Washington, DC Motorcycle Accident Laws and Statistics
Statistics collected by our motorcycle accident attorneys on Washington, DC crashes and injuries are telling; riding a motorcycle puts one at risk for catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death. In 2005, there were six motorcycle accident deaths in DC; all six victims were helmeted, and two had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .01 or higher, at the time of the crash*. If you are among those who have sustained a motorcycle accident injury or the death of a loved one in a collision, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Proner & Proner can help you obtain the damages to which you may be entitled. Our team of motorcycle accident attorneys has years of combined experience representing injured motorcyclists, and we have a track record of successful case resolutions. When you secure our services, we will provide the exceptional legal counsel for which the firm is known.
Attorneys Dedicated to Protecting the Rights of Motorcycle Accident Victims
When a motorcyclist is injured or killed in a motorcycle accident caused by another party's actions or negligence, the law allows the injured certain rights. Generally speaking, if the injured (the plaintiff) can prove the fault of the negligent party (the defendant), the plaintiff can obtain damages for the financial losses he or she suffered because of his or her injuries. The components of a motorcycle accident settlement, process of filing a lawsuit, and common motorcycle accident injuries include:
Types of Injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries are usually catastrophic or fatal, since motorcycles do not protect riders from injury in a crash. Common injuries include back, burn, spinal cord, and brain injury, as well as "road rash," broken bones, and other non-catastrophic injuries. Victims may be entitled to compensation whatever the severity of their injuries and should hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to handle their potential claim.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation
The settlement amount of motorcycle accident victim obtains depends on a number of factors, including the severity of his or her injuries, the circumstances of the crash, the skill of his or her lawyer, and state law. The settlement may include recompense for the victim's medical expenses, rehabilitative care, lost wages, decreased earning potential, household expenses during recovery, pain, and suffering.
Learn about Washington, DC motorcycle accident laws.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
If you are considering filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit, it is crucial that you hire a skilled lawyer right away. There are a number of requirements that must be met, including filing suit within the appropriate deadlines. Filing suit can be overwhelming without the help of an attorney with experience handling motorcycle accident claims.
Proner & Proner provides the highest caliber of legal counsel for injured motorcyclists. To learn more about how our motorcycle accident attorneys serving Washington, DC can help you, contact our law firm to schedule a consultation.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The following motorcycle accident statistics indicate crash and injury trends in Washington, DC and throughout the U.S. since 1998*:
- In 1998, motorcyclists in the U.S. faced a 6 percent fatality rate. (There were 2,294 motorcycle accident fatalities and 3,879,450 registered motorcycles in the country that year.)
- In 2004, there were 43 motor vehicle accident deaths in Washington, DC, 12 of which (28 percent) of which involved motorists with a BAC of .08 or more. Eight (19 percent) of the 43 deaths were motorcyclists.
- In 2005, there were 48 motor vehicle accident deaths in DC, 21 (44 percent) of which involved motorists with a BAC of .08 or more. Six (12 percent) of the 48 fatality victims were motorcyclists.
- In 2006, motorcycle accident fatalities accounted for 3 percent of the motor vehicle accident deaths in Washington, DC. (There were 37 motor vehicle accident deaths and one motorcycle accident fatality in the state that year.)
- In 2007, there were two motorcycle accident fatalities in DC. Half of the victims were helmeted, and all had a BAC of .01 or higher, at the time of the crash.
- Washington, DC is one of 20 states with a universal helmet law and six with a Sharing the Road program.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury or death in a motorcycle collision, you need a seasoned lawyer to fight for your rights. Contact Proner & Proner to learn more about your rights, motorcycle accident statistics, and other information. Our motorcycle accident attorneys welcome clients throughout Washington, DC.
*Motorcycle accident statistic references: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and Governors Highway Safety Association websites.
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