Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Providing Compassionate Legal Assistance to Accident Victims in Seattle, Washington
There is a reason why many states require different training and licenses for those wanting to own or operate a motorcycle or a heavy truck: they can be especially dangerous to both the driver and those they share the roads with. Commercial trucks are so heavy and oversized that they pose a threat to all other vehicles and can essentially drive over or through most everything on the road. A motorcycle, meanwhile, is much lighter than any typical car on the streets. Motorcycle riders are not afforded the same kind of protection that car drivers get, such as airbags, seatbelts, or roll cages, and can sometimes be flung hundreds of feet from where the motorcycle collision occurred.
Suppose you have suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident resulting from someone else’s negligence. In that case, you may be entitled to seek a settlement that could help pay for your lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and emotional distress. However, this is not always an easy task, as insurance companies are not often seen as sympathetic to those riding motorcycles. So, it may be necessary to hire the legal representation of motorcycle accident lawyers who can help you gather evidence from the crash, review your medical treatment records, and file an insurance claim strong enough to earn you the maximum compensation for your accident.
The law firm Khan Injury Law has years of experience protecting the legal rights of motorcycle accident victims across the state of Washington. If you would like to pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages, please schedule a free consultation with our accident lawyers today.
What Are the Statistics for Motorcycle Accidents in the State of Washington?
The stats show that of the approximate 500 annual fatalities in Washington traffic accidents, approximately 70 of those deaths are motorcyclists. This is startling when you consider that motorcycles do not amount to that large of a chunk of the motorists on Washington’s roads.
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission estimates that 75% of motorcycle accidents result from motorcyclists making minor errors of judgment and that 86% of motorcyclist deaths are the fault of the bike’s riders. More than half of these deaths involved either drugs, alcohol, driving over the speed limit, or some combination of all three.
Not every motorcycle accident is the fault of the rider, however. And if your crash was the fault of others, then you should consider filing a lawsuit with the help of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers.
Does Washington Have Any Specific Motorcycle Laws That May Pertain to My Personal Injury Claim?
Washington State has different rules of the road for motorcycles in an effort to limit fatalities and serious injuries in motorcycle accidents.
The state’s motorcycle laws include such considerations:
- A motorcyclist may cautiously proceed through a red light if the traffic sensors fail to detect the motorcycle at the intersection.
- All motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet.
- Automobile insurance is not required to ride a motorcycle, but it is strongly encouraged.
- Daytime headlights are required.
- Eyewear protection is encouraged but is not required by motorcycle law.
- In addition to a regular driver’s license, you will need to obtain the legal right to operate a two or three-wheeled motorcycle in Washington. This can be achieved by passing a government skill test or completing an approved rider training program.
- “Lane-splitting” is against the law.
- Passengers may ride on a motorcycle if they have a proper seat and footrests.
Washington personal injury cases operate under the rule of comparative fault. If others involved in your accident learn that you did not adhere to all rules and regulations for operating a motorcycle, you may be held partially liable for the accident.
What Types of Injuries Are Commonly Seen as a Result of a Motorcycle Crash?
A motorcycle accident can result in serious injuries for the rider and their passengers. While all motor vehicle accidents are dangerous, motorcycle riders are afforded considerably less protection than those driving a car or truck.
Severe injuries that are seen in motorcycle crashes include:
- Broken bones.
- Concussions.
- Cuts and deep lacerations.
- Disfigurement.
- Injured ribs and lungs.
- Internal bleeding.
- Loss of limbs.
- Paralysis.
- Road rash.
- Soft tissue damage.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Whiplash.
- Wrongful death.
How Can an Attorney Help You Recover Compensation for Your Motorcycle Accident Claims?
Just like those involved in car accidents, motorcyclists have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver or that driver’s insurance company. These cases can be hard fought, as insurance companies and state laws do not favor motorcycles, seeing them as needlessly dangerous. That is why it is essential to hire motorcycle accident lawyers with a history of success winning fair settlements for their clients in these types of personal injury cases.
Khan Injury Law attorneys will work on your behalf to help you recover the compensation you deserve so that you may worry less about any medical bills, lost financial earning ability, and emotional distress.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Khan Injury Law
Our law firm’s attorneys are dedicated to providing accident victims with compassionate legal assistance. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, please contact our Seattle office to speak with a member of our legal team.
We offer a free case consultation to prospective new clients. To learn more, call us at (206) 203-3978.