Seattle Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. They can result in serious injuries such as head trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, paralysis, and road rash. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and can leave motorcycle accident victims with permanent disabilities. Moreover, the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses can be overwhelming, particularly for those who are unable to work due to their injuries.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Seattle, you need an experienced Seattle motorcycle accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and obtain fair compensation for your losses. At Malcolm Law, we understand the challenges that victims of motorcycle accidents face, and we are committed to helping them recover from their losses and move on with their lives. We are committed to helping motorcycle accident victims receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, pain, and suffering. Call (206) 659-9514 to speak with our Seattle motorcycle accident attorneys today for the compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Some common types of Seattle motorcycle accidents we see that involve legal action include:

• Single-vehicle accidents: These occur when a motorcycle rider loses control of their bike and crashes into an object or falls off the bike.
• Collision with a fixed object: This happens when a motorcycle rider collides with a stationary object, such as a tree or a parked car.
• Rear-end collisions: This type of accident happens when a motorcycle is hit from behind by another vehicle.
• Left-turn accidents: This is a common type of accident that occurs when a car or truck turns left in front of a motorcycle, and the motorcycle is unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.
• Intersection accidents: These occur when a motorcycle rider is hit by another vehicle while crossing an intersection.
• Lane splitting accidents: Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rider passes between two lanes of traffic. Accidents can occur if the rider misjudges the space available or if a driver changes lanes unexpectedly.
• Drunk driving accidents: Alcohol-impaired driving is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. When a driver is drunk, their ability to judge distances and react to changing traffic conditions is impaired

Unique Motorcycle Laws of Seattle

While motorcycles are recognized as vehicles, the Washington state vehicular code does provide some unique laws specific to motorcyclists that should be considered, including:

• Helmet Law: In Seattle, all motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear helmets that meet or exceed the standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• Eye Protection: Motorcycle riders are also required to wear eye protection unless their motorcycle is equipped with a windshield or windscreen that provides adequate eye protection.
• Lane Splitting: Lane splitting, or the practice of riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Seattle and the rest of Washington.
• Passenger Footrests: Motorcycles designed to carry passengers must have footrests for the passenger.
• Handlebar Height: Handlebars cannot be higher than the rider’s shoulder height when seated on the motorcycle.
• Insurance: Like all motorists in Washington, motorcycle riders must carry liability insurance coverage.

If you fail to adhere to these laws and if that failure contributes to the motorcycle crash, a natural question to ask is whether you are still able to recover. The answer to this is whether Washington follows a standard known as “Contributory Negligence”.

Contributory Negligence vs. Comparative Negligence

“Contributory negligence” is a legal doctrine that completely bars a plaintiff from recovering any damages if the plaintiff was also negligent in causing their own injuries. Some states will prevent the plaintiff from recovering if they were responsible at all for the accident.

However, Seattle does not follow the standard of contributory negligence. Instead, Seattle follows the doctrine of “comparative negligence”, which allows a plaintiff to recover damages even if they were partially at fault for their injuries. Under comparative negligence, the damages are reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the plaintiff.

Washington is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that a plaintiff can recover damages even if they are 99% at fault for their injuries. However, the damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the plaintiff.

Contact our Seattle Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. However, with the help of an experienced Seattle personal injury attorney, you can obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. At Malcolm Law, we understand that every case is unique and requires a personalized approach. That is why we offer free initial consultations to all potential clients. During this consultation, we will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and provide you with honest and straightforward legal advice. We will also explain our fees and how we can help you move forward with your motorcycle accident claim.

We believe that every victim of a motorcycle accident deserves justice, and we are committed to helping you achieve it. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Seattle, do not hesitate to contact us. Contact our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers today to schedule your free consultation and get the compensation you deserve.