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Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Thousands of people are injured in motorcycle accidents in the United States each year, including in Washington DC. The odds of being killed in a motorcycle accident are 24-times greater than the fatality rate with automobiles. With these statistics in mind, there is some essential data you need to keep in mind about common causes of accidents involving motorcyclists.

Distracted Drivers and Motorcycle Accidents

Distracted automobile drivers represent one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Washington DC, and elsewhere in the United States. Oftentimes, these accidents involve distracted automobile drivers making lane changes without realizing the presence of a biker. Other examples of accidents involving distracted drivers include auto drivers entering intersections without the right-of-way that collide with bicyclists.

Common driver distractions include:

  • texting
  • talking on a hand-held mobile device
  • eating
  • drinking
  • using navigation device
  • adjusting radio controls
  • talking to passenger
Intoxicated Motorists and Accidents Involving Motorcyclists

Intoxicated drivers represent another common cause of accidents that involve motorcyclists. This includes drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and other types of mind-altering substances.

Rear-End Collisions

Another common cause of accidents involving bikers are rear-end collisions. These types of collisions tend to happen in one of two ways. First, an automobile driver is not paying close enough attention and ends up colliding with a biker who is lawfully stopped at an intersection. The second situation involves an automobile driver coming up from behind on a biker without realizing the motorcyclist is in front of the driver until it is too late.

Speeding Motorists

Automobile drivers exceeding the speed limit represent a common cause of motorcycle collisions in the District, and across the United States. This includes auto drivers that are driving too fast for prevailing road and weather conditions.

Retain a Personal Injury Lawyer in Motorcycle Accident Case

The first step in retaining the services of a motorcycle accident personal injury lawyer in Washington DC is scheduling what is known as an initial consultation. An initial consultation with a personal injury attorney allows legal counsel the opportunity to review and evaluate your case.

In addition, the appointment gives you the chance to ask questions of a lawyer you are considering retaining. As a general rule, there is no charge for an initial consultation with legal counsel in a motorcycle accident case.

Because of the complexity of cases involving motorcycle collisions that result in injuries, a person needs to be proactive in retaining legal representation. An injured biker should obtain legal counsel as soon after an injury-causing accident as possible.

An injured biker needs to bear in mind that insurance companies exist for one reason, and one reason only. They are in business to make money for their shareholders. Insurance companies increase their profits by lowering the amount of money paid out in claim settlements.

Attorney Fees in Personal Injury Cases

As a general rule, a lawyer or law firm that represents the victim of a motorcycle accident case utilizes what is known as a contingence fee arrangement. With a contingency fee agreement, an injured motorcyclist does not pay a fee unless and until a lawyer or law firm obtains a settlement or judgment in favor of the injured biker

A contingency attorney fee is based upon a percentage of a settlement or judgment ultimately obtained in a case. The amount of the fee is negotiated and agreed-to between an attorney and client at the beginning of the case. Call us today.


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John is a gem and I'm tremendously glad that I connected with him. Wanting to put my accident behind me ASAP and minimize time and energy spent toward that end, I made the rookie mistake of attempting to settle on my own. I eventually reached an impasse with the insurance company but simply couldn't bring myself to accept their settlement offer. Drained by all the back-and-forth at this point, I didn't thoroughly research options (which is, ironically, a big part of my reason for not obtaining a lawyer in the first place - there are an overwhelming number of personal injury lawyers in the area!) and simply contacted the first lawyer from whom, simply put, I got a good Google vibe - enter John. That positive impression was immediately confirmed via our first phone call (for which he made himself available that very same day) and further cemented throughout subsequent meetings. John exceeded expectations in every metric, netting me over double the initial offer despite my less-than-ideal handling of everything at the outset. He answered every question I had with ease and honesty and was always available and communicative throughout the process. John is personable, compassionate, transparent, and very good at what he does! I can't recommend him highly enough - hope to never need him again but if so, he will now be my first text! Samantha Musser
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John, I just got back from abroad and I wanted to drop you a note thanking you for your work on my case. I’m totally satisfied with your work and I wouldn’t hesitate to give your name to anyone in a similar situation. Take care. Thanks. Ned Mitchell, Washington, DC bicycle accident victim
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