Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Washington, D.C.

Riding a motorcycle in Washington, D.C., is an exhilarating and liberating experience that is vastly different from driving a typical passenger vehicle. Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous.

Like commercial truck drivers, motorcycle riders receive additional training before hitting the road — for similar reasons. As with truck accidents, the consequences of motorcycle accidents tend to be more severe compared to car accidents.

This is mainly because motorcycle riders have less protection than car passengers, making them more vulnerable to serious injuries in the event of an accident. If you or a loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident, you could be facing years or decades of medical bills and related expenses.

The motorcycle accident lawyers at Seay/Felton are dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims in Washington, D.C., and have a proven track record of success in securing life-changing settlements. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your case today.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Washington, D.C.

Motorcycle accidents in Washington, D.C. often result from careless driving behavior, either by other motorists or even motorcyclists themselves. Recognizing these common causes can help identify faults in your case. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney in Washington, D.C. can investigate and uncover these details to support your claim:

• Left-turn collisions: Often occur when a car turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle, failing to see the rider.
• Lane splitting: Riding between traffic lanes is dangerous and may be illegal, depending on interpretation.
• Speeding and reckless driving: High speeds reduce reaction times and increase the severity of injuries.
• Distracted or impaired drivers: Drivers on phones or under the influence frequently fail to notice motorcyclists.
• Unsafe road conditions: Poor lighting, potholes, and uneven pavement pose greater risks to motorcycles than to cars.

Types of Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Because motorcycles offer minimal protection, accidents often lead to devastating physical and emotional trauma. It’s important to understand the potential long-term consequences and secure strong legal representation to calculate future medical costs and non-economic damages.

• Road rash: Severe abrasions that can lead to infection and permanent scarring. In some cases, skin grafting may be required, and the affected area may never fully regain sensation or appearance.
• Fractures and orthopedic injuries: Broken bones, often requiring surgeries, rehabilitation, and time off work. Compound fractures can lead to long-term mobility issues or permanent hardware implantation.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Can cause memory loss, cognitive issues, or permanent disability, even with a helmet. TBIs may also lead to personality changes or ongoing neurological symptoms requiring years of therapy.
• Spinal cord injuries: May result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often demand lifestyle adjustments, long-term care, and significant home modifications.
  
• Emotional distress and PTSD: Survivors often face anxiety, flashbacks, or fear of riding again. Mental health therapy, medication, and time off from work or daily routines may be necessary to cope.

Importance of a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Washington, D.C.

In many motorcycle accident cases, the driver of the other vehicle is the responsible party. Typically, the driver fails to see the motorcycle or assumes the motorcycle requires less space than it actually does.

Either of these scenarios can be devastating because a sideswipe that might barely scratch a passenger car can cause catastrophic injuries to a motorcycle rider. When you are facing severe injuries and another party is at fault, you need an experienced lawyer to protect your interests. Having knowledgeable legal representation helps prevent the responsible party’s insurance company from denying your claim or undervaluing your compensation.

How An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You?

After a motorcycle accident in Washington, D.C., insurance companies will try to determine fault. Washington, D.C. operates under a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning that if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.

Since the insurance company of the responsible party will need to pay damages, both companies will seek to prove that their client wasn’t at fault. This means they will look for evidence to demonstrate that the other party caused the accident.

As your attorneys, we will investigate the case thoroughly. We can gather evidence from:

• Witnesses
• Video recordings, if available
• Photos of the accident scene
• Police reports

By compiling this evidence, we can reconstruct the events of the accident to build a strong case for you. The more evidence we collect, the stronger we can make your case — which is critical in Washington, D.C., where contributory negligence laws can prevent you from recovering compensation if you are found at fault.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

After a serious motorcycle accident, victims may be entitled to a range of damages. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Washington, D.C. will calculate both economic and non-economic damages to ensure full financial recovery. These include:

• Medical expenses: Covers ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and long-term care. Future treatment costs, such as follow-up appointments, assistive devices, and home modifications, may also be included.
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity: Compensation for time missed from work and future inability to earn. This includes loss of promotions, missed business opportunities, or the need for career retraining.
• Pain and suffering: Reflects the physical pain and emotional anguish caused by the injury. Chronic pain, depression, and a reduced quality of life are often factored in.
• Property damage: Repairs or replacement of the damaged motorcycle and riding gear. Custom bikes and specialty equipment may require valuation by experts.
• Wrongful death: In fatal accidents, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more. Loss of future income and parental guidance may also apply.

