Abigail Grifno is a writer and teacher based out of the Washington, DC metro area. With experience in legal non-profit organizations, Abigail works to ensure everyone has access to the legal information needed to make informed decisions in their daily lives. As a writer, Abigail has had work featured in the Washington City Paper, Bethesda Magazine and others. With a Master's in Teaching English, Abigail believes effective communication is at the forefront of problem-solving in the legal sphere and beyond.
Abigail Grifno
Abigail Grifno is a writer and teacher based out of the Washington, DC metro area. With experience in legal non-profit organizations, Abigail works to ensure everyone has access to the legal information needed to make informed decisions in their daily lives. As a writer, Abigail has had work featured in the Washington City Paper, Bethesda Magazine and others. With a Master's in Teaching English, Abigail believes effective communication is at the forefront of problem-solving in the legal sphere and beyond.
Jeffrey Johnson has written novels and movies in addition to legal analyses of eminent domain and immigration law. His experience in writing engaging fiction makes him uniquely capable of making the most dry and academic legal topics interesting (or as interesting as possible).
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Jeffrey Johnson, J.D.
Jeffrey Johnson has written novels and movies in addition to legal analyses of eminent domain and immigration law. His experience in writing engaging fiction makes him uniquely capable of making the most dry and academic legal topics interesting (or as interesting as possible).
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Washington, DC is a beautiful city with much to offer locals and visitors alike. Bordered by Virginia and Maryland, it’s known as a commuter city that can be hit with heavy traffic and is, at times, difficult to navigate.
While DC is an amazing place to explore or live, it can be overwhelming to experience a motorcycle accident while there. We compiled a list of the top motorcycle accident lawyers in Washington, DC, to make your legal journey a bit easier, so you can get back to enjoying the nation’s capital.
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Best Motorcycle Attorneys in Washington, DC
Compare Top Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in DC
After a motorcycle accident, you may not know what to do next. It can be an overwhelming experience, but with some help and research, the filing process doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some things to keep in mind as you consider pursuing a lawsuit.
DC Statute of Limitations
Every state has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. These laws are designed to protect defendants from unfair legal action as critical evidence or memories can be lost over time.
In DC, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is three years from the date of the accident. For instance, if you were injured on May 1st, 2020, then you would have until May 1st, 2023 to file your case. If you miss the deadline, you will be unable to receive compensation for your damages. The case doesn’t need to be completed by that time, but the process must be started.
There are occasional exceptions to the statute of limitations. For instance, if the accident results in a death, then the family of the deceased has two years from the date of death to file the case. If someone died from a motorcycle accident on May 1st, 2020, then their family would have until May 1st, 2022 to file the case.
Even when you feel like you have plenty of time to file your lawsuit, it can be smart to get the process started earlier. Gathering evidence and statements soon after the accident can ensure nothing is forgotten or lost.
DC Laws for Motorcycle Drivers
If you drive a motorcycle or have been involved in an accident with a motorcycle driver, here are some laws and regulations to keep in mind.
- Motorcycle endorsement. In order to ride a motorcycle, drivers must have an “M” endorsement on their license. These drivers will have successfully passed the DC DMV Motorcycle Knowledge Test and completed the Motorcycle Demonstration Course.
- Helmet use. Helmets are mandatory in DC and should meet U.S. Department of Transportation standards. These helmets will have a label from the Snell Memorial Foundation. Helmets should also fit snugly and have no obvious defects, like cracks or loose padding.
- Eye protection. Alongside wearing a helmet, having eye protection such as goggles or a windshield is also mandated by DC.
- Lane sharing. Both cars and motorcycles need a full lane to operate safely, so sharing a lane is prohibited. Even when cars are stopped in traffic, motorcycle drivers must pass in a separate lane.
Identifying Fault for a Motorcycle Crash
In DC, fault laws can get a bit complicated. Insurers must offer personal injury protection (PIP) coverage but you don’t have to buy it.If you have PIP and have an accident, you have 60 days to file a claim. If you bring a no-fault claim you cannot file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver unless your medical bills are greater than your PIP limit or your injuries cause substantial permanent scarring or other type of impairment.
Every driver in DC is required to carry $25,000 for bodily injury, with a maximum of $50,000 per incident, and $10,000 for damages to another person’s property.
While the no-fault doctrine applies to minor personal injury claims arising from car accidents, it doesn’t apply to property damage, catastrophic injuries, or if the injury exceeds the policy amount. In these cases, an individual can still pursue compensation for the rest of the damages.
