Top Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Arlington, VA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Arlington, Virginia?

  The Arlington County Police Department can be reached at (703) 558-2222.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Arlington, Virginia?

  To obtain a police report from the Arlington County Police Department, call (703) 228-4292. You can also visit the Office of Records and Evidence and Inventory Management Unit at 1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 2100. Please be informed that the report costs $10.

• Why are riding experts needed in some motorcycle accident cases in Arlington?

  Sometimes, it is not enough to just gather evidence. For instance, in cases of defective motorcycle products in Arlington, it is going to be helpful to learn that the motorcycle involved in the accident was operating with bad brakes, but it would still be needed to show exactly how they made the driver lose control of the vehicle.

• How long does a motorcycle accident victim have to file for a damage claim lawsuit in Arlington?

  In Arlington, any claimant who wishes to be compensated for their damages must start taking steps to file for a claim within two years from the date of the accident. Missing this window could mean that your case gets dismissed and labeled as "time-barred." However, there may be exceptions provided for individuals who discovered or developed their injuries later.

• Is it absolutely necessary to get a lawyer in Arlington after a motorcycle accident?

  It is. Arlington and the rest of Virginia follow a legal doctrine called "contributory negligence" which states that a plaintiff will be barred from receiving compensation if it were proven that they contributed to the accident, no matter how small their responsibility is. Sadly, insurance companies will try their best to prove that the victim is to be blamed as well. It's in instances like these that the help of an attorney becomes invaluable.

• What are some of the damages that a motorcycle accident victim can hope to recover in Arlington?

  It depends on the injuries they are suffering from and their severity. But normally, motorcycle accident victims in Arlington pursue financial compensation for current and future medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, mental and emotional distress, and pain and suffering. In rare instances, punitive damages are awarded to victims if it were proven that the at-fault party behaved with intentional malice to inflict harm.

• What are the options for a motorcycle accident victim who was hit by an uninsured motorist in Arlington?

  While Arlington, and the state of Virginia, require motorists to carry liability insurance, some of them pay $500 to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get out of this. If this is the situation you're in, you will have to file for your own Uninsured Motorist policy for compensation. Still, it would be wise to get the help of an attorney who can help explore your options with you.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.