If you've been in a motorcycle accident, you may be looking for a personal injury attorney to help you recover the cost of your medical bills. But if you weren't wearing a helmet, your personal injury case might not go as planned. The Law Offices of Daniel L. Crandall & Associates in Roanoke, VA, explains the impact this can have on your civil suit.

The state of Virginia follows the doctrines of contributory negligence. In other words, whether you collect compensation for your personal injury depends on whether you're judged to have contributed to the cause of your injury. In other states that follow the doctrine of comparative negligence, your personal injury attorney can still secure a partial victory in those circumstances. But in Virginia, if your negligence contributes at all to your accident, you may not recover damages from another party.

The good news is contributing to the extent of your injuries is not the same thing as contributing to the accident itself. You will not automatically lose your case if you weren’t wearing a helmet. However, it can have an impact on your chances of a win and the size of your settlement.

The risk of losing money pales in comparison to the likelihood of a traumatic brain injury, which leaves you with lasting damage. However, even if you are seriously injured, having access to quality medical care will make a major difference in your recovery. A judgment in your favor may pay for treatment you would otherwise be unable to receive. Not only does wearing a helmet protect you from injuries; it increases your ability to recover from any you do suffer.

You can't always prevent a motorcycle accident, but you can minimize the damage. Wear your helmet every time you ride. To consult with a personal injury attorney, call The Law Offices of Daniel L. Crandall & Associates at (540) 342-2000 or contact the practice online.