Legal Advocacy After A Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Washington DC

When you need a Washington, DC motorcycle accident lawyer, contact The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. Our attorneys have represented many motorcycle riders who were injured in accidents caused by someone else. We understand what can be necessary to recover the maximum amount of damages for our clients.

Our Washington DC motorcycle accident lawyer may recover your accident-related damages after a collision that was not your fault. With over 75 years of combined experience practicing law, we have the knowledge to represent our clients successfully. Our firm would be happy to review your case at no charge to you—schedule your free consultation today.

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How An Attorney Can Help You

Motorcycle accidents can be very different from car accidents and so the specialized knowledge that lawyers for motorcyclists have is key.

The first benefit of hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is that they  how insurance companies value claims. The insurance companies that deal with motorcycles may not pay out as much as other insurance companies because they do not believe that the damages are as severe.

Another benefit of hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is that you will know what to expect when dealing with the insurance company. An experienced lawyer will know what information the insurance companies want and how they work with medical providers. They will also know what procedures they need to follow if they are going to be successful at getting you compensation for your injuries or pain and suffering.

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

These accidents can result in serious injuries to motorcyclists, including traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and back injuries. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include speeding, unsafe lane changes, driving while intoxicated, tailgating, and more.

When drivers drive above the speed limit, they have lower reaction times and are more likely to crash into other vehicles, including motorcycles. Hitting a motorcycle at such a high speed can cause severe damage because a motorcycle is so small. It is important for drivers to carefully check their blind spots when changing lanes. If they don’t, they risk hitting motorcyclists.

A motorcycle accident lawyer also deals with motorcycle accident cases that involve drunk driving. If a driver has had too much to drink, he or she can lose focus on the road and collide with motorcycles and other vehicles. To avoid accidents, drivers who have had too much to drink should avoid getting behind the wheel until they get a designated driver.

Drivers who drive too closely behind motorcycles risk an accident if a motorcycle makes a sudden stop. The drivers won’t have enough time to hit their brakes. If a motorcyclist is hit from the back, he or she could get severely injured or even killed.

Recovering Compensation

Every single motorcycle collision will have its own factors and considerations that a lawyer must examine before building a defense. When you met with our lawyer, you will   be asked to share your story. In addition to what you have to say, medical records, police reports, surveillance footage, photos, and witness statements may be reviewed.

Injuries can vary from one accident to another. In general, the worse the injury is, the more compensation may be available to you. It’s worth noting that your lawyer should never promise you a specific amount of money. If you are told that you “will” receive a certain sum of money, don’t hesitate to talk with another lawyer. Financial recovery for the following may be available to you: medical bills, lost wages, mental and emotional well-being, punitive damages, and wrongful death.

Risks Motorcyclists Face

When a motorcycle accident occurs, it is typically the result of the negligence or unsafe actions of others on the road. Many risks exist for motorcyclists when they drive on the highways and roads in DC and throughout Maryland and Virginia.

Drivers who are distracted while they operate their vehicles pose a serious threat to all motorists, including motorcyclists. When individuals take their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel to engage in activities such as texting and dialing cell phones, their chances of causing accidents increase dramatically. Motorcyclists are at risk of suffering catastrophic injuries if they are struck by distracted drivers.

A common misconception is that motorcyclists take too many risks while operating their vehicles. While this may be true in some cases, it is not always the case, and anyone can get into a motorcycle accident. In fact, many motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers on the road who are not paying attention or are distracted. When this happens, it is critical to find an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. to help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve from your insurance company or another driver involved in the accident.

What To Do After An Accident

Call 911 and report the accident if you have been injured or believe anyone else has been injured. Even if you don’t consider your injuries to be severe, you should still call 911. Adrenaline can mask pain during an accident, so you must get checked out by medical professionals on the scene.

Get off of the road as soon as possible so that you are not in danger of being hit by another vehicle. If you cannot move, try to get your motorcycle off of the road or at least signal for help.

Gather information from everyone involved in the accident, including their names, addresses, and insurance information. You should also gather information from any witnesses who saw what happened.

Common Injuries That Result From Motorcycle Accidents

Because of their size relative to passenger vehicles and trucks, motorcycles can be more vulnerable to damage in accidents. As a result, bike riders are often susceptible to serious injury. Being aware of the top three most common motorcycle collision injuries before getting onto your bike to go for a ride, can help prepare you to keep an eye out for potential threats on the road in Washington, DC. You can be proactive in your motorcycle riding habits by being educated and aware of the risks of injury.

Almost every motorcycle accident lawyer has seen many of the same injuries over and over again. Some of the most common injuries sustained by motorcyclists are listed below.

Head Injuries

This includes traumatic brain injuries, subdural hematoma, brain stem injuries, and brain death. Closed head injuries are not always apparent, even to the victim. This is why it’s extremely important to get a medical evaluation after an accident, even if you feel fine. If the physician indicates you may have suffered a closed head injury, contact an attorney without delay. A motorcycle accident lawyer may begin the process of recovering your medical costs from the liable party.

A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain is damaged due to an external force, which can lead to impairment of the victim’s physical, mental, and cognitive functions. A TBI most often happens as a result of a sudden blow or jolting of the head and/or body. During this jolting, the brain can move within the skull causing bleeding or swelling. When visiting your doctor, he or she will likely use one or many of the following tests to determine if you are suffering from a TBI: Glasgow Coma Scale, Speech & Language Tests, Measurements to Determine the Level of TBI, Imaging Tests, Cognition & Neuropsychological Tests, and more.