If you are planning to pursue a case, then you should also know that DC follows a doctrine of modified comparative negligence. Under this doctrine,your level of fault is deducted from the damages you are entitled to. So if you are 20% at fault, you can only collect 80% of your damages.
How Can an Attorney Help You?
An attorney can help you file your case, gather evidence and will lead the settlement process. Although most cases are settled, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will help advocate for you in front of a judge and jury.
Choosing to use a lawyer can be a good option because of their professional experience working with insurance companies and advocating for clients. They will also be able to determine the right amount of compensation to seek and may help you receive a higher award than if you filed yourself.
Most lawyers work on contingency, meaning they receive a portion, usually around 33%, of your final award. The contingency standard means that if a lawyer is unable to recover compensation for you, they won’t be paid. While it’s a no-risk situation for you, some lawyers may be selective with the cases they take on as they will want to work with individuals likely to receive compensation. While contingency is standard practice, some lawyers use other fee structures.
Working with a lawyer may take the stress off of your shoulders, but you can also file the case yourself. This can be a good option if you are willing to be heavily involved in the case and want to avoid the contingency fee. If you successfully win a settlement or verdict, then you’ll be able to keep the entirety of the award.
How to Find the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Washington, DC
If you choose to work with a lawyer, you want to find one who is able to understand your situation and advocate for you as best as possible. To find the perfect fit, consider the following:
- Recommendations. If you have friends or family who have been in a motorcycle accident, they can be a great place to start your research. Loved ones will be able to give you more honest explanations of their experience working with local lawyers. They can also tell you more about the whole process and answer questions.
- Qualifications. Many lawyers continuously work to improve their practice, be it through attending seminars or receiving additional certifications. Others are esteemed enough to lead lectures or hold leadership positions in the community. While any community involvement is a good thing, those who are part of motorcycle lawyer associations or have received accolades related to personal injury may be especially qualified.
- Case background. Personal injury is a broad area of the law, but some lawyers have specialties. If your lawyer has worked on motorcycle accident cases, they may know how to build a strong case, how to advocate for you with insurance companies, and how to calculate a fair compensation.
- Process and fees. While most lawyers work on contingency, it’s important to check with your lawyer about what percentage they take and if there is anything else about their process you should know. Every lawyer runs their practice uniquely, so you’ll want to make sure they are a good fit for you.
Methodology
To come up with the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in DC in 2024, Forbes Advisor considered many factors. Forbes Advisor’s mathematical module considers and weighs the information collected to calculate a specific rating and reviews these results to find the best attorneys in a given practice area.
Within the model, we take into account factors that legal professionals and consumers value in an attorney’s qualifications. After assigning weighted scores to hundreds of data points, we narrowed the field down to our top choices based on:
- Legal experience
- Special licenses & certifications
- Ethics and bar disciplinary measures
- Legal thought leadership
- Education & employment background
- Scholarly lectures & writings
- Awards & Honors
Forbes Advisor collects public data from a variety of sources, including state bar associations, court records and other published sources on the internet. This information should not be considered comprehensive, however. It might not include additional relevant information on an attorney’s legal skills and experience.
Each lawyer listed here has their own merits. Bear in mind that our list relates to these lawyers’ legal backgrounds, but does not evaluate their personalities or their knowledge of the law. One attorney may be more suitable than another for your specific legal situation.
One thing that can’t be quantified, though, is the rapport you establish with your attorney. Personality goes a long way when teaming up with an attorney, especially when going through a potentially difficult legal situation. These rankings should serve as a reference and potential starting point in your search for the right lawyer for you and your legal concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much compensation do you get for a motorcycle accident?
In short, you can ask for as much compensation as you want. How much you receive depends on the economic and non-economic injuries you endured. If you are unable to work after your injury, you may receive more compensation. If the injury was a traumatic experience, you may also receive additional funds for pain and suffering. Compensation amounts can vary greatly based on the severity of the injury. For those injured, Forbes Advisor found the average award for a crash victim was $29,700.
How do I find the best motorcycle accident lawyer?
There are many skilled attorneys in DC, but you want to find one who you feel is a good fit for your specific circumstances. We recommend consulting with several lawyers to ensure you find someone you are happy to work with. Generally, you want to find someone who has received positive recommendations or reviews, is highly qualified in motorcycle accident cases and has a process that aligns with your needs.
What to do if you are injured in a motorcycle accident?
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, the first thing you should do is receive medical care. Once you have received any medical help, you’ll want to document the incident as closely as possible. When the police arrive, they will also document the scene and speak to witnesses. After this, you can exchange information like insurance details with the other driver.
If you decide to file a civil lawsuit, you can then begin consulting with attorneys in your area.
