Did you sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident? Was it due to another driver’s careless or negligent behavior? Do you want to pursue compensation for the losses you suffered? If so, you should contact the Washington personal injury lawyers of Tamaki Law for a free consultation, and we’ll determine whether we can help you hold the at-fault party liable.
Motorcycles are fun to ride and convenient when you need to zip through heavy traffic. However, they can also be dangerous. If you’re in a collision with another vehicle, you’re likely to suffer severe or life-threatening injuries. That’s because bikes don’t have safety devices, such as seatbelts and airbags. Nothing is restraining you to the seat or protecting you from the impact of a crash.
Washington is a dangerous state for motorcyclists. There are many hazardous roads, such as North Cascades Highway, that pose challenges for riders. When you’re navigating around winding roads and other vehicles, you’re at risk of serious harm if an accident occurs.
At Tamaki Law, our Washington motorcycle accident attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience advocating for our clients and helping them in the fight for justice. You deserve financial compensation for the suffering you endured. We can investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and try to hold them accountable for their actions. We are experienced at combating the stereotypical image of bikers as careless thrill-seekers that may be used to try to reduce the money you receive, and we will do our best to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call (800) 801-9564 or contact us online for a free consultation and learn more about our legal services.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Different types of accidents involving motorcyclists can happen depending on various factors. The most common types of motorcycle accidents are:
- Left-turn accidents – Drivers must check for any approaching bikers before turning left. A devastating crash could occur if they run a red light or stop sign and collide with a motorcyclist already in the intersection.
- Head-on collisions – Head-on car accidents are often destructive. They are even worse when they involve a motorcyclist. The rider could die on impact or suffer debilitating injuries that leave them paralyzed.
- T-bone accidents – This type of crash happens when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another. Anyone riding a motorcycle who is involved in this type of crash will likely become ejected and fall hard onto the pavement or get run over by a car.
- Rear-end collisions – Tailgating is often the cause of rear-end accidents. Following a motorcyclist too closely prevents the driver from stopping or swerving if a hazard is in the road or traffic suddenly stops.
- Lane splitting – Although lane splitting is illegal in Washington, it still might happen. Distracted drivers might drift or change lanes without realizing there’s a biker right next to them.
Whichever type of motorcycle accident you were in, you could seek compensation if another driver caused your injuries.
Common Causes of Washington Motorcycle Accidents
Many drivers don’t pay adequate attention to bike riders. Motorcycles are much smaller than cars and trucks, so they’re difficult to notice, especially when they’re in the driver’s blind spots. Unfortunately, if a driver doesn’t thoroughly check for motorcyclists before turning or moving into another lane, they could sideswipe the rider and their passenger.
Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of being in catastrophic accidents with other vehicles. When driving conditions are less than ideal, the chances of injury are increased. For example, Mount Baker Highway is a winding stretch of road with many sharp turns. Driver error and inattention could easily lead to a collision with a motorcyclist.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Washington include:
- Distracted driving – Using a cell phone, singing along to the radio, and eating food are examples of distractions that prevent a driver from focusing on the task at hand. It’s a serious problem in Washington. According to statistics gathered by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, 30% of traffic-related deaths are due to distracted driving.
- Speeding – Driving too fast for conditions and exceeding the speed limit is reckless. Drivers must maintain a safe speed to control their vehicles and respond quickly to an emergency. If they’re traveling too fast, it’s harder to come to a complete stop at a red light or slow down for a motorcyclist merging into the lane.
- Road rage – Engaging in acts of road rage, such as honking the horn or yelling at another driver, takes a person’s mind off of operating their car. It’s more difficult to process information and react appropriately.
- Driving under the influence – Alcohol and drugs impair driving abilities. Using either of these substances while driving can lead to a slower reaction time, altered sensory perception, and reduced motor skills. It’s also illegal to operate any motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08%.
- Disobeying traffic laws – Traffic laws are in place to keep people safe on the road. However, breaking these laws can cause accidents if someone decides to blow through a stop sign or proceed through an intersection when someone else has the right of way.
- Drowsy driving – Drowsy or fatigued driving is more dangerous than most people realize. It’s just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In 2019, 697 people died in accidents involving a drowsy driver.
In all of these scenarios, another driver’s poor decision-making skills or lack of attention caused the motorcyclist’s injuries. Negligent or intentional misconduct on the road can upend an accident victim’s life and affect their future. If you suffered physical harm and emotional trauma in an accident like these, you deserve to fight against the at-fault driver for justice and compensation.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents
When you’re in an accident with another vehicle while riding your bike, it’s nearly impossible to prevent some type of injury. You’re at the mercy of the elements, and even your helmet can’t completely protect you from physical harm.
The initial impact of a collision can cause a violent jolt to your body that causes whiplash or muscle strain. Additional injuries can occur if you land on the road, get run over by another vehicle, or get hit by flying debris. Many motorcyclists require immediate medical care to repair broken bones and other injuries.
The most common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents include:
- Concussion or traumatic brain injury
- Neck and back injuries
- Strained or sprained muscles
- Torn ligaments and tendons
- Road rash
- Internal bleeding
- Dislocated joints
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
A significant number of motorcycle collisions result in fatalities. A human body typically can’t withstand the force they’re subjected to when a car crashes into them. If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you might be entitled to compensation for the losses you suffered.
Survivors of these debilitating accidents can pursue an insurance settlement or file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Either way, you deserve to be compensated for the trauma you were forced to endure.
Compensation Motorcycle Accident Victims Can Seek
Washington is a fault car insurance state. That means the at-fault driver becomes financially responsible for the accident victim’s injuries, medical treatment, and other losses.
The losses you could pursue in an insurance claim are:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Property damage
- Lost enjoyment of life
All vehicle owners must buy and maintain liability insurance coverage. The minimum required limits are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death to more than one person
- $10,000 for property damage
When you file a liability claim, you could seek an amount up to the coverage limits listed on the policy. The maximum compensation you’re entitled to will depend on various contributing factors, such as the severity of your injury, your total expenses, and the emotional impact of the accident.
The Washington motorcycle accident attorneys of Tamaki Law can calculate the value of your case to determine the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies will often attempt to blame you for the accident so they can avoid paying the money you’re owed for your losses. We know the tactics they use and will advocate for your rights and try to recover the highest settlement possible, so you’re not forced to pay for medical bills and other expenses yourself.
Contact Tamaki Law Now
Tamaki Law has been fighting for individuals suffering from others’ wrongdoings since 1994. Our legal team will dedicate our time and effort to your case. You will feel like a priority from the second you walk into our office. We’ll provide the personalized attention you need and deserve to get through this life-altering experience. You will have a compassionate and dedicated lawyer fighting in your corner until the end.
We take most personal injury cases on contingency. That means you won’t owe us upfront fees or costs. We can represent you against the at-fault driver and pursue the compensation you need to get back on your feet. If we cannot secure an insurance settlement or favorable jury verdict, you won’t have to pay us.
We also offer a free initial consultation. We’re happy to meet with you to discuss the facts of your case and determine whether it’s something we can take on.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident with a negligent driver, do not hesitate to call Tamaki Law or reach out to us online. Contact us now at (800) 801-9564 for your free consultation.