Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Tacoma

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Tacoma Police Department is (253) 287-4455.

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

  Requests for copies of police reports for motorcycle accidents in Tacoma can be submitted via the online Public Records Request Portal, email, or fax at 253-798-7366. Records are made available to the public in accordance with the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56).

• What causes so many motorcycle accidents in Tacoma?

  Motor vehicle operator errors, including distracted driving, drunk driving, and unsafe turns or lane changes are some of the major causes of motorcycle accidents in Tacoma. Other contributory factors include potholes, obstructed road signs, and missing guard rails on public roadways. Single-vehicle collisions are also caused by defects inherent to a motorcycle’s design. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, 75 motorcycle deaths occur in the state each year. The number of injuries is almost certainly much higher.

• Can riders file a claim if they share fault in a motorcycle accident in Tacoma?

  Washington is a comparative negligence state, which means that both parties in a motor vehicle crash can share the blame. This means that Tacoma motorcycle accident victims can file a claim even if they were partially to blame for the accident. Their total settlement will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If they are 20% to blame for the accident, they will receive 80% of the total amount of damages.

• Why should riders consider hiring an attorney after a motorcycle accident in Tacoma?

  Hiring a Tacoma motorcycle accident lawyer can potentially address injured plaintiffs' concerns, such as obtaining copies of medical records, locating possible witnesses, and negotiating with insurance companies. The lawyer will also make sure that claims are filed before the statute of limitations expires. According to the Revised Code of Washington § 4.16.080, victims of negligence-related accidents have three years from the date of the injury to file personal injury cases against at-fault parties.

• What are the most dangerous roads in Tacoma?

  The I5 Stretch from Fife to the 38th Street Exit, Pacific Avenue from E 34th to E. 84th Streets, and 72nd Street from Sheridan to Waller are among the most dangerous roads in Tacoma, according to the Crash Data Portal of WSDOT. There were a total of 496 catastrophic crashes from 2017 to 2021, 184 of which, or 37%, happened on these dangerous roads.

• How much does a Tacoma motorcycle accident or personal injury attorney charge?

  Some Tacoma personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they get paid only if the case is successful. The range of contingent fees is between 30 and 40 percent of the settlement or damage award. While some lawyers strictly adhere to a set percentage of the award, others pass on court expenses to plaintiffs.

• 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.