Motorcycle accidents can be particularly devastating. Riders are often blindsided by drivers who keep on going, unaware of the horrific injuries they have just caused.

Without the safety features of most other vehicles, even seasoned riders with full gear can sustain life-altering or fatal injuries from another motorist’s reckless driving. In fact, after most motorcycle accidents, riders are so severely injured that they are unable to take the necessary steps to protect their future, and loved ones must step up and act on their behalf.

At Johnnie Bond Law, we understand the catastrophic injuries that result from motorcycle accidents. We also know that injured riders are often in no condition to collect evidence to pursue a claim for damages. They may not even remember the accident. We are prepared to help families in any way possible to help ensure they receive fair compensation for their losses resulting from the injuries or wrongful death of a rider.

We can review your claim, seek out evidence to demonstrate liability, and answer questions and negotiate with other parties on your behalf. Your family can focus on healing and rebuilding your lives while we focus on holding the responsible parties accountable so you can receive full and fair compensation.

Motorcycle Accidents in the DMV

Motorcycles are smaller than other motor vehicles on the road, making them harder to see when turning or changing lanes. When another driver is distracted, intoxicated, or too tired to notice a biker, it can lead to a terrible accident.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Not checking the blind spot
• Unsafe turn or lane change
• Road debris

When you or a loved one have been in an accident, it’s essential to seek legal aid as soon as possible. Skilled motorcycle accident attorneys will act quickly to ensure that you take the necessary steps to protect your right to recovery.

Motorcycle Accident Compensation in the DMV

Unfortunately, injured motorcyclists often struggle to receive compensation after an accident. Insurers will try to find evidence that the rider might be at fault. They might allege the rider was speeding or lane splitting and that their behavior was the cause of the accident.

Maryland, DC, and Virginia laws regarding contributory negligence can make it easier for insurance companies to avoid compensating the victim. If they can convince the court that the motorcyclist is even slightly at fault for the accident, they will not have to pay. This is why it is so crucial to work with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident so your attorney can collect the best available evidence and handle questions from insurance companies and investigators.

We understand how to refute any insinuations of contributory negligence. We know how to deal with big insurance companies and how to negotiate to receive fair treatment. Insurers will try to settle for as little as possible, but we will fight for compensation to cover all the losses suffered by your family.

Compensation could be available for:

• Medical expenses associated with treatment and recovery
• Wages lost because of injury
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Caregiver expenses
• Loss of consortium

Of all motor vehicle crashes, injuries from motorcycle accidents are some of the worst. Treatment and care can cost an astronomical amount, and the rider could need a lifetime of medical care and face permanent disabilities. These expenses come at a time when the rider is unable to work due to injuries, and loved ones may need to stop working to provide care.

Guidance and assistance from a skilled injury lawyer is so important at this critical time. The Johnnie Bond Law team will use our knowledge and experience to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Motorcycle Accident Liability in the DMV

Potentially responsible parties in a motorcycle accident case can include:

• The driver of the other vehicle
• A government agency
• A vehicle manufacturer
• A repair company
• Someone who created a dangerous condition on the road

When the other driver in the crash was operating a commercial vehicle, you can pursue legal action against the employer.

If the motorcycle was the only vehicle involved in the accident, you could still have a legitimate compensation claim if a hazardous condition caused the wreck. For instance, if the city has neglected to repair a broken road, and this caused the crash, the municipal government might have to pay for damages resulting from the accident.

Or if the motorcycle malfunctioned due to a defect in manufacturing and caused the rider to collide with a tree or guardrail, you could recover compensation from the manufacturer of the motorcycle or component part. If faulty repairs caused the malfunction, then the repair shop could be held liable. We can conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and the parties who could be held legally accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident

Should I get a lawyer for a motorcycle accident?

It is a good idea to talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible if you are injured in an accident. An attorney can help you collect evidence to show who was at fault for causing the accident. In addition, an attorney can handle questions from investigators and insurance companies and prevent you from inadvertently saying something that could be used against you to deny liability.

An experienced attorney who has helped others through the process could ensure that you receive thorough medical care and fight to protect your rights throughout the process. Having a dedicated advocate on your side makes the whole ordeal more manageable, and you can relax knowing that someone is always watching out for your best interests.

How long does a motorcycle accident lawsuit take?

Many motorcycle accident claims in the DMV settle within 12 months. If the responsible party or their insurance company refuses to offer reasonable compensation and we have to take the case through a full trial, then it will generally take longer to resolve.

When should you contact a lawyer after a motorcycle accident?

It is never too early to consult an attorney after an accident. The sooner your lawyer begins working on your case, the more opportunities they have to collect evidence to support your claim.

To receive compensation, you must prepare and file your claim within two years if the accident happened in Virginia and three years if the accident occurred in DC or Maryland. Waiting that long to contact an attorney could be too late.

Am I required to wear a helmet while riding my motorcycle?

All operators and passengers in the DMV are required to wear an approved helmet while riding a motorcycle on public roads.

If I wasn’t wearing a helmet, can I still recover damages?

Although helmets are required, failure to wear one does not prevent an injured motorcyclist from recovering damages for a motorcycle accident in the DMV. In some cases, if a judge were to determine that the injuries would have been less severe with a helmet, then failure to wear a helmet might reduce the amount recovered after an accident.

What damages can I collect for a motorcycle accident?

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you could receive damages to cover all of your losses stemming from the accident. This includes tangible losses like:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages due to time missed at work
• Reduced future earnings
• Future medical needs

In addition, you can receive compensation for intangible effects that do not have a direct monetary equivalent. This includes factors such as pain, suffering, emotional anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Often these factors have such a tremendous impact on your life that they make up the largest part of your financial award.