Federal Way Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcyclists are overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities. With little to protect a motorcyclist from the impact of a car or the road, a crash can be catastrophic – or even deadly. If you’ve been a victim, a Federal Way motorcycle accident lawyer from our team can help with your claim. Schedule a consultation today to get started.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Speeding: This is a top cause of all accidents, both vehicle and motorcycle. Speeding can greatly increase the severity of injury in an accident
Driving under the influence: Not surprisingly, many collisions involve drunk driving
Car doors: Motorcycle accidents can occur when drivers open their parked car door into the path of a motorcyclist
Unsafe lane changes: When drivers fail to check their blind spots or change lanes too quickly, they can strike a motorcyclist.
Road hazards: Construction, debris, and potholes can cause a motorcyclist to crash, particularly if there was no warning of the hazard
Left turn and right-of-way accidents: Drivers may make hasty misjudgments of distance and crash into motorcyclists

If a driver is careless and collides with a motorcyclist, they can be held liable. The motorcyclist is entitled to receive compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Preventing Motorcycle Accidents

There are steps motorcyclists can take to decrease the odds of being in a crash. The NHTSA recommends these actions before heading out:

Get proper licensing: In the State of Washington, this means you’ll need a motorcycle license
Practice operating your motorcycle: Find a safe space to practice maneuvering your motorcycle. Be sure you know how to operate it in various weather conditions
Safety check: Before every ride, make sure fluid levels are adequate and that the bike is in good condition. Balance the cargo to prevent tipping. If a passenger is joining you, make sure they understand safe riding practices and to keep movement to a minimum
Wear proper protection: Always wear a helmet. Cover your arms and legs with leather or heavy denim. Consider wearing bright colors to make yourself visible to other drivers
Ride sober: Never ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Use good judgment: Always follow traffic safety rules. Ride defensively and don’t assume other drivers can see you. Avoid taking unnecessary risks. Ride smart!

Of course, there are times when you do everything right and a crash still happens. In these situations, Ladenburg Law can assist you.

Recovering Compensation if You’re Partially to Blame

Sometimes, a motorcyclist is partially to blame for the crash. For instance, perhaps you weren’t wearing a helmet or were speeding, and a driver ran a red light and struck you. While the other driver caused the crash, you broke a traffic violation and might be partly responsible for your injuries.

The good news is that Washington State is a comparative fault state (RCW 4.22.015). Simply put, this means that your settlement will be reduced by the percentage you’re at fault. To illustrate, suppose that a jury decides that motorcyclist was 30% at fault for the way she was maneuvering at the time of the accident. If her settlement award is $250,000, she will receive 70% of the total, or $175,000.

Our motorcycle attorneys understand how to navigate cases where comparative fault comes into play. If you have questions about who’s liable in your case, we encourage you to reach out and call us for a free consultation.

Contact a Federal Way Motorcycle Attorney Today

There is a limited time to file a motorcycle accident claim in the State of Washington. For that reason, we urge you to reach out to our Federal Way motorcycle accident lawyers today.

At Ladenburg Law, we always offer a free initial consultation. Plus, we’ll only charge you a fee if we’re able to win your case. This means we’ll cover all the upfront costs associated with your case. Don’t wait; schedule your consultation today.