Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Spokane, WA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Spokane, Washington?

  509-456-2233 is the non-emergency contact number of the Spokane local police station.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Spokane, Washington?

  Requests for police reports may be faxed to 509-625-4059 or mailed or emailed to the Records Department of the Spokane Police Department at PSB-1, 1116 W Broadway Ave., Spokane, WA 99260-0001, with enough information to be located, such as the date, time, and location of the report. Include the report number, if known. Police reports will not be sent by fax. Include your address and phone number, and they will inform you when it is available for pickup.

• What should a person do after a motorcycle accident in Spokane?

  Important steps to take after a motorcycle accident in Spokane include submitting an accident report to the appropriate authorities, obtaining medical treatment, getting the details of the other motorist, and notifying the insurance provider, which frequently takes a severe attitude toward motorcyclists and blames them for accidents. Seeking the aid of a lawyer in pursuing justice and compensation is a smart move.

• Is riding a motorcycle in Spokane more dangerous than traveling in a car or other passenger vehicles?

  Yes. Motorcycle riding is riskier than riding other types of vehicles. It is approximately three times more probable to have injuries than other motor vehicle types. Motorcycle accidents are more likely to end in injury and are 18 times more likely to result in death in Spokane traffic accidents than in passenger vehicle accidents.

• How much is a motorcycle accident case worth in Spokane?

  The economic value of a motorcycle accident in Spokane is determined by the number of medical costs incurred, the amount of missed pay, and the kind of injuries sustained. Other circumstances, such as whether or not the irresponsible motorist was insured or the quantity of the negligent driver's insurance, may have an influence on the recovery.

• What are motorcyclists' legal rights in Spokane?

  Motorcycle riders in Spokane are legally expected to obey all traffic laws that apply to all other motorists. This includes stop signs and traffic lights. However, because some motorcycles are undetectable to many red light sensors in Washington, motorcycle operators are permitted to run red lights in situations such as a total stop at a red light. However, they must wait for at least one full cycle and never violate the right of way of other cars or pedestrians.

• What kinds of injuries do Spokane motorcycle accident victims usually sustain?

  Injuries such as brain trauma, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder are the kinds of injuries a victim might sustain in a motorcycle accident in Spokane. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to dangerous or tragic accidents since there is no barrier between them and the road or another vehicle.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.