Kent Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Our Kent Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Help Injury Victims Obtain Compensation
While many motorcyclists consider the risk of sustaining bodily injury if involved in a collision with a larger vehicle like a car or truck, they often do not think about just how devastating and deadly motorcycle accidents can be. Motorcyclists are considerably more vulnerable on Washington’s highways and neighborhood streets when it comes to crash-related injuries than motor vehicle occupants. Every year motorcycle accidents result in billions of dollars in costs for emergency medical surgery and treatment, physical rehabilitation, lost wages, and property damage.
Motorcycle accidents often happen because of another party’s negligence. If you or someone you love got hurt in a motorcycle crash, you should speak with a Kent, WA motorcycle accident lawyer to learn more about filing a claim for compensation. The dedicated personal injury attorneys at Khan Injury Law PLLC are committed to providing aggressive advocacy for clients who have gotten hurt in accidents in Washington State.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
We Are Here to Help
You have many choices of personal injury lawyers in Kent to handle your motorcycle accident claim. Here are a few reasons why choosing the Khan Law Firm is the right decision:
- Decades of Combined Legal Experience: Our attorneys have many years of experience successfully handling motorcycle accident cases and fighting for the rights of injured victims. We understand the complexities of these cases and know how to build strong claims.
- Proven Track Record of Success: Our firm has obtained numerous favorable settlements and verdicts on behalf of motorcycle accident victims. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured motorcycle riders and the families who lost loved ones in fatal motorcycle accidents. Our lawyers have the skills and resources to take on insurance companies and fight for maximum compensation.
- Highly Respected in the Legal Community: Our attorneys have received awards and accolades from prestigious legal organizations in recognition of their outstanding legal work, including Top 10 rankings from the National Trial Lawyers. Additionally, we’ve received top client ratings on Avvo and received the 10 Best in Client Satisfaction award from the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys several times. We’re also proud of the many testimonials we’ve received from past clients.
- Exceptional Client Service: The firm is dedicated to providing attentive, personalized service to each and every client. They take the time to listen to your needs, answer all your questions, and keep you updated throughout the process. Many satisfied clients have left glowing testimonials about their experience.
- Multilingual Attorneys: To better serve the diverse Kent community, the lawyers at Khan Law Firm are fluent in multiple languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Hindi, and more. We can effectively represent immigrants and non-English speakers who suffered injuries or losses because of motorcycle crashes.
- Kent Location: With an office right in Kent, the Khan Law Firm is convenient for local residents. Additionally, our attorneys are familiar with the courts, judges, and legal procedures in the area.
- Contingency Fees and Free Consultations: Khan Law Firm operates on a contingency basis, meaning you owe no attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you. We also provide free initial consultations to review your case with no obligation. It costs you nothing upfront to get quality legal advice and representation.
If a negligent driver or some other party caused a motorcycle accident in Kent that hurt you or someone you love, the experienced and award-winning attorneys at Khan Law Firm are ready to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Getting the Facts About Kent Motorcycle Accidents
Here are some key motorcycle accident statistics for Washington State and the Kent area, based on crash data from the Washington State Department of Transportation:
- 92 fatal motorcycle crashes occurred in Washington in a recent year, resulting in 95 motorcyclist fatalities. This represented 15% of all traffic fatalities in the state that year.
- Kent and the surrounding area reported 21 motorcyclist deaths that same year.
- Motorcycle riders represented 3% of all vehicle occupants injured in crashes in Washington in 2021, but 15% of all fatalities, indicating the higher severity of motorcycle crashes.
- The most common time for nonfatal and deadly motorcycle accidents is from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, when nearly 25 percent of all motorcycle fatalities occur and almost 28 percent of nonfatal injuries happen in motorcycle crashes.
- Other common times for motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities include 6:00 am to 9:00 am, 9:00 am to noon, and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Overall, while total motorcyclist fatalities in Washington fluctuate somewhat from year to year, they consistently account for a disproportionately high percentage of traffic deaths relative to the number of motorcycles on the road. This underscores the importance of motorcycle safety, proper licensing and training, and awareness by drivers of other vehicles.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Kent, WA
Motorcycle accidents often happen because of another party’s negligence, carelessness, or reckless behavior. Some of the following are common causes of motorcycle crashes in Kent, Washington:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk driving
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Dangerous road conditions
- Defective automobile or motorcycle parts.
