At Walthew Law Firm, our Seattle motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to providing legal guidance and support to anyone injured in a motorcycle crash. Our team works tirelessly to protect your rights and defend your motorcycle accident claim to ensure you receive the maximum financial compensation you need to support your recovery. Contact our experienced, knowledgeable team of Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers today to set up your no-cost, no-obligation initial case review.
Common Causes of Seattle Motorcycle Crashes
Most motorcycle accidents are the result of a combination of factors and are often far more serious than other motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of motorcycle crashes that ended in a fatality increased between 1997 and 2007, while motor vehicle crashes with a fatality decreased during the same time frame.
In some accidents, the motorcycle driver is at fault. However, motor vehicle drivers and road conditions can also be contributing factors.
- Poor visibility. Motorcycles are much smaller than cars, making them harder to see. While poor weather makes it difficult to see other drivers, modern cars with reinforced roofs and side impact airbags often have blind spots, increasing the likelihood the driver doesn’t see a motorcycle until it’s too late.
- Unsafe lane changes. Due to their small size, when a motorcycle is in a vehicle’s blind spot, it’s less likely to be spotted, even when the driver checks, increasing the odds of a collision when the car changes lanes.
- Road hazards. Potholes and debris create dangerous driving conditions for every vehicle on the road, but even more so for motorcycles. What’s more, things like railroad tracks present a challenge for motorcycles that conventional vehicles don’t face.
- Tailgating. A form of road rage where the driver of a conventional vehicle follows a motorcycle too closely. While tailgating any vehicle is dangerous, it’s exceptionally dangerous for motorcyclists, who don’t have the protection a car offers in an accident.
- Buzzing. Another form of road rage. Buzzing is when the driver of a car intentionally drives or passes too close to a motorcycle, giving them few options to maneuver if they need to.
- Left turn accidents. Because motorcycles can be hard to see, another driver may not realize that there’s a motorcycle with the right of way crossing their path.
- Door strikes. Though more common with pedal bikes, motorcyclists can be the victim of a door strike when someone in a vehicle fails to look before opening the door.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
In 2023 alone, approximately 2,442,581 people were injured in traffic accidents, including 82,564 motorcyclists, or approximately 3%. While there’s no data on who was and wasn’t wearing a helmet, a separate study found that injured motorcycle riders who wore helmets were at far less risk of major head trauma compared to other motorcycle accident injuries. However, you may still suffer minor or even catastrophic injuries, including:
- Road rash
- Rider’s arm, where you instinctively put out your arm to stop your fall, and fracture bones
- Whiplash
- Sprains & strains
- Torn ligaments
- Fractured or broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Loss of limb (amputation)
- Spinal cord injuries
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Why Hire Walthew Law Firm for Your Seattle Motorcycle Accident Claim
For over 90 years, Walthew Law Firm has advocated for injured motorcycle accident victims and their families in Seattle and throughout Western Washington. With vast experience, we always put the rights and well-being of our clients first. We’re committed to providing you with the personalized legal advice and strategy you need during this difficult time.
The unfortunate reality is that motorcycle riders face unfair stereotypes. The insurance company may accuse the rider of being reckless or at fault for the accident, or even claim they knew the risks when they got on the motorcycle. Given the uphill battle, hiring an accident lawyer from Walthew Law Firm ensures you have a dedicated, knowledgeable team on your side, willing to fight on your behalf and protect your rights to fair compensation for your injuries.
Our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys are ready to:
- Conduct a free, comprehensive, and confidential case review.
- Answer your questions so you understand your legal options.
- Investigate your accident, gathering the crucial evidence and medical records to support your personal injury claim.
- Represent you throughout your entire motorcycle accident case, from handling settlement negotiations with the insurance company to taking your case to trial.
Fighting for the Maximum Compensation After a Motorcycle Wreck in Seattle
A motorcycle crash can cause devastating, life-altering injuries, and you need every dollar of financial compensation you’re entitled to under the law to support your recovery. Our Seattle personal injury lawyers will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum financial compensation for your motorcycle injuries, including:
- Motorcycle repairs
- Emergency medical support
- Hospital or medical bills and related costs;
- Medication or medical equipment
- Long-term medical needs
- Lost wages, including current and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Concussions and PTSD
- Mental anguish
- Physical disability
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death of a close family member
Motorcycle Accident Liability in Washington State
Who is at fault for a motorcycle accident in Seattle? That depends on several factors, and assigning fault or blame isn’t as simple as it seems. If the road was under construction, the local government or the contractors hired to do the work may be to blame. But if your accident involved multiple parties, like a pedestrian or a trucking company, along with another driver, the blame may lie with more than one entity.
Even if you’re partly at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. Washington uses a comparative fault standard (RCW § 4.22.005), which reduces your final settlement amount by your degree of fault. If you’re found to be 20% liable for the accident, your final amount will be reduced by that percentage.
Washington State Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Washington law requires that all motorcycle drivers and passengers wear a helmet, regardless of age. It must be a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet. But even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, that doesn’t change your right to recover compensation.
Contact the Seattle Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Walthew Law Firm Today
You don’t have to take on the insurance company alone. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Seattle, contact our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers today to schedule your free, no obligation consultation. With offices in Seattle and Everett, we work across King County and throughout Western Washington.
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