors or private property owners.

These cases are complex because the evidence often disappears within hours. Repairs get made, debris gets cleared, and proof vanishes. That’s why time is vital.

Our team moves fast to:

• Document and photograph the scene before it’s altered
• Secure witness statements and nearby security footage
• Request maintenance logs or construction records before they’re archived
• Consult with roadway engineers to determine whether design or neglect played a role

You do not have to shoulder the blame for something that wasn’t your fault. If the road itself failed you, we will make sure your claim holds the right people accountable.

When the Rider Cannot Tell Their Story

Motorcycle accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, and sometimes, the rider is not able to explain what happened. In those moments, the insurance company is already building its version of events.

We see it too often: accident reports that only reflect a car driver’s statement, or assumptions that “the biker must have been speeding.” Those biases can completely change the outcome of a claim.

When the rider cannot speak for themselves, our job is to make sure their story is told.

For families facing the unthinkable, the loss of a loved one. This process also forms the foundation of a wrongful death claim. We help recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of losing someone far too soon.

These cases require both compassion and precision. We handle the hard legal work so injured riders and grieving families can focus on healing, not bureaucracy.

Using Technology the Right Way

Today’s riders are more connected than ever. Many use helmet cams or GoPros to record every mile, not just for memories, but for safety. That footage can be a game-changer after a crash if it is handled correctly. Video evidence can:

• Prove another driver’s negligence, such as cutting you off or drifting into your lane.
• Capture weather and road conditions at the time of impact
• Help reconstruct the sequence of events down to the second

But video can also backfire if it shows excessive speed or risky maneuvers. That’s why it is important to give your attorney first access to the footage, not post it on social media or share it casually. Once it’s public, insurance companies will use it any way they can.

We help clients preserve footage properly:

• Securing timestamps and metadata to authenticate the file
• Maintaining a clean chain of custody to ensure admissibility in court
• Reviewing clips strategically to highlight evidence that strengthens the claim

Handled correctly, helmet cam footage can shift an entire negotiation. It’s hard for an insurer to argue against what’s right there on video.

What West Virginia Law Means for Your Claim

West Virginia law requires every rider and passenger to wear a DOT-approved helmet and some type of eye protection. The helmet must be properly fitted, have a chin strap, and meet federal safety standards.

Following these rules not only keeps you safer but can also help protect your claim. If you were not wearing a helmet, the insurance company might argue that your injuries are worse because of it. But keep in mind that it does not erase the other driver’s fault.

You still have the right to seek compensation.

What happens if you were speeding or maybe did not signal for a turn? West Virginia had a modified comparative fault system. Yes, you can still recover some compensation.

Even if you share part of the blame, you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. Let’s not forget about deadlines. You have two years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a lawsuit. That might sound like plenty of time, but the sooner you start, the better. We recommend reaching out as soon as possible so we can begin protecting your rights.

Your Charleston Motorcycle Crash Questions Answered

What if a car hits me and leaves the scene?

You may still recover through uninsured/underinsured coverage. We investigate, track witnesses, and work with law enforcement to pursue your claim.

Can I get full value for a custom-built bike?

Proper documentation, like receipts, appraisals, and mechanic records, can help prove your bike’s true value. And you might be able to recover those costs from the negligent party.

I crashed trying to avoid another driver. Do I have a case?

Even no-contact crashes caused by another driver’s negligence may be compensable, especially with quick evidence preservation.

How do weather or road conditions affect my claim?

Hazards like rain, ice, or poorly maintained roads can shift liability to municipalities or contractors responsible for safety.

Can I recover if I can’t ride again?

Yes. Your damages may include pain, suffering, lifestyle loss, and emotional impact from no longer riding.

Our Charleston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Gets You Back on the Road to Recovery

You have been through enough. The crash, the medical treatment, the stress of figuring out what’s next. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders.

At Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, our Charleston motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to help you rebuild what was lost. We listen, we fight, and we stand by you every step of the way. Schedule your consultation today.