Seattle Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle Accidents in Washington
Although any motor vehicle accident can result in catastrophic injuries or death, motorcycle accidents tend to be particularly devastating. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 4 times more likely to be injured and almost 30 times more likely to die in traffic accidents than occupants of passenger vehicles.
In Washington State, 2019 and 2020 were the deadliest years for motorcyclists since 1982, with more than 90 motorcycle riders being killed in motor vehicle collisions each year. If your loved one suffered catastrophic injuries or was killed in a motorcycle accident, Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department can help.
We know that no amount of financial compensation can undo the pain and trauma of your loss—but we have also seen firsthand how a fair settlement or verdict can provide families with the resources they need to get back on their feet and move forward with their lives.
Our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to help you fight for the justice you deserve; reach out to us today to learn more during a free initial consultation.
Injured in a motorcycle accident in Seattle? Contact us online using our secure submission form or call our office at (206) 202-2562 today.
Washington State Motorcycle Laws You Should Know
Anyone who owns, operates, or rides a motorcycle in Washington should be aware of and follow all applicable state laws.
Below, we’ve provided a general overview of Washington’s motorcycle laws that you should know:
- Licenses: You must obtain an applicable motorcycle license (Class C, M1, or M2) or have a valid learner’s permit to operate a motorcycle in Washington.
- Helmets: All motorcycle operators and riders must properly wear a motorcycle helmet approved by the state’s Department of Transportation (DOT).
- Insurance: As of July 28, 2019, motorcyclists must carry at least $25,000/$50,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person/accident and $10,000 in property damage liability.
- Equipment: Motorcyclists must have eye protection, and bikes must be equipped with headlights and taillights, as well as working turn signals and left and right rearview mirrors.
- Passengers: To carry a passenger, motorcycles in Washington State must have an appropriate passenger seat and footrests. Passengers must be at least five years old to ride.
This is not an exhaustive list; make sure that you are educated on all of Washington’s motorcycle laws before operating or riding a motorcycle in the state.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
In the simplest terms, the most common cause of motorcycle accidents is negligence. Although there is a common misconception that motorcyclists are the ones who are usually negligent, we at Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department know that this is not true. In fact, it is the negligence of others on the road that most often puts motorcyclists at risk.
Some examples of negligent driving behaviors that frequently cause motorcycle accidents include:
- Failing to check for motorcyclists in vehicle blind spots
- Failing to yield the right of way to motorcyclists
- Speeding, aggressive driving, and reckless driving
- Texting while driving and other forms of distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Disobeying red lights, stop signs, and other traffic control devices
- Opening vehicle doors into motorcyclists/oncoming motorcyclists’ paths
- Turning across the path of an oncoming motorcyclist
- Passing, changing lanes, or merging unsafely or unlawfully
- Tailgating, or following too closely behind a motorcycle
Although human error and negligence are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, outside factors may also contribute to or cause a serious crash.
Examples include:
- Poorly constructed roadways containing blind curves and other dangerous conditions
- Inadequate roadway maintenance leading to potholes and other hazards
- Poor visibility caused by inclement weather
- And more
At Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department, our Seattle motorcycle accident attorneys work alongside accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and other expert witnesses who provide powerful testimony on behalf of our clients. We prepare every case as though it will go to trial and are always ready to fight for the maximum compensation you or your loved one deserves.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents?
Even with proper protective gear, such as DOT-compliant helmets and heavy clothing, motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of being severely injured or killed in traffic accidents than the occupants of standard passenger vehicles.
Without seatbelts, airbags, windows, doors, and heavy steel frames, motorcyclists often suffer significant, life-altering injuries when they are struck by larger, heavier vehicles.
Some of the most common motorcycle accident-related injuries include:
- Broken bones/fractures
- Burn injuries and road rash
- Head, neck, back, and shoulder injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Loss of limb/amputation
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
Often, these injuries require immediate medical attention, as well as ongoing and even lifelong care. Catastrophically injured motorcycle accident victims may be left with permanent disabilities and life-altering complications, affecting their ability to work, provide for their families, and even care for themselves.
All of this, coupled with the immense physical pain and emotional suffering experienced by victims and their loved ones, can lead to significant challenges.
Compensation for Seriously Injured Motorcycle Accident Victims & Their Families
At Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department, we help our clients seek maximum compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial losses they have endured as a result of someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct.
Depending on the specific details of your case, we may be able to help you and your family recover compensation for the following:
- Emergency medical care, including ambulance and hospital fees
- Surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and other treatments
- Medications and medical devices/equipment, such as wheelchairs or prosthetics
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and related mental health conditions
- Lost income, wages, and benefits, such as retirement contributions
- Loss of future expected earnings and employment benefits
- Lost or diminished earning ability due to disability or impairment
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Lost or diminished enjoyment of life/quality of life
- Ongoing and future medical care costs
If your family member tragically passed away due to a motorcycle accident, we can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit against the liable party and seek fair compensation for damages such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of support, love, companionship, guidance, and counsel.
Contact Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department for Help with Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
In Washington, you typically only have three years from the date of the crash to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. When a motorcycle accident results in fatalities, the surviving family members have three years from the date of death to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
In either case, if you wait too long, you will almost certainly lose your right to sue the liable party for damages. We encourage you to reach out to our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers right away if you or someone you love was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in Washington.
We focus our practice on severe cases involving catastrophic injury and death, and our attorneys know how to aggressively pursue the maximum compensation you are owed. There are no legal fees for you unless we recover a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Contact us online or call our office today at (206) 202-2562 to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with a member of our team.