--- description: If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to know what to do next. Call our motorcycle accident lawyers right away. title: What to do After a Washington DC Motorcycle Accident - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. --- What to do After a Washington DC Motorcycle Accident - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. # What to do After a Washington DC Motorcycle Accident Last Updated: February 27, 2026 Reading Time: 4 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 4 months ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/) » What to do After a Washington DC Motorcycle Accident 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. If you have been injured in a [motorcycle accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/), it is important to know what to do next. The steps you take right after the accident can impact your ability to recover damages later. Contact a Washington, DC motorcycle accident lawyer with[ Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) today for a free consultation. We value the attorney-client relationship, and we will work to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve. ## Call Law Enforcement After a motorcycle accident, the first thing you should do is [call the police.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/washington-dc-motorcycle-laws/) Do not leave the scene of the accident until they have arrived. The responding police officer will write an accident report that you may access later if you decide to file a personal injury claim. It is important to later get a copy of the police accident report. This document will contain basic information about those involved in the crash and insurance information that you will need to reference later. ## Seek Medical Treatment Getting medical attention right away if you have been injured is important, as motorcycle accidents can cause [serious injuries.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/common-injuries/) Do not wait to see if your injuries will improve on their own. Go to the emergency room or your doctor to get the treatment you need. ## Gather Information and Evidence You will also want to gather information and evidence at the accident scene. This can include: - Taking photos of the accident scene, - Getting contact information from witnesses - Pictures of damage to your car and your injuries - The other driver’s name, license number, insurance information, and phone number ## Contact Your Insurance Company You will also need to contact your[ insurance company](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/washington-dc-motorcycle-insurance-laws/) to inform them about the accident. They will send an insurance adjuster to investigate your case. [Insurance adjusters ](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/what-insurance-companies-dont-want-you-to-know-in-personal-injury-cases/)may try to get you to say something that will damage your personal injury claim. It’s important that you do not give a statement to your insurer or the other driver’s insurer without a lawyer present. ## Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer One of the most important things you can do after a [motorcycle accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/common-causes/) is to seek knowledgeable legal counsel. If you have a serious injury or want help filing your claim, a lawyer can help you deal with the insurance company and protect your rights. ## What Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Do For 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 accident, gathering evidence to establish negligence and other forms of liability. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has obtained 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 After a Motorcycle Crash If you are [involved in a motorcycle accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/motorcycle-accidents/how-to-avoid-motorcycle-accidents/), you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available. ## Get the Compensation You Deserve For more than 50 years, the Washington DC lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have successfully represented motorcycle riders and families who have been injured or lost loved ones due to 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 due to a rear-end collision. - $5 million medical malpractice settlement on behalf of a 14-year-old client who suffered a severe brain injury due to a doctor’s inappropriate chemical product use. - $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 hit 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. ## What If The Driver Is Uninsured? If you have been involved in an accident with an [uninsured or underinsured](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/uninsured-underinsured-motorists/) driver, you may be able to [file a claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/personal-injury-claims-process-in-washington-dc/) with your own insurance company if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage comes into play when the [at-fault driver](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/washington-dc-vulnerable-user-recovery-act-of-2020/) doesn’t have insurance to cover the amount of damage to you or your vehicle. ## Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney 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.? 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