Washington DC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, and is a great way to enjoy the summer months in and around Washington DC. In addition, these smaller vehicles are more fuel-efficient and are easier to find parking for on crowded streets. However, there are significant risks that come with riding or driving a motorcycle. Motorcyclists are 27x more likely to die in a crash when compared to other vehicles, simply due to the fact that there is little to no protection available to a rider other than the protective equipment they wear: helmets, riding boots and gloves, pants, and a jacket. In a vehicle, there are four wheels on the ground meaning that a minor collision won’t cause the vehicle to tip, and riders are buckled into seat belts and surrounded by airbags. A crash between a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle can cause significant, even fatal injuries to the motorcycle rider, even if the people in the car are entirely unscathed. 

After a motorcycle accident, trying to unravel the details and determine what went wrong, who is responsible, and how much money the victim is owed can be extremely complicated — especially when there is a disagreement about how the accident happened. Regardless of whether or not the question of fault is clear, though, the key issue is this: insurance companies do not want to pay victims the money they deserve. For an insurance company to make a profit, they need to collect more in premiums than they pay out for claims, and this is accomplished by paying as little as possible for every claim, including yours.

Contact Balkin & Mausner Injury Lawyers LLP For a Free Consultation Today.

We offer a free consultation for motorcycle accident victims, or their surviving family members in the event of a wrongful death, to discuss how we can be of service during this difficult time. Your top priority must be your recovery, and trying to manage an insurance claims process at the same time is both distracting and overwhelming, not to mention the fact that it is stacked against your favor to begin with. When you hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Washington DC, you can focus solely on your recovery and your personal needs with confidence, knowing that there is someone fighting to get you the money you deserve.

During our initial consultation, we will be able to discuss all of the specifics about your accident, as well as the impacts that the crash and your injuries have continued to have on your life. At the same time, we can help you understand the benefit of working with our law firm. We understand that you are likely overwhelmed, which is why we want to make your legal issues as simple as possible. Read more below, and contact us now to get started today.

The Importance Of Working With a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident

The following are just a few reasons why working with an attorney is so important for getting the money you deserve following a Washington DC Motorcycle accident. Whether or not you see possible similarities in your own situation, contact us now so we can speak directly during our initial consultation. 

Contributory Negligence

Washington DC is one of the only places in the United States that still uses what is known as “contributory negligence” when it comes to motor vehicle collisions, which bars a victim from seeking compensation if they are found to have contributed to causing the accident in any meaningful way. For example, you may be hurt when a vehicle takes a left turn into your lane of travel, meaning that they have violated your right of way, and are entitled to compensation; however, if it is found that you were speeding, the insurance company may argue that you contributed to the crash, and are therefore not entitled to any compensation at all. 

A personal injury attorney who is experienced with Washington DC law will be able to build a strong case on your behalf to push back on the issue of contributory negligence so you can move forward with your claim.

Accurate Damage Calculations

The central question to be answered for your claim is that of compensation: what damages have you suffered, and how much are you owed as a result? Your attorney will work through economic damages and non-economic damages in order to compile a comprehensive collection of compensatory damages they believe you are owed. These damages include things like your medical bills, impacts on your income, and other expenses you may have incurred as a result of your accident. In addition to these measurable economic damages, an experienced personal injury attorney will also calculate your non-economic damages, those impacts that do not have measurable dollar values such as pain and suffering and a range of other emotional or psychological impacts that come with a motorcycle crash.

Aggressive Settlement Negotiations

Once your damages have been calculated, there is more work to be done. The insurance company will make a settlement offer that will be much less than what your attorney has calculated, and you will either need to negotiate for an out-of-court settlement or file a lawsuit with the Washington DC courts. Typically, a settlement is preferred to avoid complicated and drawn-out court cases, and many lawsuits end up settling before trial. Regardless, your attorney will need to go through an aggressive process in order to get you the money you deserve one way or another. Fortunately, this can take place without your involvement, meaning you can keep focusing on your recovery without the added stress.

Contact Balkin & Mausner Injury Lawyers LLP Today

An avid motorcycle rider himself, attorney Chuck Balkin logs roughly 15,000 miles per year on his bike. This familiarity with motorcycles and the dangers that their riders face gives him an edge when taking on a motorcycle accident case. Not only is he familiar with the laws, but he’s also passionate about keeping the streets safe for motorcyclists. We encourage you to reach out to our DC law firm as soon as possible to get the legal support you deserve. Trying to deal with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident is extremely difficult, and when you are left to fend for yourself through an insurance claim, you may walk away with far less money than you need or deserve. We want to help you avoid footing the bill for someone else’s dangerous behavior.