Riding a motorcycle in Washington State can be a breathtaking experience. Whether you are driving along rustic mountains, local waterways, busy city streets, or in Seattle neighborhoods, motorcyclists enjoy a sense of freedom and connection to the road that’s hard to match. However, you need to be aware of the risks.
Potentially life-threatening crashes and collisions involving other road users can happen due to a variety of factors.
However, reckless behavior on the part of motor vehicle drivers is among the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in WA. These can cause devastating harm to bikers and their families. Our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer represents victims in these cases and explains how and why these crashes often happen and your rights to compensation.
Motorcycle Accidents in Washington State: Know The Risks
Motorcycle accidents in Washington State are a serious public safety issue. Despite accounting for just three percent of all registered vehicles in the state, motorcyclists made up over 15 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Sadly, nearly 150 bikers are killed in crashes each year while thousands of others suffer severe, potentially debilitating harm.
Whether you ride your motorcycle to get to work or around town, or enjoy taking extended trips and attending group rides or rallies in the area, you need to be aware of the risks. Common causes of motorcycle accident injuries in Washington State include:
- Rear-end collisions, when a car crashes into the back of a motorcyclist;
- Sudden stop crashes, when unexpected stops cause bikers to collide with the back of motor vehicles;
- Left-turn accidents, in which drivers fail to notice motorcyclists while attempting to cross traffic;
- Sideswipe accidents, such as those due to sudden lane changes;
- Dooring accidents, in which a parked driver opens their car door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle;
- Head-on collisions, one of the most potentially fatal types of motorcycle crashes.
Reckless Driving Among the Most Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Washington State
Motorcycles are open, light, and relatively easy to maneuver and manage, making them a fun way to get around.
However, the open nature of motorcycles and lack of protection or reinforcement increase the risks of potentially life-threatening injuries when a motorcycle accident in WA happens.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that bikers are over 20 times more likely than other motorists to suffer fatal injuries in a crash and four times more likely to suffer potentially debilitating harm. To reduce the risks, motorcyclists are required by law to wear a helmet, obey all traffic rules and regulations, and take other precautions to protect their safety. However, the reckless behavior of other drivers often puts them at risk. Among the most common motorcycle accident causes in Washington State are:
- Impaired driving impacts skill, reaction time, and decision-making.
- Running red lights and disregarding stop signs.
- Distractions such as texting, adjusting GPS, or eating while driving.
- Aggressive driving, such as tailgating and weaving between lanes.
- Failure to yield and cutting motorcyclists off in traffic.
- Failure to check blind spots before turns or when switching lanes.
- Speeding, which increases the likelihood and severity of a crash.
- Potholes, loose gravel, or debris are far more dangerous to motorcycles than cars.
Unfortunately, even when wearing protective gear and taking other safety precautions, motorcycle accidents in Seattle that happen due to reckless driving can cause devastating personal injuries.
Road rash, multiple broken bones, head trauma, internal bleeding, and spinal cord injuries are all common and can impact victims and their families long after a crash occurs.
We Hold Motorists Liable For Reckless Behavior That Causes Motorcycle Accidents
Washington is an at-fault state. This means that when at-fault drivers cause motorcycle accidents in Seattle or other parts of WA, the at-fault driver can be held liable. This means they can be required to pay for your property damages, medical bills, lost wages, other costs, and the pain and suffering you experience as a result.
Unfortunately, insurers often try to deny and downplay liability and the amount you need to recover.
To protect your rights, get trusted, local legal representation from our experienced Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer. Evidence we can collect and use to support your injury claim includes:
- Police accident reports and eyewitness statements;
- Photos or videos showing the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and your injuries;
- Traffic camera or dash cam footage provides a real-time glimpse of how the accident occurred;
- Medical records outlining your injuries due to the crash and documenting the severity and extent of treatment;
- Vehicle damage reports, which help in determining motorcycle accident causes by reconstructing how the crash occurred.
When Other Factors Cause Motorcycle Accidents in WA
Reckless driving is among the most common causes of motorcycle accident injuries in WA, but other factors may have played a role as well. These include:
- Rough road conditions, such as in areas under construction;
- Rain, fog, and other adverse weather;
- Improper maintenance of the motorcycle or vehicle involved, or faulty parts;
- Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet or take other precautions.
Multiple drivers or other parties can be held liable for injuries you suffer in a Seattle motorcycle accident claim. Under the Washington Revised Code, even if your own actions are determined to be somewhat to blame, those at fault can still be held liable for their role in causing your crash.
Contact Our Experienced Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyer And Schedule A Consultation Today
Reckless driving on the part of motorists is among the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Washington State. Sadly, devastating personal injuries often result. At Washington Injury Law, we provide trusted, local legal services and the fierce representation you need to get compensation for your losses.
Our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers investigate what happened, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and take your case to court to help ensure you get the maximum compensation. To get the total amount you need to recover from your injuries, contact our experienced attorney at Washington Injury Law. Schedule a consultation today with our experienced Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer.