Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Seattle
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How Can a Law Tigers Member Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?
After a Seattle motorcycle accident, you may be dealing with medical treatment, time away from work, motorcycle damage, and an insurance company that wants to resolve your claim before you know the full extent of your injuries. Understanding who caused the crash, what insurance coverage is available, and what your losses may be worth can help you make informed decisions about what comes next.
Law Tigers member Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers can investigate the collision, preserve important evidence, handle communication with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses. Whether your accident happened on I-5, I-90, SR 99, or a neighborhood street in King County, your case review is free, and there are no upfront attorney fees. Law Tigers members work on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney fees are collected only if compensation is recovered on your behalf.
Motorcycle Accidents on Seattle Bridges and Approaches
Seattle's waterways make bridges an important part of everyday travel for local motorcyclists. Riders may encounter merging vehicles, changing lanes, congestion, limited shoulders, and drivers positioning themselves for exits as they approach or leave a bridge.
Wet pavement and wind can add another layer of difficulty. When traffic suddenly slows or a vehicle moves into a motorcycle's lane, a rider may have limited room to take evasive action.
After a bridge-related motorcycle crash, evidence showing traffic flow, lane position, vehicle movements, weather conditions, and the point of impact may help establish what happened. Depending on the location, traffic cameras, dash-camera footage, witnesses, or nearby surveillance may also provide useful evidence.
Why You Should Call the Law Tigers?
Here's the harsh truth: Many people and companies will not have your best interest in mind and will fight to make a profit from the worst day of your life. Without experienced, proven, and aggressive motorcycle lawyers fighting for you, you will be the one who loses in that fight. Since 2001, our member lawyers have fought for the rights of injured riders and their families. Contact us to get moving on your case (there’s no charge or obligation for our Case Review).
Can You Recover Compensation If You Were Partially at Fault in Washington?
Being partially responsible for a motorcycle accident does not necessarily prevent you from recovering compensation in Washington. Washington follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning responsibility can be divided among the people or entities whose actions contributed to a collision.
If some responsibility is assigned to an injured motorcyclist, the compensation available may be reduced according to that percentage of fault. Insurance companies may argue that a rider was speeding, following too closely, or could have avoided the collision, making evidence about what actually happened especially important.
Crash-scene photographs, witness statements, vehicle damage, video footage, police reports, and other evidence may help establish each party's role in causing a Seattle motorcycle accident.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Seattle
Negligence is the primary cause of motorcycle accidents in Seattle. This can come in many forms, but it always involves someone behaving in a way that does not put other road users’ safety at the forefront of their actions. Some of the main causes of motorcyclist injuries include:
- Left turn crashes - Inattentive drivers who are turning left across an intersection can easily overlook a motorcyclist, and the result can be life-threatening.
- Unsafe lane changes - When a driver fails to check their blind spot before changing lanes, they can quickly merge into a vulnerable rider.
- Distracted driving - Any action that takes a driver’s eyes or attention off the road (e.g., texting, eating, having a heated conversation) can delay their reaction time.
- Tailgating - Drivers who follow a motorcycle too closely can cause a rear-end collision, which can lead to far more catastrophic results for motorcyclists than for the occupants of passenger cars.
- Poor road conditions - State and municipal governments are responsible for keeping potholes, loose gravel, and other hazards from becoming dangerous for motorcyclists.
- Impairment and speeding - According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, these two behaviors are the most common factors in fatal motorcycle crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the common questions asked.
Please consult with our Member Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers for full answers and details. Consultations are free!
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Seattle
When you’re in a moment of shock after a motorcycle accident, it can be difficult to know how best to position yourself for a positive medical and legal outcome. The following steps are a good starting point:
- Call 911 - When you summon emergency responders to the scene, they can treat your injuries immediately. In doing so, you also create an official record of the crash and of the treatment you have received.
- See a medical professional as soon as possible - If an EMT does not give you a thorough examination at the scene, you should visit a doctor as soon as you can. They might discover a hidden injury that could otherwise get worse over time.
- Document the scene - If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and all vehicles involved, as well as any visible injuries.
- Collect witness information - If the other driver’s account of the collision conflicts with yours, an independent witness can confirm the true version of events.
- Avoid discussing fault - It’s common for people to say “I’m sorry” reflexively. Even a small slip-up like this can be read as an admission of fault.
- Contact a motorcycle accident attorney - You will likely receive a call from the other party’s insurer asking for a statement. Wait until you have a lawyer on your side before you speak with them.
Motorcycle Accidents on Seattle Roads and Highways
Anyone who has a regular commute on I-5 knows that downtown Seattle has near-constant heavy congestion with drivers who change lanes frequently. Moreover, there is almost always a construction zone somewhere along the way, resulting in even narrower lanes and the potential for debris. Streets like First Avenue and Broadway can be particularly perilous for motorcyclists, as the streetcar and rail tracks become dangerously slick in the rain.
