Are you dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Washington, D.C.? Whether you got in a wreck on I-295 or a driver failed to yield to you in Logan Circle, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages if someone else caused the crash. The legal team at Trollinger Law LLC is here to help you pursue it.
Unfortunately, getting full and fair compensation is not always as simple as filing an insurance claim and getting an easy payout. The at-fault driver could dispute your version of events, and their insurance company might pressure you to accept a lowball settlement. Motorcycle accident claims often involve disputes over fault, and insurers may try to shift blame to you to minimize their liability.
You need a strategy and a strong advocate to help you navigate the legal process. With more than a decade of experience representing injury victims, Trollinger Law LLC understands the challenges motorcycle accident victims face after a serious crash. We are committed to providing personalized legal representation that puts your needs front and center. Our team can investigate the claim, deal with insurance companies, and negotiate for the compensation you need for your recovery.
Contact Trollinger Law LLC today for a free consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyers in Washington, D.C.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Washington, D.C. include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Unsafe left turns
- Distracted driving
- Failure to check blind spots
- Fatigued driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Driver error
- Dooring, where a driver opens their car door in the path of an oncoming motorcyclist
- Poor road conditions
- Defective motorcycle parts
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
According to motorcycle accident statistics from the Washington, D.C. Highway Safety Office, nearly half of the motorcycle crashes reported in the District during a recent five-year period resulted in an injury. Because riders have little protection from the force of impact, motorcycle accidents frequently result in serious injuries. Examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Road rash
- Internal bleeding
- Amputation
After a motorcycle crash, injured riders may face weeks, months, or even years of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost income. For those who suffer catastrophic injuries, a full recovery may not be possible. A D.C. motorcycle injury lawyer can evaluate the full extent of your damages and pursue compensation for both your current losses and anticipated future needs.
Determining Liability for a Washington, D.C. Motorcycle Accident
Under Washington, D.C. law, motorcycle accident victims can pursue compensation for injuries caused by someone else. The first step is determining liability, or who is at fault, for the crash.
Our Washington, D.C. motorcycle accident attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify potentially liable parties. We examine evidence such as:
- The police report
- Accident scene photos
- Traffic, dashcam, or surveillance video footage
- Eyewitness testimony
- Post-collision vehicle inspections
- Black box and other electronic data
Once your lawyer has determined the at-fault party or parties, they can begin preparing a motorcycle accident claim on your behalf.
Washington, D.C. Motorcycle Accident Laws
Two important laws may impact personal injury and motorcycle accident claims in Washington, D.C.:
The contributory negligence rule bars an injury victim from recovering damages for their injuries if they are even one percent at fault for the crash. While contributory negligence is the general rule in claims involving motor vehicle collisions, the Vulnerable User Collision Recovery Amendment Act of 2020 created an exception for motorcyclists.
D.C. now classifies motorcyclists among other vulnerable road users who are more likely to suffer severe injuries in a collision, including pedestrians and bicyclists. Under the law, an injured motorcyclist may still be able to recover compensation if they were 50 percent or less at fault for an accident. However, any compensation awarded is reduced by their share of the blame.
Compensation Available to Victims
Compensation in a motorcycle accident case can include money for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Property damage
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
A D.C. motorcycle injury lawyer can assist with all aspects of your motorcycle accident case, including:
- Investigating the collision
- Identifying the at-fault driver or other liable party
- Gathering evidence to support your case
- Working with experts, as needed, to break down technical aspects of the case into simple terms that an insurance adjuster or jury can understand
- Calculating damages
- Filing your motorcycle accident claim
- Representing you in settlement negotiations
- Taking your case to trial, if needed
Why Clients Choose Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
At Trollinger Law LLC, we put you first. Injured motorcyclists throughout the D.C. Metro region have turned to our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers for years because:
- We focus exclusively on injury cases. Our sole focus on personal injury and workersā comp cases gives us a thorough knowledge of the laws, insurance issues, and litigation strategies that can shape your motorcycle accident case.
- We provide one-on-one attention. Your personal and financial recovery is important to us. We work closely with clients and build strong injury claims tailored to their unique circumstances.
- We are proven negotiators and trial lawyers. We know the tricks insurance companies use to avoid paying motorcycle accident victims fairly: delay, deny, defend. Just as important, we know how to challenge unfair tactics through skilled advocacy and, when necessary, going to trial.
This focus on results has helped us deliver numerous six- and seven-figure verdicts and settlements for clients in the jurisdictions we serve. Behind these successes are real people like Katie Sobiesiak, who had this to say about our legal services:
āThe entire Trollinger Law team clearly cares deeply about their clients. Matt is incredibly communicative, compassionate and dedicated. Their professionalism and client-first approach really stand out.ā
Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. However, what never wavers is the dedication of our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys to seek the maximum compensation available to you under the law.
Contact Our Washington, D.C. Motorcycle Injury Team Today
If you need help after a motorcycle collision, contact a Washington, D.C. motorcycle accident attorney from Trollinger Law LLC today. Firm founder Matt Trollinger is a top-rated personal injury lawyer and has consistently been recognized by Super Lawyers since 2014. With over 300 five-star Google reviews, we are ready to provide the legal representation you need as you move forward from your injuries.
Thereās no fee unless we win your case, so thereās nothing to lose. Call or contact us now for a free case review.