Aggressive Representation for Injured Motorcycle Riders
Motorcycles have become a popular form of transportation and recreation. Washington, DC, is home to Rolling to Remember, (formerly known as Rolling Thunder), the world’s largest single-day motorcycle event. With so many motorcycles on the road, it is not surprising that there are so many accidents.
Motorcycle riders face the highest risks of suffering injuries and death during accidents. Statistics show that motorcycle riders suffer injuries in 98% of accidents involving cars or trucks. Even when motorcycle accidents involve only riders, the results can be devastating, causing catastrophic injuries.
Washington, D.C., Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming; you don’t have to go through it alone. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will fight for the justice you deserve.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 5,000 motorcycle deaths in the U.S. in 2019 and 84,000 injuries. The NHTSA also reports that motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in traffic accidents than occupants of passenger vehicles. Motorcycle accident statistics vary slightly from state to state. However, they are generally alarming because they show motorcycle riders face extreme risks on public roads.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash
You should seek medical attention when a motorcycle accident occurs, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Many injuries, such as concussions and whiplash, may not present themselves until hours or days after the accident. Once you have been seen by a medical professional, you should contact a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Why Do I Need a Washington, D.C., Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
You need someone who knows how to deal with insurance companies and will fight for what you deserve. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. The insurance company will likely have its lawyers working to minimize the money they must pay out on your claim.
Our law firm has a team of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers ready to help you with your case. We understand bikers’ unique challenges after an accident and know how to get results.
When is a Driver Responsible for a Motorcyclist’s Damages?
All drivers have a legal responsibility to ensure that others on the road are kept free from preventable harm – and they can be held liable when they fail to uphold this duty. A driver will be responsible for a motorcycle rider’s damages if it can be proven that their negligence, carelessness, or wrongful act more likely than not caused the accident. Like any traffic crash, at-fault drivers will be financially responsible for victims’ damages.
Contributory Negligence in Washington DC
Washington, D.C., generally follows the contributory negligence rule. Suppose you were driving a car, and your negligence contributed to an accident, causing the collision. In that case, you won’t be eligible to receive compensation for any damages or injuries sustained.
However, if you are riding a motorcycle (or if you are riding a similar vehicle such as a bicycle or ATV, or if you are a pedestrian), you can recover total compensation for your damages even if you were negligent, as long as your negligence did not mostly cause the accident.
A Vehicle Turning Left Strikes a Motorcyclist. Who Is Responsible?
It depends. Suppose the left-turning vehicle is turning left on a regular green light. In that case, it must yield to oncoming traffic, including motorcyclists (and bicyclists, for that matter). Of course, if the driver is turning left on a green arrow, the motorcyclist must yield to the driver. However, in many cases, drivers of motor vehicles may run a red light, fail to see a motorcycle rider who has the right of way, or fail to share the road safely. In any of those situations, the vehicle’s driver would likely be at fault and responsible for the damages caused to the motorcycle driver.
Motorcycle Accidents and Insurance Issues
While many riders may believe that an insurance company will fairly compensate them for their damages, the unfortunate reality is that claimants face numerous challenges when filing a personal injury claim. Insurance companies are in the business of collecting premiums. As a result, they often do everything in their power to pay victims as little as possible.
Insurance providers commonly dispute claims and attempt to capitalize on negative rider stereotypes to deflect fault away from car drivers who cause accidents. Our motorcycle accident attorneys fight back against insurance companies when this is the case. Learn more about your right to compensation and how a motorcycle accident attorney can help you today!
Statute of Limitations on Motorcycle Crashes
In Washington, D.C., the general statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim is three years from the accident date. You must file a claim against the at-fault driver within three years of the accident. If you do not file a claim within this time frame, you will be barred from doing so and may not recover any compensation for your injuries.
However, there are different deadlines for different causes of action, such as for wrongful death claims, which have a 2-year statute of limitations in Washington, DC.
In addition, many claims have specific notice requirements which are much shorter. You should contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss the deadlines that apply to your case as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Most motorcycle accidents occur due to driver error and negligence. However, many other factors can contribute to an accident. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Road departures and hazardous road conditions
- Aggressive driving
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driving
- Defective motorcycle parts
Collisions do not only cause motorcycle accidents. Sometimes another driver can cause a motorcyclist to crash without striking the motorcycle. For example, suppose someone driving a passenger car fails to see the motorcycle and cuts it off. In that case, the motorcyclist may be forced to veer off the road, resulting in an accident.
Riders face constant dangers on public roads and highways. When they suffer damages at the hands of others, riders have the right to be fairly compensated.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Many different types of injuries can be caused by a motorcycle accident. Some of the most common include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
How Our DC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You
The Washington, D.C. motorcycle accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success in helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources necessary to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motorcycle accident, gathering evidence to establish negligence and other forms of legal liability.
Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has obtained more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation. No type of case is too complex for us to prosecute.
Recovering Damages in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Victims injured in motorcycle accidents can file personal injury claims to recover any physical, financial, or emotional damages they suffered due to an accident. Damages may include medical bills, lost work wages, future earnings, pain and suffering, emotional damages, etc. In wrongful death cases, families may recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional injuries.
We Get You Results
For more than 50 years, the Washington DC lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have successfully represented individuals and families who have been injured or lost loved ones due to someone else’s negligence. Here is a small sample of some of our successful verdicts and settlements:
- $3.5 million for a man who suffered a brain injury when a District of Columbia police officer opened his door into traffic and “doored” him.
- $6 million on behalf of a man who suffered a brain injury due to a rear-end collision.
- $5 million medical malpractice settlement for a 14-year-old client who suffered a severe brain injury due to a doctor’s inappropriate chemical product use.
- $4.8 million on behalf of a severely injured man when his motorcycle struck a trailer pulled by a minivan.
- $4.5 million for a woman seriously injured in a pedestrian accident after being struck from behind by a transit bus in a crosswalk.
- $600,000 verdict was obtained against the United States Postal Service due to the negligence of one of its drivers, who pulled out from a stop sign in front of our client’s motorcycle.
See additional examples of our case victories and settlements on our “Case Results” page.
Contact a D.C. Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your motorcycle accident claim, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®. Our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered. Still, our attorneys are well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve. We keep our call center open 24/7 so you never have to wait for answers or guidance.
