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If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Washington, D.C., the team at Marks & Harrison wants to get you paid and put you back on your feet. We’ve been representing accident victims in the Capital Area for more than a century and have helped many people in situations like yours obtain justice and compensation. Our award-winning law firm handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case, and we are eager to vigorously pursue every dollar you’re owed.
Contact an expert Washington DC motorcycle accident lawyer from Marks & Harrison for a free consultation, and let’s get started today.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Washington DC?
In a recent four-year period, motorcycle accidents accounted for nearly 20 percent of all traffic deaths in Washington, D.C. On average, almost 50 percent of all motorcycle collisions result in injuries.
Motorcycle crashes are caused by various factors, including:
- Driver inattention or error – Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than other vehicles. Drivers often fail to notice them while making turns, especially left-hand turns, changing lanes, or opening their vehicle doors into traffic.
- Speeding – Motorists who exceed the speed limit or go faster than they should for road or weather conditions might lose control of their vehicles. Excessive speed also affects reaction time, especially on curves or during sudden maneuvers.
- Intoxication – Alcohol and drugs impair reaction times, judgment, and overall operating ability, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
- Vehicle blind spots – Many motorcycle accidents occur because drivers fail to check their blind spots before turning or changing lanes, striking a motorcyclist they’ve overlooked in the process.
- Tailgating – Motorists who follow motorcycles too closely increase the risk of running into them if they misjudge their stopping distance.
- Road conditions – Potholes, uneven road surfaces, loose gravel, and slick conditions are particularly hazardous for motorcycles, whose two wheels give them less traction than larger vehicles.
What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcycles lack the stability of passenger vehicles and have no frame protecting their riders. Because of these factors, motorcycle riders are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries like the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – Riders are often thrown from their bikes in collisions, which can cause serious brain injuries if they hit their head on the impacting vehicle, the road surface, or another object.
- Broken bones – The lack of external vehicle protection often results in fractures in the arms, ribs, pelvis, collarbone, and legs.
- Spinal cord injuries – Impact on the spinal cord can cause a range of injuries, from minor nerve damage to devastating spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis.
- Internal injuries – Blunt trauma can cause internal bleeding and organ damage. The kidneys, spleen, liver, and lungs are particularly vulnerable in motorcycle crashes.
- Road rash – Road rash occurs when a rider slides across the pavement, causing severe abrasions to the skin. Severe road rash typically requires surgical treatment.
What Are Washington DC’s Motorcycle Laws?
Washington, D.C., enforces specific laws to help protect motorcyclists, their passengers, and others who share the road.
Here are some important Washington DC motorcycle laws to know:
- Bikers must wear helmets and eye protection.
- Bikes must have a left-side rear-view mirror.
- Bikes must have a footrest and seat to have a passenger legally.
- Riders cannot “lane split” (move between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic).
What Should You Do If You Are the Victim of a Motorcycle Accident?
The first step to take in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident is to seek medical attention right away.
Here are some other important things you can do to protect yourself and your rights after a motorcycle accident:
- Call the police so they can file an accident report.
- Gather as much information as possible at the scene. Take pictures of the accident scene if you can.
- Report the crash to your insurance company, but do not make detailed statements or discuss fault until you speak with a lawyer.
- Call a Washington, D.C., motorcycle accident attorney who can help you understand your options for seeking recovery.
How Can You Prove the Other Driver Was At Fault for the Accident?
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you prove that the other driver was responsible for the collision by:
- Examining accident photos, witness statements, and police reports
- Reviewing traffic camera videos or other footage
- Talking to your healthcare provider about the extent and severity of your injuries and your prognosis
- Consulting with accident reconstruction specialists to better understand what happened
What Types of Compensation Could You Receive?
Serious injuries mean serious expenses. But if someone else caused the motorcycle crash, they should have to pay these costs on your behalf. The specific type and amount of compensation you could receive depends on the circumstances of your motorcycle accident claim, but it may include money for your:
- Medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, medication, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced future earnings due to injury or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Lower quality of life
- Property damage, including repairs to or replacement of your bike
Does Washington DC Have a Time Limit for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
Washington, D.C., sets a statute of limitations for motorcycle accident lawsuits, which gives you three years from the accident date to file. This sounds like plenty of time, but many lawsuits begin as insurance claims, which also take time to pursue. That’s why you should contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Washington, D.C., early, as missing the deadline could cost you your right to compensation. Contact our Washington DC motorcycle accident lawyer today.
Contact a Washington DC, Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Are you dealing with the painful aftermath of a motorcycle collision in Washington, D.C.? An experienced Washington DC motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through your claim and pursue maximum compensation while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact our Washington DC personal injury attorney today.
For over a century, Marks & Harrison has been a driving force of justice for injured people in the District, Virginia, and Maryland. We are a widely respected law firm with an excellent track record, having recovered millions of dollars for clients. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you pursue the money you need to rebuild your life.
