Several factors can lead to a motorcycle accident. If you are a motorcyclist, it is important to be aware of these dangers and take steps to avoid them. Understanding the risks involved can help keep yourself safe on the road.

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation! We’ll fight for the justice you deserve.

Motorcycle Lane Splitting

One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is lane splitting. This is when a motorcyclist rides between two traffic lanes or vehicles in the same lane. Lane splitting can be dangerous because it puts the riders at risk of being hit by a car. It can also be difficult for other motorists to see motorcycles when splitting lanes. If you are going to split lanes, be sure to do so cautiously and only when it is safe.

Speeding

Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is speeding. Motorcycles are much smaller than other cars on the road and can accelerate quickly. This makes it easy for riders to get going too fast and lose control. Speeding is also a factor in many other types of accidents, so it is important to always obey the speed limit and drive at a safe speed.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is another major cause of motorcycle accidents. When drivers are under the influence of alcohol, they are more likely to make poor decisions and put themselves and others at risk. If you are riding your motorcycle, stay sober and avoid getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is another leading cause of accidents, and it can be just as dangerous for motorcyclists as it is for other drivers. When riding, staying focused on the road and being aware of your surroundings is important. Avoid distractions like talking on the phone, texting, or eating.

Left Turn Accidents

One of the most common accidents involving motorcycles is when a car makes a left-hand turn and hits the bike. This is often because the driver of the vehicle did not see the motorcycle or did not yield the right-of-way. If you are approaching an intersection, watch for cars turning left and be prepared to stop or take evasive action if necessary.

Open Car Doors

Another hazard for motorcyclists is open car doors. This can happen when a driver opens their door without looking or a passenger gets out of the car without checking for traffic. If you are riding next to a row of parked cars, watch for open doors and avoid them if possible.

Lack of Visibility

One hazard that is unique to motorcyclists is lack of visibility. Because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, they can be more difficult to see. This can make it hard for drivers to spot motorcycles and make it more likely that they will collide with them. If you are riding your motorcycle, wear bright clothing and a helmet, and use your headlights to be more visible to other drivers.

Inexperienced Riders

Another hazard for motorcyclists is inexperienced riders. Motorcycles can be more difficult to operate than other vehicles, and it takes time and practice to learn how to ride them safely. If you are a new rider, be sure to take a motorcycle safety course to learn the skills you need to ride safely.

Road Hazards

There are also many hazards that motorcyclists face that are unrelated to other drivers. These include things like potholes, debris in the road, and bad weather. Be sure to watch out for these hazards and avoid them if possible.

Collisions Between Motorcycles and Fixed Objects

Another type of motorcycle accident is when a rider collides with a fixed object, such as a guardrail or a tree. Make sure to stay on the road and avoid obstacles.

Fatal Motorcycle Collisions

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 5,000 motorcycle deaths and 84,000 injuries in the U.S. in 2019. Motorcycle riders lack a surrounding protective structure on their vehicles and are more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries when involved in a collision. Because of this, motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to have fatal accidents than occupants of passenger vehicles.

What Should I Do If I’m Injured in a Motorcycle Crash?

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. If your injuries are serious, you should call 911. Once you have received treatment, you should contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

How Our DC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You

The Washington, D.C. motorcycle accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success in helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motorcycle collision, gathering evidence to establish negligence and other types of liability.

Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate. 

Damages You Can Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

An injured motorcyclist may be able to recover damages for:

• Past and future medical bills
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to help you determine what damages you are entitled to and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

How Much is a Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

The value of a motorcycle crash injury case will depend on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, and whether you can return to work. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and give you an estimate of its value.

We Get You The Compensation You Deserve

For more than 50 years, the Washington DC lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have successfully represented individuals and families who have been injured or lost loved ones as the result of someone else’s negligence. Here is a small sample of some of our successful verdicts and settlements: 

• $3.5 million for a man who suffered a brain injury when a District of Columbia police officer opened his door into traffic and “doored” him. 
• $6 million on behalf of a man who suffered a brain injury as a result of a rear-end car accident.
• $5 million medical malpractice settlement on behalf of a 14-year-old client who suffered a severe brain injury as a result of a doctor’s inappropriate use of a chemical product.
• $4.8 million on behalf of a severely injured man when his motorcycle struck a trailer being pulled by a minivan.

• $4.5 million for a woman who was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident after being struck from behind by a transit bus in a crosswalk.
• $600,000 verdict was obtained against the United States Postal Service due to the negligence of one of its drivers, who pulled out from a stop side in front of our client’s motorcycle.

See additional examples of our case victories and settlements on our “Case Results” page.

Contact a DC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your motorcycle accident claim, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.

We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600  or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.