Washington DC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Serious injuries deserve experienced attorneys

At Cohen & Cohen, we work with motorcycle riders who have suffered serious injuries due to the carelessness of others. We understand how exposed and vulnerable riders are in traffic, and we’ve seen firsthand the physical and financial impact these accidents can have. If you’re recovering from a motorcycle crash, you’re likely dealing with high medical bills, time away from work, and a lot of uncertainty. Our goal is to help make sense of the process and fight for the outcome you need.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Washington DC

Motorcycles are smaller, lighter, and offer far less protection than passenger vehicles. That makes any collision a high-risk situation for the rider. Even a relatively minor crash can result in serious injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Road rash and permanent scarring
• Fractures requiring surgery

In many cases, the accident wasn’t caused by the rider. Other drivers may fail to yield, cut off a motorcyclist during a lane change, or misjudge speed and distance. Distracted driving, poor road maintenance, and even weather can also contribute to crashes. We often find that drivers simply weren’t paying enough attention to see the motorcyclist.

Our work begins with gathering evidence to determine who was responsible. That can involve:

• Reviewing police reports and crash scene photos
• Securing eyewitness accounts
• Examining surveillance or traffic cam footage
• Reconstructing the incident with expert input

We also review your medical records and recovery timeline to show how the crash has impacted your ability to work, move, and live comfortably. Every case is unique, and we take the time to understand the full picture before moving forward.

Why Our Firm Is the Right Fit for These Cases

Clients turn to Cohen & Cohen because we know how to handle injury claims that involve high damages and contested liability. Motorcycle cases can be challenging—often the insurance company will attempt to shift blame to the rider. We’re familiar with these tactics and work proactively to present clear, fact-based evidence.

Our team has secured compensation for clients dealing with life-changing injuries, long-term treatment needs, and permanent disability. Whether your case can be resolved through settlement or needs to go to trial, we have the resources and experience to stand by you at every step. We also prioritize communication, making sure you know where your case stands and what’s happening behind the scenes.

You’re not just a case number to us—you’re someone who deserves to be heard and taken seriously.

Let’s Talk About What Comes Next

If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a crash, a Washington DC motorcycle accident lawyer from Cohen & Cohen is ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle

Motorcycle riders often face greater risks on the road than other drivers, and when an accident happens, the injuries are frequently severe. At Cohen & Cohen, we represent individuals who have been seriously hurt or lost loved ones in motorcycle crashes caused by another party’s carelessness. These cases often involve more than one contributing factor, and our team works to uncover the full story behind each crash. Our goal is to pursue the compensation riders need to recover physically, financially, and emotionally.

Collisions With Passenger Vehicles

One of the most common types of cases we handle involves collisions between motorcycles and cars. Many of these accidents happen because drivers fail to look for or yield to motorcyclists. Drivers may turn left in front of a bike, change lanes without signaling, or pull out from a side street without checking both directions. These oversights can lead to devastating outcomes.

We look closely at whether the driver was distracted, speeding, impaired, or violating traffic laws at the time of the crash. These cases often rely on strong evidence like traffic camera footage, witness statements, and law enforcement reports to establish fault.

Lane Splitting and Unsafe Passing

Although not always permitted under local laws, some motorcyclists ride between lanes during slow traffic. While this practice is sometimes debated, it doesn’t automatically make the rider responsible for a crash. When a vehicle drifts into a rider’s space or cuts them off during traffic congestion, serious injuries can follow.

In these cases, we work to establish whether the driver acted carelessly or failed to maintain a safe lane. Our job is to show that the motorcyclist’s actions weren’t the sole reason for the accident, which can have a major impact on how the case is resolved.

Rear-End and Dooring Accidents

Motorcyclists are often rear-ended by vehicles following too closely. Even a low-speed impact can throw a rider from their bike and cause major injuries. We also handle cases where someone in a parked car opens a door into the path of a moving motorcycle, giving the rider no time to react. These incidents are preventable and typically the result of inattention.

We investigate these situations with a focus on safety violations and whether proper caution was used by those around the rider.

Defective Roadways and Hazards

Poorly maintained streets can be dangerous for motorcycles. Potholes, loose gravel, or poorly marked construction areas may not affect larger vehicles but can easily cause a rider to lose control. In these cases, we evaluate whether the city or property owner failed to maintain safe conditions and whether they had prior notice of the hazard.

These cases may involve claims against government entities, which follow different procedures and timelines. We manage those details for our clients to help avoid delays.

Let’s Talk About Your Case

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A Washington DC motorcycle accident lawyer at Cohen & Cohen is ready to help you understand your options. Contact us for a free consultation. We’re here to support your recovery and pursue the accountability you deserve.