Another danger stemming from Seattle’s rainy season is that of reduced visibility. Most drivers have a hard enough time spotting a motorcyclist on a perfectly clear day. A lack of vigilance can easily lead to tragic outcomes when turning left onto Aurora Avenue on a misty morning.
Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident
Without a protective frame to shield them, motorcyclists are highly vulnerable in an impact with a passenger vehicle. As such, the injuries a rider suffers tend to be significantly more severe. Some of the most common injuries after a motorcycle accident include:
- Road rash
- Fractured or broken bones
- "Biker's arm" (nerve damage from instinctively bracing a fall)
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Torn ligaments and joint injuries
- Loss of a limb
- Wrongful death
State law requires riders to wear a DOT-approved helmet when on a motorcycle. Research indicates that proper helmet use is 37 percent effective in preventing a fatal accident. However, even motorcyclists who wear effective protective gear remain vulnerable to catastrophic outcomes in high-impact crashes.
Who Is Responsible for a Seattle Motorcycle Accident?
Any given accident can potentially have one or several at-fault parties. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Seattle can investigate the crash to determine whether one or more of the following parties might be to blame:
- Another driver whose negligence caused the collision
- A state or local government entity (or contractor) that failed to address a road defect or missing signage
- A vehicle owner who knowingly allowed an unsafe driver to borrow their car
- The other driver’s employer, if they were working at the time
- A vehicle parts manufacturer, if a defective component contributed to the crash
Washington’s minimum liability insurance requirement is only $25,000 per injured person and $50,000 per accident. In many instances, these amounts are far too small to cover the costs of a serious injury. However, you can improve the amount of potential compensation if you are able to seek damages from multiple sources.
Washington Motorcycle Accident Laws Riders Should Know
As you begin your fight for fair compensation, here are a few state laws you should familiarize yourself with.
Pure Comparative Fault in Washington
After an accident, many riders ask, “What if I was partially at fault?” Washington operates under a system of pure comparative fault. This means that you can still recover compensation if you were partly—or even mostly—at fault for an accident. However, the award you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are determined to share.
For example, if you are deemed 30 percent at fault for an accident, you can still recover 70 percent of your claim’s value.
Washington's Motorcycle Helmet Law
State law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a DOT-approved helmet. There are no exceptions for age or experience level. If you ride without a helmet, you will not be barred from seeking a claim. However, the other party’s insurer can use this fact to argue that this poor decision-making worsened your head injuries.
Lane Splitting Is Not Legal in Washington
Under RCW 46.61.608, motorcyclists are granted the full use of a lane, and other vehicles are prohibited from denying them that space. Moreover, two (and no more than two) motorcycles may legally ride side by side in a single lane. However, both lane splitting (riding between lanes of moving traffic) and lane filtering (riding between lanes of stopped traffic) are prohibited.
How Long You Have to File a Claim
A motorcycle injury victim has three years from the date of a crash to file a lawsuit in Washington. If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, the same three-year period applies, running from the date of death. If you miss these deadlines, you will likely become permanently ineligible to file a claim. Early legal advice can protect your rights.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
All insurers are required to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on every policy. A driver can reject it only in writing. This coverage can be important because a significant number of at-fault drivers in Washington carry only the state minimum insurance ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident). UM/UIM coverage can help supplement compensation when a rider’s losses exceed these minimum amounts.
How Can a Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help You?
Washington saw a record high of 142 motorcyclist fatalities in a recent year, and thousands more injuries from motorcycle accidents. Because riders are more vulnerable than the occupants of passenger vehicles, the harm they experience can be both more life-altering and more financially costly. That’s why it’s particularly important for an injured motorcyclist to team up with an experienced Seattle motorcycle accident attorney. An effective attorney will:
- Launch a swift and thorough investigation into the crash scene to secure the evidence your case needs
- Identify every liable party and determine how much compensation is available from each of their insurance policies
- Handle all communications and negotiations with the at-fault parties’ insurers
- Calculate the total value of your claim, including any money necessary for your future medical needs
- File a lawsuit and take the case to trial if you do not get a fair settlement offer
At Law Tigers, we are here to connect you with an independent local law firm that has a specific focus on motorcycle accident cases, so you’ll know you’re in excellent hands.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Washington Motorcycle Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you might be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills, both current and future
- Lost income, including reduced future earning capacity for serious injuries
- Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
- Repair or replacement of riding gear and custom parts
- Pain and physical limitations from the injury
- Loss of enjoyment of activities you used to engage in
- Losses of surviving family members in a fatal crash
What Is My Case Worth?
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Seattle, WA, can assess your case and give you a grounded estimate of what it is worth. The following factors can all affect the amount of compensation you can claim:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- How clear the liability is
- The at-fault driver's available insurance coverage
- Whether you carry your own UM/UIM coverage to fill the gaps
- Lost income and your ability to return to your prior work
How Much Will This Cost Me?
It is natural to be anxious about the cost of legal counsel after an accident. However, the motorcycle attorneys in Seattle who are members of Law Tigers all work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not have to pay any upfront fees, and they will only take payment if they secure a recovery for you. Moreover, a free initial case review is standard across all Law Tigers member firms.