According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the United States averages approximately 5,000 fatalities resulting from motorcycle accidents every year. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) confirms what most people know which is that even without fatalities, motorcycle accidents are typically severe, causing catastrophic injuries. If you suffered injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident, a Washington, D.C. motorcycle accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at 800-959-1444 can advocate for you.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are several different reasons a motorcycle accident occurs, and every accident will have its own unique set of facts and circumstances. Some of the reasons that motorcycle accidents occur include the following:
- A motorist changes lanes without examining their surroundings and collides into a motorcyclist
- A motorist opens their car door (or the passenger opens their car door) directly into a motorcyclist riding alongside the stopped vehicle
- Either a vehicle or motorcyclist failing to obey traffic laws, including speeding or failure to stop at a traffic light or stop sign
- Either a vehicle or motorcyclist driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- A motorcyclist rides illegally between two lanes of traffic
- Either a vehicle or motorcyclist suddenly stopping
- A motorist turns left into a motorist as a result of their failure to examine their surroundings
Many accidents involving motorcycles are the direct result of a motorist simply not paying attention to their surroundings or knowing that a motorcyclist is even in their near vicinity. You should always take precautions as a motorist to look for motorcycle riders near you, and if you are a motorcyclist, you should always ride defensively to ensure your safety.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Washington DC, call 800-924-3113
No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents
There are certain motorcycle accidents that cause considerable damage and injuries without any vehicles actually colliding. These accidents are no-contact motorcycle accidents, and occur when a motorcyclist realizes that a collision is likely, and takes precautionary measures to either lay down their motorcycle intentionally or skid off the roadway to avoid that collision. In most cases, a motorcyclist makes this decision in an attempt to avoid an even more serious accident with a motor vehicle. Although no actual collision existed between the motorcycle and another vehicle, no-contact motorcycle accidents can cause substantial injury to the motorcyclist.
In a majority of cases, a vehicle driver may remain completely unaware that a motorcyclist has laid down their motorcycle, or skidded off the roadway as a result of their actions. As a result, many motorists simply continue to drive away never knowing they contributed or caused injuries to a motorcyclist. If you suffered any injuries in a no-contact motorcycle accident, you still have the legal right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Some economic and noneconomic damages you may recover include medical bills and property damage. Consider contacting our legal team to learn how a Washington, D.C. motorcycle accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you with your legal options.
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What to Do Following Your Motorcycle Accident
The District Department of Transportation requires motorcyclists to have certain insurance. If you suffered injuries or losses as a result of a motorcycle accident, consider taking these following steps in order to ensure your legal rights remain protected.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, and have not yet received a medical evaluation, you should immediately seek medical attention. Most motorcycle accidents result in some type of injury. Some of these injuries do not present themselves until hours or days later. If you already received medical attention regarding your injuries resulting from your motorcycle accident, make sure to revisit your doctor if your symptoms worsen, or if new symptoms develop. It is important to have documentation regarding your medical injury and treatments if you want to file a personal injury claim regarding your injuries at a later time.
Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident Carefully with Insurance Companies
If you suffered injuries or losses as a result of a motorcycle accident, it is likely you will need to speak with the insurance company of the negligent party. As you do so, make certain to be careful as you answer questions. Insurance company adjusters use manipulative tactics they use in order to obtain information from a victim that can later be somehow used against them regarding a settlement offer. Additionally, insurance companies will often ask to have conversations recorded. You should never allow an insurance company to record your conversation. Also, insurance companies may request your entire medical history.
Insurance companies only have the legal right to obtain medical information that relates to the motorcycle accident. In some cases, insurance companies request entire medical histories in an attempt to find pre-existing medical conditions that they can use against you to offer lower settlement announcements.
Finally, make sure to never accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company as it is likely their lowest offer. Negotiations with insurance companies can often prove frustrating and lengthy for victims. Consider how a Washington, D.C. motorcycle accident lawyer can help you with your insurance company negotiations.
Never Make Your Motorcycle Accident Public on Social Media
In today’s culture, everyone seems to post life events on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. However, anything you post on social media can be eventually used as a basis upon which a settlement offer is ultimately reduced. If you post pictures or make comments regarding activities, insurance companies can use this to say that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. The best practice is to simply avoid making any mention of your motorcycle accident on social media until your claim is complete.
Statute of Limitations
Three years. That’s how long you have to file your motorcycle accident claim before the statute of limitations expires. When that happens, you lose the right to pursue the compensation that the at-fault party owes you. Don’t let that happen! Our motorcycle accident lawyers who serve Washington DC can take a look at your case, build a strong claim, and make sure all paperwork is filed on time so you can get the compensation you need and deserve.
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A Washington, D.C. Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Offer Legal Guidance
If you suffered injuries or losses as a result of a motorcycle accident, you have the right to receive compensation from a negligent party. Learn how a Washington, D.C. motorcycle accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at 800-959-1444 can help you build your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensure your legal rights remain protected.
Call or text 800-924-3113 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