7 Steps Our Lawyer May Suggest After a Crash

Motorcycle accidents can be life-altering. Unlike those in cars, riders are exposed to the full force of a collision without the protection of a vehicle frame. The aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming, especially when serious injuries are involved. At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve worked with many riders in the immediate aftermath of an accident, and we understand how important it is to take practical steps early on.

The decisions you make in the hours and days that follow a motorcycle accident can shape your medical recovery and your legal options. Here are key actions we recommend.

Contact First Responders Immediately

Calling 911 after a crash ensures that emergency services are dispatched quickly. Medical personnel can evaluate injuries on the spot, and police officers will document the crash in an official report. This record is often a key piece of evidence in any claim that follows. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s important to be examined—internal or head injuries might not show symptoms right away.

Move to a Safer Location if Possible

If you’re in the middle of the road or near moving traffic and you’re able to move, get to a safe spot nearby. Keeping yourself out of further harm is a priority. If your motorcycle is still in the roadway, do not try to retrieve it unless it is safe to do so. Prioritize your safety above all else.

Gather Contact and Vehicle Information

If another vehicle was involved in the crash, gather information from the driver. This includes their name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance provider. If there were any witnesses, ask for their names and contact details as well. They may be able to support your account later.

Take Photos and Videos of the Scene

If you’re physically able, take pictures or video of the accident scene. This includes damage to your bike, the other vehicle, injuries, road conditions, and any nearby traffic signs. Visual documentation provides strong support in showing how the crash occurred and who may be at fault.

Avoid Discussing Fault

When speaking to the other driver, police, or even witnesses, don’t make statements about who caused the crash. Admitting fault—even casually—can be used against you later, even if the facts of the accident show you weren’t responsible. Stick to factual answers when asked, and avoid speculation.

Get Medical Care and Keep All Records

Follow up with a medical provider, even if you were treated at the scene. Injuries can evolve over time. Maintain a record of all appointments, prescriptions, diagnoses, and therapy sessions. These details matter when it comes to understanding the full impact of your injuries and building your claim.

Washington DC Motorcycle Accident FAQ

Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries, even when the rider is wearing protective gear. Unlike those in enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists are exposed to direct impact and rarely walk away from a crash without harm. Whether caused by a distracted driver, unsafe road conditions, or a vehicle that failed to yield, these accidents are life-altering. Riders face lengthy recoveries, high medical bills, and challenges proving fault. If you or someone you care about has been in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to understand your rights and the steps to take after a crash.

Who is usually responsible in a motorcycle crash?

Responsibility depends on how the accident happened. In many cases, the driver of another vehicle is at fault—often for failing to see the motorcycle, turning without checking blind spots, or not yielding the right of way. Sometimes, the fault lies with a third party, such as a construction company that left debris in the road or a manufacturer whose defective part caused the crash. We examine traffic reports, witness accounts, and any available footage to determine who contributed to the crash and to what extent.

What kinds of injuries are most common?

Injuries from motorcycle accidents tend to be severe because riders don’t have the protection of a car’s frame or airbags. Common injuries include broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, road rash, and internal bleeding. Even low-speed crashes can result in permanent damage. Many of our clients require surgery, long-term therapy, or face limitations that affect their ability to work and perform everyday tasks. It’s critical to seek medical treatment immediately after an accident—even if symptoms seem minor—to catch injuries that may not be obvious at first.

Why should someone consider legal help after a crash?

Motorcycle accident claims often involve disputed liability and biased assumptions. Insurance companies may downplay injuries or try to shift blame to the rider. Having legal support helps level the playing field. Filing a claim can help recover lost wages, medical costs, and damages for pain and suffering. A claim also forces the responsible party to take financial accountability. We’ve worked with many injured riders who felt overwhelmed by paperwork and calls from insurance adjusters—our role is to step in, manage those interactions, and push for fair results.

How does a law firm handle motorcycle accident cases?

At Cohen & Cohen, we approach each case by first getting a clear picture of what happened. As your Washington DC motorcycle accident lawyer, we gather police reports, medical records, helmet and gear evidence, and anything else that may support your claim. We also work with accident reconstruction professionals when needed. Our goal is to show exactly how the crash occurred, how it impacted your life, and what compensation you’re legally entitled to. We handle the legal side so you can focus on healing and getting back to your daily life.

Who can file a claim for a motorcycle accident injury?

If you were hurt while operating or riding on a motorcycle due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to file a personal injury claim. In wrongful death cases, immediate family members of a deceased rider may file on their behalf. These cases must be filed within a certain period under Washington DC’s statute of limitations, so acting quickly is important. Documenting your injuries and the crash scene early on can make a significant difference in the strength of your case.

Contact a Legal Professional

Dealing with insurers and liability questions after a crash can quickly become complicated. A Washington DC motorcycle accident lawyer from Cohen & Cohen can evaluate your situation and help protect your rights from the beginning. We handle the legal side so you can focus on your recovery.