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Motorcyclists traveling Delaware’s roads face risks that car drivers simply don’t. When a driver on I-95, Route 202, or Concord Pike fails to check a blind spot before changing lanes, the result for a rider can be catastrophic. Unlike a car crash, a motorcycle accident offers no steel frame, no airbags, and no seatbelt — the rider absorbs the full force of impact directly. Road rash, broken bones, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries are common even at moderate speeds, and some of the most serious cases we see involve crashes where the rider did everything right.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a motorcycle accident in the Wilmington area, the attorneys at Shelsby & Leoni fight for injured riders throughout New Castle County. We work on a contingency fee — no legal fees unless we win. Call us today before speaking to any insurance company.
Riders Face a Different Fight After a Crash
Motorcycle accident claims in Wilmington are harder to win than car accident claims because insurers frequently challenge the rider’s conduct regardless of what the evidence actually shows. Injuries from crashes on Route 202, I-95, or Concord Pike can include spinal cord damage, road rash, and traumatic brain injury, and documenting these fully requires medical expertise most people don’t have on their own. Delaware’s comparative negligence rules mean that how fault is characterized from the start directly affects what you can recover. A Wilmington motorcycle accident attorney who knows how insurers build these defenses is the most effective protection a rider can have.
Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle in Wilmington
Left-turn crashes. Among the most dangerous situations for any rider is a left-turn collision, when a driver turning across traffic fails to yield to an oncoming motorcycle. These crashes occur regularly at busy intersections along Route 202, Concord Pike, and Maryland Avenue, and they often result in head-on impacts at speed with severe consequences for the rider.
Lane-change and sideswipe accidents. The multiple lane shifts required on I-95 and I-495 through Wilmington create serious hazards for motorcyclists, particularly when commercial truck drivers fail to check mirrors before merging. Our attorneys investigate these crashes thoroughly, identifying the at-fault driver and documenting the full scope of the rider’s injuries.
Distracted and impaired driving. A motorcyclist is entirely vulnerable to the inattention of other drivers. We handle cases involving texting drivers, intoxicated motorists, and drivers under the influence of prescription medications, all disproportionately represented in motorcycle crash data.
Road hazard and defective roadway claims. Potholes, uneven pavement, poor drainage, and missing signage can cause a rider to lose control without any involvement by another driver. In these cases, liability may fall on a government entity responsible for road maintenance. Our attorneys know how to pursue these claims and meet the filing requirements that apply to cases against government defendants in Delaware.
Wrongful death motorcycle crashes. When a motorcycle accident claims a life, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. These are among the most important cases we handle, and we approach them with both legal precision and genuine compassion for the families involved.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists often suffer more serious injuries than drivers in passenger vehicles. We represent riders who have experienced:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Severe road rash and burns
- Amputations and disfigurement
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death
These injuries can require lifelong care and dramatically impact your quality of life. Our team works with medical experts to calculate the full cost of your recovery.
Compensation Available to Motorcyclists
If your crash was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (repair or replacement)
- Funeral expenses and wrongful death damages, if a loved one was killed
Delaware Accident Laws & Deadlines
Under Delaware law (Title 10, § 8119), you typically have two years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation. Certain exceptions apply, such as cases involving minors or latent injuries, so it’s critical to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Wilmington and New Castle County Communities We Serve
We represent injured riders from Wilmington’s neighborhoods — including Riverside, Brandywine Hundred, Trolley Square, and Hedgeville, as well as surrounding communities including Newark, Elsmere, Newport, Bear, Glasgow, Middletown, Claymont, and Pike Creek. If you were hurt on any road in northern Delaware, call us.
Wilmington Motorcycle Accident Attorneys: FAQs
The driver says they didn't see me. Does that mean I can't recover?
“I didn’t see the rider” is typically an admission that the driver failed to maintain adequate lookout, a core duty of anyone operating a vehicle on public roads. Our attorneys use that kind of acknowledgment as part of building the liability case against the at-fault party.
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?
Call 911 first. Get medical attention even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries for hours. If you’re physically able, photograph the scene, the vehicles, your injuries, and any road hazards. Collect the other driver’s information and any witness contacts. Then call an attorney before speaking to any insurance company.
The insurer offered me a quick settlement. Should I accept?
Quick offers are common in serious injury cases. Insurers know that an early settlement closes the case permanently, even if your medical costs later turn out to be far higher than initially apparent. Have an attorney review any offer before you respond to it.
Can I recover if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
Delaware has helmet requirements for many riders. If you weren’t wearing one, the defense may argue that you contributed to your own injuries. This doesn’t necessarily bar recovery, it may affect the allocation of damages. Let our attorneys review the specifics of your situation.
Does it cost anything to speak with your firm?
No. The initial consultation is free, and we handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee, you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in or around Wilmington, contact Shelsby & Leoni for a free consultation. Call our office or use the form below, we’re here to fight for you.
