Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles and their riders are at a big disadvantage on the roadways of Bremerton, and because of this, harrowing motorcycle accidents are not unheard of in our local area. Operators of motorcycles are traveling amid traffic without any outside protection for their bodies; just one clip by a passing motorist and the motorcyclist is in for serious injuries. Although motorcyclists usually wear safety gear and helmets, these afford little in the way of safeguards for the motorcyclist should a worst-case scenario unfold. Even low-speed impacts of car versus motorcycle tend to end poorly, with the motorcyclist often barely escaping with his life, and sadly, sometimes dying at the scene. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own, Russell and Hill can help you hold the at-fault party responsible and help you collect damages for your injuries.

Motorcycle Accident Causes

There are a number of incidents that can result in a motorcycle accident. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are as follows:

1. Unsafe lane changes: Motorcyclists are at risk of being hit by a vehicle when the driver doesn’t check their blind spot or fails to signal before changing lanes.
2. Speeding: Speeding is the leading cause of all types of car accidents, including ones involving motorcyclists. Speeding reduces the vehicle driver’s chance of seeing and reacting to motorcyclists in time to prevent a collision – and the higher the speed, the greater the impact and the more severe the injuries.
3. Car doors: Motorcycle collisions can happen when a driver opens the door of their parked car right in the path of an oncoming motorcyclist.
4. Driving under the influence: Motorists who drive while under the influence are a leading cause in auto accidents. Being hit by a drunk driver can be especially devastating, even fatal, for a motorcyclist, and the driver that is under the influence will often face criminal and civil liability for the accident.
5. Lane splitting: When someone drives between two lanes, it is referred to as “lane splitting.” Motorcyclists are known to do this to surpass traffic, but the resulting wrecks it can cause can have devastating or even fatal consequences.
6. Sudden stops: Rear accidents can occur from sudden stops, causing a motorcyclist to crash into the vehicle in front of them, or being rear-ended by a vehicle behind them as a result of their own sudden stop. Either way can have devastating consequences.
7. Inexperienced drivers
8. Dangerous road conditions: Potholes, debris, and crumbling pavement can easily cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their motorcycle.

Filing Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

Like all personal injury claims in Washington State, motorcycle accident claims must be filed within three years of the date of your motorcycle injury. Claims filed after that date are inadmissible in civil court under the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. For this reason, speaking with our Bremerton motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible following your injury is important. Give us a call to set up your free case evaluation today; we can help you weigh your legal options and determine the best course forward for your particular situation.