--- description: If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Washington D.C., it is important to seek medical attention right away. title: Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. --- Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. # Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries Last Updated: September 4, 2024 Reading Time: 6 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 2 years ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/) » Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $4.8 Million Motorcycle Crash $1.5 Million Motorcycle Crash $1.3 Million Motorcycle Crash $600,000 Motorcycle Crash [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) They took care of everything and really cared about me as a person. Rebekah Kousa Motorcycle Accidents Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* The firm’s attorneys discuss their approach to personal injury litigation, including the importance of identifying all available insurance coverage — a critical issue in motorcycle accident cases where standard auto policies often provide inadequate protection. The firm has recovered $4.8 million for a motorcycle accident victim in the DC region and understands the unique legal challenges riders face. Video Transcript **Allan Siegel (00:02):** We are a personal injury law firm. That is the only type of work that this law firm does. If you were injured as a result of somebody else’s negligence, then that’s a case that we would handle. So what does that include? Car crash cases. It includes bicycle crash cases, scooter cases, pedestrian accident cases, truck crash cases. It includes bus cases, all of those things, but it also includes situations where you might be hurt on somebody else’s premises. **Ira Sherman (00:40):** The insurance company knows that we are aggressive, we are creative. We have the funds to fund a case and hire experts, and as a result, they distinguish us in a category of law firms that they need to know and do know that we can take the case from day one all the way through trial successfully. **Stephen Ollar (01:05):** Insurance is an important factor, not just the insurance coverage on the vehicle that struck you, but also if you have additional insurance coverage that may compensate you if you have very serious injuries. The degree of your injury is important. **Joseph Cammarata (01:21):** Our approach is victim oriented in the sense that we are concerned for the wellbeing of our clients. We do everything to better their lot in life. A person that’s injured in a crash or bike accidents or pedestrian accidents, their life typically gets turned upside down. And we try to right that balance. **Allan Siegel (01:57):** If you’ve been injured as a result of somebody else’s negligence or as a result of somebody else’s intentional act, that’s a case that we would handle and that’s a case that you should call us to consult with us on. Motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence on the road. Unfortunately, these accidents often result in serious injuries for the rider. If you have been [injured in a motorcycle accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/what-to-do-after-a-washington-dc-motorcycle-accident/), it is important to seek medical attention right away. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of making a full recovery. If you have been injured in a [motorcycle accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/) and have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, contact[ Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) today. Our lawyers understand that recovering from an accident can be overwhelming, especially when suffering from a serious injury. We are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation! We’ll fight for the justice you deserve. ## Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries Several different injuries can be sustained in a motorcycle accident. Some of these injuries are minor, while others can be quite serious. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct the damage. Some of the most common injuries include: ### Traumatic Brain Injury [Traumatic brain injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/treatment-for-traumatic-brain-injury/) are caused when a significant force is exerted on the brain. As a result of such force, your brain can strike the inside of your skull, causing a brain injury. This is why it is important for motorcycle riders to [wear a helmet](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/washington-dc-motorcycle-helmet-laws/). Helmets are the first line of defense in protecting against head and neck injuries. ### Broken Bones Broken bones are fairly common in motorcycle crashes. Depending on the severity of your break, you may need surgery or other medical treatment to repair your bone. In severe cases, broken bones can lead to long-term disabilities. ### Spinal Cord Injuries The [spinal cord](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/spine-injuries/) is a column of nerves that runs through the center of your back and sends signals from your brain to the rest of your body. It also has many nerve cells, called neurons, which control various breathing and heart rate functions. Injuries to the spine can result in paralysis or other serious impairments. If you have sustained a [spinal cord injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/catastrophic-injuries/neck-spine/), it is important to seek medical attention right away. ### Road Rash Road rash is another common injury sustained in motorcycle accidents. This occurs when the skin comes into contact with the pavement. Road rash can range from mild to severe, depending on the depth of the wound. Road rash can lead to infection if not properly treated in some cases. ## Practice Motorcycle Safety Of course, [practicing safe riding](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/how-to-avoid-motorcycle-accidents/) habits is the best way to avoid sustaining an injury in a motorcycle accident. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, [wearing a helmet](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/washington-dc-motorcycle-helmet-laws/) can reduce the risk of motorcycle riders experiencing a head injury by 69%. You should also wear other protective gear such as gloves or riding jackets. Be sure to obey all [traffic laws](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/washington-dc-motorcycle-laws/) and pay attention to your surroundings. Taking these precautions can help [reduce your risk](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/washington-dc-motorcycle-safety-statistics/) of being involved in an accident. ## Long-Term Consequences of Motorcycle Crash Injuries While some [motorcycle accident injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/common-injuries/) may heal with time, others can lead to long-term consequences. For example, head injuries can result in cognitive impairments, or a spinal cord injury can lead to paralysis. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek medical attention and consult with an [experienced attorney ](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/when-to-hire-a-personal-injury-lawyer/)who can help you understand your rights and options. ## Can I File a Claim for Injuries Sustained in a Motorcycle Accident? You might be able to sue for motorcycle crash injuries if the accident that caused your injury was someone else’s fault. To determine whether you have a case, it is important to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can review the facts of your situation and advise you on your best course of action. If you decide to [file a claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/filing-a-personal-injury-claim/), your attorney will help you collect evidence to [support your claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/personal-injury-claims-process-in-washington-dc/) and negotiate with the other driver’s insurer for fair compensation. ## What Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Do For You The Washington, D.C. motorcycle accident lawyers with 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 accident, gathering evidence to establish liability and negligence. 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 Motorcycle Accident Victims Can Recover You may be entitled to recover damages if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident. The exact nature of the damages will depend on the [facts of your case](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/factors-that-affect-the-value-of-your-case/). However, some of the most common types of damages that are awarded in motorcycle accident cases include: - Medical expenses - Lost wages - Pain and suffering - Property damage If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek legal help right away. ### We Recover the Maximum Amount Available to You 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 collision. - $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](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/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](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to get the proven legal representation you deserve. Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The motorcycle accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. represent injured riders and their families across the Washington, D.C. metro area, including Virginia ([statewide Virginia motorcycle claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/arlington-va/), [Fairfax County motorcycle injury cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/fairfax/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([statewide Maryland coverage](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/maryland/), [Silver Spring rider injury claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/silver-spring/), and [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/hyattsville-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/)). Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. Stephen Ollar's Bio ## Related Articles Read More Blog Articles Maryland Motorcycle Insurance Requirements Virginia Motorcycle Insurance Requirements Virginia Motorcycle Laws Maryland Motorcycle Laws Virginia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer What Happens if a Family Member is Involved in a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Washington, D.C.? Washington DC Motorcycle Insurance Laws Fairfax Motorcycle Accident Lawyer [](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/06/motorcycle-safety-tips-riders-need-to-follow/) Car Accidents 8 Motorcycle Safety Tips That All Riders Need to Follow Riding a motorcycle is an exciting way to travel, but it also puts you at Read More » 06/21/2021 Police Shooting of DC Motorcyclist Prompts Change to Bodycam Rules On September 11, 2016, Terrence Sterling had recently left a bachelor’s party and was operating Read More » 10/04/2016 Partners Joseph Cammarata & Allan M. Siegel Reach $4.8 Million Settlement on Behalf of Injured Motorcycle Rider Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. is proud to announce that Partner Joseph Cammarata and Partner Allan M. Read More » 09/02/2015 North Carolina Tractor-Trailer Crash Kills 2 Motorcyclists, Injures 4 A fatal tractor-trailer crash on Friday morning claimed the lives of 2 motorcyclists and injured Read More » 07/20/2015