Northern Virginia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Standing Up For The Injured For Over 30 Combined Years
Have you been injured in a serious motorcycle accident? Wondering what steps to take next? Let the team at Sethi & Sledd, PLLC guide you through this time. We have been advocating for injury victims for over 30 years of collective practice. Over that time, our firm has handled some of the most complicated car accident cases in the state and have an unparalleled depth of knowledge in this area.
You can trust our Virginia and Washington, D.C., motorcycle accident attorneys to seek justice and maximum compensation on your behalf. We are aggressive litigators and are not afraid to go to trial – we never settle a case simply because it is easier.
What Caused Your Motorcycle Accident?
Determining the cause of your accident can be the first step in holding the proper party or parties accountable. When you can identify who caused your accident and their act of negligence, you have a better chance of presenting a strong and compelling claim.
Vehicle drivers can often cause motorcycle accidents by:
- Failing to check a blind spot
- Driving aggressively or speeding
- Misjudging the speed or distance of a motorcyclist
- Following behind a motorcyclist too closely/tailgating
- Distracted driving due to talking or texting on the phone, etc.
- Drunk or impaired driving
A motorcyclist may also be injured in an accident due to defective equipment or parts, hazardous road conditions, or other issues involving third parties.
Does Virginia Require Motorcycle Riders To Wear A Helmet?
Virginia has strict safety regulations for motorcycle riders. Under Section 46.2-910 of Virginia’s Motor Vehicle Code, motorcyclists and passengers are required to wear a helmet or protective goggles. Alternatively, a motorcycle may be equipped with a windshield. It is important to understand Virginia’s safety laws when operating a motorcycle, especially when it comes to a motorcycle accident. A motorcycle accident claim could be affected by a rider’s compliance with safety laws.
However, it may still be possible to seek compensation for a motorcycle accident even if a rider was not wearing a helmet during a collision. However, it may be argued that the negligent party is not responsible for the full extent of the motorcycle rider’s medical damages because they were not wearing a helmet. In some situations, a rider could be found partially to blame for their injuries.
Riding without a helmet can increase the odds that a motorcyclist will suffer traumatic brain injuries. Yet, helmets may not protect riders from all types of brain injuries or other bodily harm. Our attorneys at Sethi & Sledd, PLLC, can review a motorcycle accident victim’s case and determine what sort of compensation may be due and how to approach any challenges to a claim.
How Long Do Injury Victims Have To File A Claim In Virginia Or D.C.?
Motorcycle riders who have been injured by a collision in Virginia or D.C. should understand how long they have to file a claim. Victims have only so long after an accident to build their case and pursue damages. The statute of limitations for Virginia and D.C. include:
- Virginia: Two years from the date of the accident
- D.C.: Three years from the date of the accident
It is crucial that victims begin building their case immediately after their accident, and failing to file a claim before the deadline can prevent victims from recovering maximum compensation. Furthermore, the later a victim starts building their case, the harder it may be to collect supporting evidence, such as video recordings and eyewitness statements.
The sooner a motorcycle accident victim begins building their case, the sooner they can recover damages for their injuries, losses and financial strain.
Steps After A Motorcycle Accident
It can be confusing and overwhelming to be involved in a serious motorcycle accident. Knowing how to handle your accident after you’ve been injured is crucial – especially when your claim for fair compensation is on the line.
Keep the following steps in mind after a motorcycle crash:
- Make sure you get immediate medical attention when necessary – don’t delay
- If you can, take pictures or videos of the scene of the accident
- Take down the names of any witnesses who are willing to talk
- Always get the contact and insurance information from the driver
- Don’t fix or repair anything on your damaged motorcycle (keep it secure and don’t tamper with it)
- Compile your warranties, owner’s manuals and other important documents for your bike
- Work with an attorney who has experience navigating injury claims
The Virginia and DC motorcycle accident lawyers at our firm go above and beyond to recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, impaired earning capacity, lost wages and more. We are also here to answer any questions you may have. Let us put our skills to work for you.
We provide prompt, responsive communication. Contact our firm at 703-925-9500 or online. From our office in Reston, we assist injured clients throughout Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties, as well as Washington, D.C.