Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Tacoma is a popular Everett mecca for motorcyclists who enjoy the natural beauty of the historic Five Mile drive and Puget Sound. Nonetheless, a leisurely ride through Tacoma can turn into a nightmare in a heartbeat if the right conditions are in place. Motorcyclists ride a rapidly moving vehicle without a seat belt and no surrounding buffer from other vehicles on the roadway, protected only by a helmet on the head—which, by the way, is only around 40 percent effective in prevent mortal injury to the wearer—so riders are in peril every time they move into traffic. Motorcycle accidents are not unusual on Washington State’s highways, bi-ways and streets, and if you have been injured due to no fault of your own, you can hold the responsible party accountable for your losses. Our Tacoma motorcycle accident attorney can help.

Motorcycle Accident Causes

While it is true that there’s not always someone to blame when an accident occurs, it’s also true that the predominant cause of accidents involving motorcycles is the failure of other vehicle operators to detect motorcycles in traffic. This can lead to serious crashes and even fatalities. Nearly 75 percent of all motorcycle accidents involve a passenger vehicle. Some other top causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Unsafe lane changes. When drivers do not signal changing lanes or fail to check their blindspots, they can cut off the unseen motorcyclist, causing catastrophic injuries.
• Car doors being opened. When a driver opens a parked car’s door as a motorcycle passes, accidents ensue.
• Speeding is a factor in driver response time; the faster a car is going, the harder it is to stop or react to situations on the road.
• Impaired driving. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol leads to poor decisions on the road and is a factor in many motorcycle crashes.
• Rear-end collision. Following the motorcyclist too closely can lead to rear-end accidents and severe injuries.
• Dangerous conditions on the road. From potholes and crumbling pavement to uneven driving surfaces and debris, the condition of the road can contribute to motorcycle crashes.
• Manufacturing defects. A poorly designed or manufactured part can lead to serious injury when a safety system or main operating component fails.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Damages

On average, you are 27 times more likely per traveled vehicle mile to die on a motorcycle than if you were the occupant in a traditional passenger auto. Injuries sustained by motorcyclists can be quite significant, including brain and spine injuries, internal bleeding, broken bones, open fractures, burns and more. Damages may include medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering, among other losses.

Don’t let the big insurance companies push you around. Discuss your situation right away with our Tacoma motorcycle accident attorney and let us help you identify the defendants in your claim and get the claims process started. We have built a reputation for standing up for the rights of accident victims. Schedule your no-cost case evaluation with our trusted legal team at Russell and Hill today.