Who Could I Hold Liable for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Kent?
Following a motorcycle accident in Kent, several parties could potentially be liable for your injuries, including:
- Other drivers: If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, such as by failing to yield the right of way, speeding, or driving under the influence, they may be liable for your injuries.
- Vehicle or motorcycle manufacturers: If a defect in your motorcycle or another vehicle involved in the accident contributed to the crash or the severity of your injuries, you could work with an attorney to hold the manufacturer liable under product liability laws.
- Government entities: If poorly maintained roads, malfunctioning traffic signals, or other infrastructure issues caused the accident, the responsible government entity (such as the city of Kent or the state of Washington) may be liable.
- Property owners: If the accident occurred on private property and resulted from a hazardous condition that the property owner knew about or should have known about, you may have a claim against the property owner.
- Bars, restaurants, or social hosts: In Washington state, certain entities may bear liability for serving alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person or to someone under 21 if that individual then causes an accident that injures or kills someone. If that’s the case, an attorney can help you pursue compensation under Washington’s dram shop laws.
To determine who is liable for your injuries, it’s essential to conduct a thorough investigation of the accident and gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Kent can help you navigate the legal process and pursue compensation from the appropriate parties.
What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. Here are some common motorcycle accident injuries in Kent:
- Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and skull fractures are common in motorcycle accidents, especially if the rider is not wearing a helmet.
- Road rash: When a rider slides across the pavement, they may suffer abrasions, bruising, and skin loss, known as road rash.
- Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the legs, arms, ribs, and collarbones, are common in motorcycle accidents.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
- Neck injuries: Whiplash and other neck injuries can occur due to the sudden jerking motion experienced during a collision.
- Facial injuries: Facial lacerations, broken jaws, and dental damage can result from impact with the road, handlebars, or other objects.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and ruptures.
- Lower extremity injuries: Leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries are common, as the lower body is often exposed and can be crushed between the motorcycle and another object.
- Psychological trauma: Motorcycle accidents can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Wearing proper protective gear, such as DOT-compliant helmets, reinforced jackets, gloves, and sturdy boots, can help reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident. However, even with proper gear, motorcycle riders are more vulnerable than occupants of enclosed vehicles.
Don’t wait to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney if you sustained any injuries in a motorcycle accident someone else caused.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Kent?
The time period for filing any civil lawsuit is known as the statute of limitations. For most personal injury matters, the clock on the statute of limitations begins ticking once the person is involved in an accident and suffers injuries. As such, most motorcycle accident cases must be filed within a specific period of time that begins with the date of the crash.
Under Washington State law, the statute of limitations for most motorcycle accident claims in the state is three (3) years. If you fail to file your claim within this three-year period, you may be barred from seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
You should also keep in mind that the sooner you contact a motorcycle accident attorney and get started on your case, the sooner you may be eligible for compensation. It can be difficult to think about legal issues when you are dealing with the physical and emotional pain of a crash, but it is important to begin working on your claim as soon as possible.
Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially to Blame for the Crash?
Motorcycle accident victims often want to know whether they are still eligible to obtain compensation if they were partially to blame for the crash. For instance, if a motorcyclist was speeding at the time she or he was hit by a drunk driver who ran a red light, can the motorcyclist still recover?
This question involves the matter of contributory fault. Under Washington State’s contributory fault law (Wash. Rev. Code § 4.22.015), a plaintiff can definitely recover damages, but the damages award will be reduced by the percentage of the plaintiff’s own fault. To be clear, the plaintiff’s own fault does not bar the plaintiff’s recovery. This is true whether the plaintiff is determined to be 1 percent responsible for the accident or 99 percent responsible.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Kent, WA Today
If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, it is important to get in touch with a Kent, WA motorcycle accident attorney to learn more about filing a claim for compensation. You may be eligible to receive damages that will compensate you for financial losses like medical bills and lost wages, as well as for losses like pain and suffering or the loss of enjoyment of life.
The sooner you get in touch with an advocate and file a claim, the sooner you may be eligible for compensation. Contact Khan Injury Law PLLC for more information about how we can assist with your case.