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No one ever expects to be in an motorcycle accident. So, when you are seriously injured due to another person’s negligence in a motorcycle accident, it can be difficult to know what to do. You could be facing a long and painful recovery, and insurance agents may be pressuring you into giving a statement or accepting a settlement offer that seems too low. Currently, your focus needs to be on healing, but you still need a strong legal advocate or motorcycle accident attorney to fight the legal battles on your behalf.
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney early in the claims process could benefit you greatly in securing important evidence, witnesses, or insurance coverage for medical bills. Insurance companies begin to build their defense as soon as an accident is reported, so why not protect your rights in the same way. At the Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey, we are committed to working on your behalf to ensure that you get the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.
According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Commission (NHTSA) statistics, more than two-thirds of motorcycle-related accidents were caused by drivers, not motorcyclists. The most recent statistics show that in 2019 there were 79,000 injuries and over 5,000 deaths because of motorcycle accidents. In some cases, motorcycle accidents go unreported making it difficult for those who are injured to get the justice they deserve. Drivers most commonly cite not being able to see the motorcycle as the most common reason for an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcycle riders are overrepresented in the agency’s fatal traffic crash data every year, yet continuously underrepresented in the court of law.
Here are some of the other common causes of the accident that can impact you:
- Unsafe left turns: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 40% of all crashes between motorcycles and other vehicles are because of left-turn crashes.
- Changing Lanes
- Excessive Speed
- Following too Closely
- Running an Intersection
- Drunk or Impaired Driving
- Wrong-Way Driving
Motorcycle crashes are frequently caused by negligent drivers. So, it is important to always remain cautious. However, no amount of safety can prevent you from experiencing an accident when the other driver is at fault. Therefore, the next best thing you can do is to be prepared. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is the first step in protecting your rights. Mr. Downey has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury cases and started his career as a defense attorney. Now he uses that experience to benefit his clients. Check out his client evaluations for more information on his successes. ( https://www.jeffdowney.com/client-testimonials/)
Why are Motorcycle Cases Different From Car Accident Cases?
- There is a bias and a stigma towards motorcycle riders as being risky or “daredevils”
- There are a lot of jurors who have no experience with riding a motorcycle and therefore would have a difficult time determining if it was the fault of the motorist or the motorcycle driver.
- Injuries from a motorcycle accident are more severe therefore it requires a trained attorney to ensure that the full extent of medical expenses is accounted for.
- Insurance companies are less likely to be fair to the motorcyclist because they know the bias that these riders often face in court
Understanding and recognizing that car accidents and motorcycle accidents are not the same things is the first step for injured riders in protecting their legal rights after a motorcycle crash. The second step is hiring a lawyer who understands the differences between the two and who is prepared to present a motorcycle accident case in a smart, compelling way to an insurance company, and later a jury if needed. Motorcycle accidents cause serious damage to the victims and should be treated as a serious matter with the help of skilled legal counsel.
Why should I file a motorcycle accident claim?
Due to the lack of protection from riding a motorcycle, the rider(s) are at increased risk of suffering a serious injury – especially to the brain and spinal cord. With the cost of hospital bills and medical treatment combined with potentially being unable to work, there usually are serious financial losses. If the motorist is at fault, then they should be held responsible for your injuries and cover all of your losses. As a motorcycle accident attorney, Jeffrey Downey is experienced in negotiating and dealing with insurance companies/adjusters to help you get the best possible settlement as soon as possible.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey for a free consultation. Mr. Downey, who has over 30 years of experience, started his career defending insurance companies in personal injury cases. Now he uses that experience to help maximize the recovery of his clients. He handles a variety of personal injury matters, including auto accidents, truck wrecks, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, and premises liability cases.
Contact Our Law Firm — Serving Clients In Washington, D.C., Maryland, And Virginia
If you or a loved one was injured due to a motorcycle accident, contact The Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey, P.C., to discuss your case. If you can’t come to us we can come to you or arrange a convenient video conference call.
Free Initial Consultations | No Attorney’s Fees Unless We Win Your Case
Contact Information:
Jeff Downey
The Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey, PC
8270 Greensboro Drive, Suite 810
McLean, VA 22102
Phone: 703-564-7318
Fax: 703-883-0108
Website: https://www.jeffdowney.com/
Email: jdowney@jeffdowney.com