Washington Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, resulting in significant physical, emotional, and financial distress. At Bungay Law, our compassionate Washington motorcycle accident attorney is here to guide you every step of the way. We understand this is a difficult time and aim to lighten your burden by providing the legal support you need.

Learn more about how our motorcycle accident lawyers help motorcycle riders following a motorcycle crash, and give us a call to schedule a free case consultation.

Why You May Benefit From an Experienced Washington Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Our attorneys at Bungay Law can offer much-needed assistance in several key areas. These include:

1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: We will thoroughly review your case, helping you understand your legal rights and options.
2. Development of a Legal Strategy: After understanding your case, we will create a tailored legal strategy to maximize your chances of a successful claim.
3. Investigation and Gathering of Evidence: We will conduct thorough investigations to gather all necessary evidence to support your claim.
4. Negotiation With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies can be challenging to deal with. Our experienced attorneys will manage all negotiations, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
5. Litigation, if Necessary: If negotiations fail, our skilled litigators are prepared to represent you in court, fighting tirelessly for your rights.

We have tremendous experience representing individuals involved in motorcycle accidents. We can use our expertise to fight for your rights and defend your interests if you suffer severe injuries in a motorcycle collision.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Based on information published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), riders of motorcycles are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents than other drivers. In addition, statistics indicate that approximately 75 motorcycle riders die yearly in motorcycle collisions in Washington. This underscores the importance of knowing your rights and having a competent attorney.

If you have been involved in a serious motorcycle accident, seek medical care as quickly as possible. Then, reach out to our motorcycle accident lawyer to schedule a free case consultation. 

Legal Options After a Motorcycle Accident in Washington

In Washington, motorcycle accident victims can seek compensation for their damages through a personal injury claim. This process typically involves proving that another party’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Washington

Motorcycle accidents can happen for various reasons, many of which involve the negligence of other motorists. Some common causes include:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, including motorcycle crashes. This can involve anything from texting while driving to eating or using a GPS.

Speeding

Speeding greatly increases the risk of an accident. It makes it harder for drivers to navigate curves safely and reduces their time to react to changing road conditions. It also forces the vehicle to take longer to come to a stop.

Failure To Yield the Right of Way

Motorists often fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists, leading to dangerous collisions. Sometimes, motorcyclists are hard to see. In other cases, they may turn into a motorcycle heading straight, leading to a collision.

Drunk Driving

Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely, often resulting in accidents. Drunk drivers can be held criminally and civilly liable for the harm they cause.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting, or riding between two lanes of traffic, can be dangerous and is illegal in many states, including Washington.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, many of which can be severe due to the limited protection motorcycles provide compared to other vehicles. The following are some common injuries that victims of motorcycle accidents may experience:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): This serious and potentially life-threatening injury can occur even if a helmet is worn during the accident. TBIs can range from concussions to more severe brain damage, leading to lasting cognitive impairment, memory loss, and emotional difficulties.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the area and severity of the injury. Spinal cord injuries often require long-term care and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
• Fractures: The impact of a motorcycle accident can lead to fractures in various parts of the body. Common areas include the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. Serious fractures may require surgery and prolonged physical therapy.
• Road Rash: This occurs when a motorcyclist’s skin scrapes against the pavement during an accident. Severe cases of road rash can lead to significant skin damage, requiring skin grafts and leaving permanent scars.
• Lower Extremity Injuries: These injuries, including damage to the legs, knees, and feet, are common in motorcycle accidents. They can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious injuries like shattered bones and amputations.
• Internal Injuries: The force of the collision can also lead to punctured lungs, internal bleeding, and damage to other internal organs. Some of these could require emergency surgery, as they might be life-threatening.
• Facial and Eye Injuries: Without proper facial protection, motorcyclists are at risk of facial fractures, dental injuries, and eye injuries, which could lead to vision loss.
• Psychological Injuries: Besides physical injuries, motorcycle accident victims often suffer from psychological injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These mental health issues can have long-term effects and require professional mental health support.
• Fatalities: Unfortunately, due to the high-risk nature of motorcycles and the lack of protection they offer, many motorcycle accidents result in fatalities.

Recovery from these injuries can be a long and difficult process, often involving extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and adjustments to daily life. This is why seeking legal assistance is crucial to ensure you are adequately compensated for your injuries and their impact on your life.

Consequences of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can lead to far-reaching consequences:

• Physical Injuries: The physical toll of a motorcycle accident can be monumental. Injuries can range from minor scratches and bruises to more severe and life-altering conditions such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and more. These injuries may necessitate extended hospital stays, multiple surgeries, long-term physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
• Emotional Trauma: The emotional impact of a motorcycle accident can be as crippling, if not more so, than physical injuries. Victims often experience various psychological issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other emotional distress.
• Property Damage: Motorcycle accidents often result in significant property damage. The motorcycle may be severely damaged or destroyed, requiring expensive repairs or replacement. Personal items carried on the motorcycle, like phones or laptops, may also be damaged, adding to the financial burden.
• Financial Losses: The financial impact of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. Immediate costs such as emergency medical care, surgery, hospitalization, and medication can quickly add up. Long-term costs like medical treatment, physical therapy, and home care services can create a continuing financial strain. If the injuries lead to temporary or permanent disability, victims may suffer lost wages and diminished earning capacity.

In the face of these significant and multifaceted consequences, seeking legal assistance becomes crucial. A knowledgeable and compassionate motorcycle accident attorney can help victims navigate the complex process of securing the compensation they need to cover medical costs, property damage, lost wages, and other damages, ultimately aiding their recovery and rebuilding process.

Washington Is a Comparative Fault State

In Washington, you can still recover damages if you are partially at fault for your accident. This is due to Washington’s comparative negligence law, which allows for compensation to be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.

For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault for the motorcycle accident, your potential settlement or claim could also be reduced by 25%. If you want to maximize the value of your motorcycle accident claim, contact our motorcycle accident attorneys to schedule a free case consultation. 

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident

After an accident, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and health. If possible, move to a safe location, contact the authorities, and seek immediate medical attention. Document the accident scene and gather contact information from witnesses. Getting a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible is essential to protect your rights and start filing a claim.

Washington Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations

In Washington, you have three years from the time of the motorcycle accident to file a claim related to injuries you may have suffered. It’s crucial to act promptly to ensure your claim is filed within this timeframe. Be sure to reach out to us as soon as possible.

Damages You Can Recover From Your Motorcycle Injury in Washington

Victims of motorcycle accidents in Washington can seek compensation for various damages. You could be awarded compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, future medical expenses, any income you may have lost, and even emotional trauma.

Every case is different, and we will work with you to maximize the value of your motorcycle accident claim. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation. 

Contact Our Washington Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Bungay Law for an Initial Consultation Today

At Bungay Law, we understand the turmoil a motorcycle accident can bring your life. Our compassionate and experienced Washington motorcycle accident injury attorneys are here to guide you through this challenging time, helping you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

We encourage you to contact us today for a free initial consultation and case evaluation. We are here to help.