Why Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Often More Complicated

Knowing what to do after a motorcycle crash in Washington, D.C. can make or break your injury claim. The moments after an accident are chaotic, but the steps you take can protect both your health and your right to compensation. That’s why we’ve laid out a simple visual guide below. It walks you through the most critical actions, from calling 911 to connecting with a trusted motorcycle accident attorney in Washington, D.C. Whether you’re dealing with shock, injury, or confusion at the scene, having this checklist in mind can help you stay focused and safeguard your future.

Why Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Often More Complicated?

Motorcycle accident cases often involve more complexities than standard car accident claims. In Washington, D.C., contributory negligence law means that if you’re found even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation. Additionally, insurers and jurors may harbor unconscious biases against motorcyclists, assuming they are reckless by nature. Injuries are typically more severe, which increases claim value and pushes insurers to fight harder. Disputes often arise about whether the motorcyclist was “visible” or entitled to full lane use. These hurdles make it essential to work with a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney in Washington, D.C.

Negotiating a Settlement

Gathering evidence isn’t the only reason you should turn to a lawyer from Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers. We also have decades of experience negotiating with insurance companies to secure the best possible settlement.

Insurance companies are often more willing to negotiate with attorneys because they know that if a claimant is represented by a lawyer, there is a higher likelihood of the case going to trial. And when your lawyer has a strong track record like ours, the insurance company knows it is in its best interest to make a fair offer.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations in Washington, D.C.

In Washington, D.C., motorcycle accident victims have just three years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this window, your right to recover damages may be permanently lost. There are exceptions,  for instance, if the injured party is a minor or if a government vehicle was involved, but these situations require detailed legal knowledge. A motorcycle accident attorney in Washington, D.C. can help you understand how the statute applies to your case and ensure all paperwork is filed on time.

Navigating Legal Procedures

At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, our attorneys have over 50 years of combined legal experience. This means we are familiar with the complexities of Washington, D.C.’s legal system, giving us an edge when navigating your case.

Filing a lawsuit in D.C. requires a variety of legal documents, and a small mistake could set your case back by weeks or even months. Our attorneys know the procedural rules and deadlines to ensure your case moves forward without unnecessary delays.

And if your case goes to trial, we are ready to advocate fiercely on your behalf. We’ve secured million-dollar verdicts for our clients by bringing a personalized, strategic approach to every case we handle.

 

No Fee if No Recovery

At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, we are passionately dedicated to helping people in the Washington, D.C., community recover from catastrophic accidents — including motorcycle accidents, which are among the most severe.

If we don’t secure a settlement for you, you won’t owe us anything.

Proven Success: Our Results Speak For Themselves

Our firm has an extensive track record of achieving favorable settlements and successful outcomes for our clients. We understand the financial and emotional challenges that accompany personal injuries, and our primary commitment is to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

WE OBTAINED $500,000 FOR OUR CLIENT

While our client was making a left-hand turn on his motorcycle, a police officer, engaged in a high-speed chase at speeds exceeding 70 mph on a city street and without using sirens, recklessly changed lanes behind him. This resulted in a severe accident where our client sustained burns to half of his body and multiple bone fractures. Although governmental immunity limited the compensation, we successfully secured a $500,000 settlement. The officer involved was criminally charged with reckless driving.

Turn to Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers Today

Were you or a loved one catastrophically injured in a motorcycle accident in Washington, D.C.? You may be eligible to receive compensation for the injuries and losses you’ve suffered.

At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for injury victims in Washington, D.C., and standing up to insurance companies. Schedule a free consultation with us today to explore your legal options.