If you're hurt in a motorcycle accident
we're serious about committed to invested in dedicated to attentive to focused on your case.
Call us at 509.866.4166
- The responsible motorist had a duty to exercise reasonable care while driving, so that they don’t risk harming others on the road;
- That person breached this legal duty by driving carelessly;
- The breach caused an auto collision and you were hurt; and,
- You suffered losses as a result of your injuries.
In some situations, you may not know exactly how the other driver was negligent—you only know that you’ve been seriously injured after the collision. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Every case is unique, and you shouldn’t assume you don’t have a valid claim until you’ve had the chance to meet with an experienced attorney. Contact us today to explore your legal options and understand your rights.
One of the most disputed elements of your case will be whether the driver was careless. There are many ways a driver can fail to exercise the proper care on the road, including:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Texting or taking phone calls while driving
- Aggressive driving, like tailgating or making illegal passes
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Neglecting to check blind spots
2023 Traffic Fatalities & Serious Injuries
1,750
Motorcycle Accidents
175
Serious Injuries
93
Fatalities
*wtsc.wa.gov most recent WA state traffic statistics.
Motorcycle crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries, primarily because of the size and weight differences between a cycle and other vehicles. The more common types of motorcycle injuries include:
Head Trauma
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, skull fractures, and penetrating head injuries can be life-threatening. Even with a helmet, as required by Washington State law, the force of impact may exceed what protective gear can absorb.
Neck and Spine Injuries
Injuries to the neck, back, and spine can have devastating consequences, including paralysis, quadriplegia, or paraplegia. In severe motorcycle accidents, victims may face permanent loss of mobility and the ability to walk.
Road Rash
Road rash occurs when unprotected skin scrapes against pavement, resulting in painful abrasions. While often dismissed as a minor injury, road rash can lead to serious complications such as deep tissue damage, nerve injuries, and infections if not properly treated.
Lower Extremity Injuries
Injuries to the feet, legs, ankles, and knees are common in motorcycle accidents, as there is no metal protection to shield you from impact. These injuries can include bone fractures, amputations, severe bruising, cuts, lacerations, and other trauma, often requiring surgery for recovery.
If you’re able to prove the key elements of your motorcycle accident claim, you could recover the compensation you deserve for your losses. In these cases, your losses generally fall into two main categories, both rooted in the legal concept of damages:
Economic Damages
These include the costs of medical treatment for your injuries, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and ongoing therapy, as well as any income you lose from being unable to work during your recovery.
Noneconomic Damages
These refer to your subjective losses, which encompass pain and suffering, the impact on your personal relationships, and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
Estimating the right amount of compensation can be complex, but an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Yakima knows exactly how to handle it. For instance, our team will request copies of all your medical bills and receipts, and if you’re self-employed, we’ll review your paystubs or profit-and-loss statements to understand the full scope of your financial losses. This helps us accurately calculate your economic damages.
When it comes to noneconomic losses, we rely on our experience. Having represented countless clients, we know how a jury evaluates claims related to pain and suffering or emotional distress. In many cases, our clients are able to secure several times the amount of their economic damages in pain and suffering compensation.
Common Motorcycle Accident Questions
What is the first thing I should do after an accident?
Contact medics if there are injuries, followed by the police. An officer will respond to the scene, create a police report, and document key details such as the date, time, and location of the accident. They’ll also gather the other driver’s information.
Should I say anything to the police or other drivers?
Keep your statements to the police and other drivers brief. Avoid admitting fault or saying anything that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility, as it could be used against you later. Even a simple apology might be misconstrued.
What should I do while I wait for the police?
While waiting for the police, take photographs of all vehicles involved, including the positions they ended up in right after the crash, if possible, before moving them. This helps document the scene accurately.
Additionally, be sure to collect insurance information from all drivers involved.
What if the other driver claims they didn’t see me?
Motorcycle accidents often occur because drivers fail to notice motorcycles on the road. This doesn’t absolve them of responsibility. An attorney can help prove negligence by examining evidence like traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction.
How is compensation calculated for motorcycle accidents?
Motorcyclists often face more severe injuries than car drivers, which can result in higher medical bills and longer recovery times. Compensation takes into account the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An attorney can ensure these unique factors are fully considered.
Can I still recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
In Washington State, wearing a helmet is required by law for motorcyclists. However, not wearing one doesn’t automatically bar you from recovering damages. Your compensation may be reduced if the lack of a helmet contributed to the severity of your injuries, but an attorney can help you navigate this issue.
When should I contact an motorcycle accident attorney?
Contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. The earlier we can begin working on your case, the better your chances of a successful outcome. It’s also wise to have a lawyer with you when communicating with the insurance company, even in the early stages of your claim.
While we can’t guarantee compensation, following these steps will help avoid common pitfalls that can make obtaining compensation more difficult.
