Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Seattle

FAQs

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

  The city's Community Safety and Communications Center non-emergency line is at (206) 625-5011.

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

  Police reports for Seattle are kept by the Washington State Patrol located at the Helen Sommers Building, 106 11th Ave. SW, Olympia, WA 98501. The office maintains the Washington State Patrol Requests for Electronic Collision Records (WRECR) system for online transactions.

• What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Seattle?

  Motorcycle accidents in Seattle are caused by negligent rider conduct like speeding, operating a motorbike while drunk, and lane splitting. Driver error is also an issue as motorists take the wheel while texting or chatting. Unsafe roads lead to crashes, and leftover construction equipment, rain, and fallen trees obstruct vehicles and lead to swerving.

• Why are motorcycle accidents so dangerous for Seattle residents?

  Motorcycles offer less protection than full-sized cars and lack seatbelts and door beams. Motorcycle operators drive between cars and create their own lanes, raising the odds of collisions from the side. Training and licensing deficiencies are frequent among motorbikes and their rides also have less stability in general than four-wheeled automobiles.

• How should a motorcycle accident victim in Seattle deal with insurers?

  Motorcycle accident victims in Seattle should avoid dealing with insurance companies directly and e employ the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. Insurers are inclined to reduce the sums due, and negotiations are needed to ensure the smooth flow of medical treatment payments. A lawyer also tackles the evidence-gathering process and goes to court when needed.

• What are the common types of motorcycle collisions in Seattle?

  One common kind of crash is the t-bone collision which happens when vehicles hit each other at 90-degree angles while traversing an intersection. Head-on bumps occur when an inexperienced or intoxicated motorist swerves onto an oncoming biker. Sideswipes take place during overtaking attempts gone wrong, and rear-enders result from tailgating incidents.

• How does comparative negligence factor into motorcycle crashes in Seattle?

  Seattle is covered by the state's comparative negligence laws and precedents. A plaintiff who is partly at fault for a collision with another vehicle is entitled to damages when the defendant shares some of the blame. Unlike other jurisdictions, Washington does not deny recovery to the more careless individual in a tort action.

• 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.