Orthopedic Injuries

This includes torn ligaments, torn tendons, broken and fractured bones, and strained muscles. The arms, legs, knees, and feet are very vulnerable during an accident. The upper and lower extremities can easily shatter, including fractured elbows and knees. To help prevent such injuries, articles of protective clothing as well as knee pads should be utilized. If improper shoes are worn while riding, the toes can also be broken. Wearing metal-reinforced boots can help prevent toes from being hurt.

Bruising, Scarring, and Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can range from mild to lethal. Scarring can be minimal or severe. Road rash is another common injury that motorcyclists are especially susceptible to. Psychological injuries and other types of non-physical injuries are considered just as valid as physical injuries in damage claims. When pursuing damages from the at-fault driver, a motorcycle accident lawyer may also determine a monetary value for a non-physical injury.

On the body, any exposed skin at the time of impact can suffer from road rash. This is why it is so important to be fully protected and wear long sleeves and pants even if it is warm outdoors. If a rider flies over the handlebars of his or her bike, concrete rubs exposed skin as the body skids along the pavement. Any rocks, debris, or glass can result in deeper road rash, lacerations, or even nerve damage.

Antibiotics are commonly used to prevent infection. Road rash is not simply a cut or scrape, and it can lead to long-lasting damage if not treated properly. It can develop into skin irritations and skin surface nerve damage. A medical professional should perform thorough cleaning and treatment of any open wounds.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal injuries can cause discomfort and tremendous pain. They can also cause partial or full paralysis. The paralysis can be temporary or permanent. Surgery and various treatments, including physical therapy, can be expensive. After sustaining a spinal cord injury, a person may be unable to return to the job they had before the accident. As a result, they may lose a significant amount of future wages. Your lawyer might successfully  be able to recover future wages. These could be included as damages in an injury claim or lawsuit.

Washington DC Motorcycle Accident Infographic

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents Infographic

Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are an estimated 5,000 motorcycle-related fatalities each year in the United States.

  • Motorcycle accidents account for 14% of all traffic fatalities in the United States.
  • The most common type of motorcycle accident is a collision with a motor vehicle.
  • Motorcycle riders are more likely to be injured or killed in a motorcycle accident than car drivers.
  • Helmets can reduce the risk of head injury in a motorcycle accident by up to 85%.

Tips For Gathering Evidence After A Crash

After being involved in a crash, you should contact our Washington DC motorcycle accident lawyer. But there are more steps to take care of along the way. At The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., we’ve helped over 1000 clients throughout our decades of combined experience. Through all that time, we’ve learned how you should handle the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.

  1. Take Pictures And Videos

Immediately after ensuring everyone’s safety and calling for medical help if needed, start taking pictures and videos of the scene. Capture all vehicles involved from various angles, showing the damage sustained. Don’t forget to photograph road conditions, traffic signs, and any skid marks. If injuries are visible, safely document these as well.

  1. Collect Contact Information

Gather names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details from all drivers involved. Also, collect contact information from witnesses. Their accounts of the event could be beneficial if there are discrepancies in reports or if further verification of the incident is needed.

  1. Save Physical Evidence

Keep any physical evidence that could relate to the crash. This includes pieces from your vehicle that were damaged, a torn piece of clothing, or anything that came loose during the incident. All these items can help in reconstructing the accident more accurately.

  1. Obtain A Copy Of The Police Report

Law enforcement will likely create a report if they attend the scene. This report will contain an officer’s perspective on the accident, details from the scene, and sometimes an initial assessment of who was at fault. Request a copy of this report as it is a valuable piece of documentation for your records.

  1. Make Detailed Notes About The Accident

As soon as you can, write down everything you remember about the accident, including what led up to it, the exact time, weather conditions, and any other relevant details. Memories can fade quickly, so doing this promptly will ensure a more accurate recall of events.

  1. Gather Medical Records

If you received medical treatment for injuries suffered in the crash, request copies of all your medical records and bills. These documents are essential for proving the extent and nature of your injuries, which can significantly impact the outcome of any claim.

  1. Keep A Diary Of Your Recovery

Start a diary documenting your recovery from injuries. Note all medical visits, changes in your health, levels of pain, and how the injuries impact your daily life. This diary can serve as a powerful piece of evidence in demonstrating how the accident has affected you over time.

  1. Consult With A Legal Professional

Consulting with a lawyer who understands the legal processes involved with crashes can make a significant difference in the management of your case. Your DC motorcycle accident lawyer can provide guidance on what additional evidence may be necessary and how to safeguard your rights throughout the legal proceedings.

Contact Our Team Today

Collecting evidence after a crash is vital, but the process can be overwhelming. Remember, you don’t have to handle it alone. At The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., we are here to help guide you through each step of your case. If you’ve been in a crash, contact us today to get started with a lawyer you can trust.

The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. – Washington DC Motorcycle Accident Law Firm

922 Pennsylvania Ave. SE #100
Washington, DC 20003

Contact Our Firm For Help

Every time you get onto your motorcycle, other drivers can risk your safety on the road. Practice defensive driving habits and keep an eye out for speeding, careless, and distracted drivers. You must be in charge of your safety and not assume vehicle drivers will behave with care on the road. Do not attempt any fancy tricks or excessive speed while on public roads. During your meeting with your lawyer, they may want to find out more information about your case, such as what types of injuries you suffered and who was involved in the accident. If your lawyer feels you have a strong case, he may advise you on how to move forward.

Contact us through this website or call our local office. The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. is committed to protecting the rights of our clients. For a free case review with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Washington, DC, contact us today.

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