Russell & Hill, PLLC

If you suffered injuries while riding your motorcycle due to a motorist’s careless actions, you may have questions and concerns about your legal rights and options. Contact the Vancouver motorcycle accident attorneys at Russell & Hill, PLLC, at 360-566-2999 to get answers and learn more about pursuing the financial recovery you deserve.

Vancouver’s roads offer a mix of fast-paced highways and scenic routes for motorcyclists, but these same roads also see a significant number of motorcycle accidents each year. Motorcycles, due to their size and exposure, often suffer severe consequences when involved in collisions, many of which are caused by other drivers. The injuries sustained in these accidents are often more serious, leading to longer recovery times and higher costs. Injured motorcyclists in Vancouver shouldn’t bear the financial burden for accidents they didn’t cause. A personal injury claim can help recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Vancouver, Washington Motorcycle Accident Statistics 2014 – 2023

Motorcycle Crash Statistics for Vancouver, WA
Injury Type 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Average
Fatal 0 1 0 2 2 2 2 3 4 2 1.8
Suspected Serious Injury 10 10 10 9 12 12 11 8 8 9 9.9
Suspected Minor Injury 15 29 24 19 11 12 14 23 18 16 18.1
Possible Injury 8 22 17 8 8 10 6 5 8 15 10.7
No Apparent Injury 5 10 9 11 9 9 5 11 11 11 9.1
Total Crashes 38 72 60 49 42 45 38 50 49 53 49.6

Summary of Vancouver Motorcycle Crash Data (2014-2023)

  1. Fatal Accidents: Fatal motorcycle accidents in Vancouver have been relatively low, with an average of 1.8 fatalities per year. The highest number of fatalities occurred in 2022 with 4 deaths, while several years had no fatalities.
  2. Suspected Serious Injuries: Serious injuries have remained fairly consistent over the years, averaging 9.9 per year. The range fluctuated between 8 and 12 suspected serious injuries annually.
  3. Suspected Minor Injuries: Minor injuries saw more variation, with an average of 18.1 per year. The highest number was in 2015 with 29 injuries, while the lowest was in 2018 with 11 injuries.
  4. Possible Injuries: Possible injuries have averaged 10.7 per year, with the highest number being 22 in 2015 and the lowest being 5 in 2021.
  5. No Apparent Injury: Accidents resulting in no apparent injuries have averaged 9.1 per year, with relatively consistent numbers across the years, mostly hovering around 9 to 11 incidents annually.
  6. Total Crashes: The total number of motorcycle crashes in Vancouver has averaged 49.6 per year. The highest total was in 2015 with 72 crashes, while the lowest was in 2014 and 2020, both with 38 crashes.

Relevance to Motorcycle Accident Cases:

  • Steady Rate of Serious Injuries: The consistent occurrence of serious injuries reflects the persistent dangers for motorcyclists on Vancouver’s roads and shows the importance of experienced attorneys in addressing the long-term effects motorcycle accident injuries can have on those involved.
  • Variation in Minor Injuries and Total Crashes: The fluctuation in minor injuries and total crashes indicates that each year can bring different challenges for motorcyclists. Detailed accident investigations are key to identify the specific circumstances of each case.
  • Fatality and No Injury Trends: The lower numbers in fatalities and no apparent injuries suggest that while many Vancouver motorcycle accidents may not be immediately fatal or injury-free, they often result in significant harm. The right attorneys can ensure all injuries are accounted for in claims, even those that were recorded as “no apparent injury” since some injuries don’t manifest themselves right away.

Why Choose the Vancouver Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Russell & Hill, PLLC?

Choosing an attorney to represent you in a motorcycle accident claim can affect the outcome of your case. You deserve a lawyer who will fight for your rights and interests while providing the dedicated service and personalized attention you need during this challenging time.

Motorcycle accident victims throughout the Vancouver area trust the team at Russell & Hill, PLLC, to pursue financial recovery from negligent parties because of our unmatched experience in complex and challenging accident cases. We’re committed to getting the best possible results for our clients, including pursuing every avenue for financial compensation.

Unique Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Claims

Injured motorcyclists frequently face challenges and obstacles when pursuing financial compensation after a crash. For starters, they tend to suffer more severe injuries that lead to higher compensation claims due to extensive medical treatment and sometimes permanent disabilities. Insurance companies may fight harder with more considerable sums of money on the line.

Additionally, drivers and insurers may rely on biases and stereotypes against motorcycle riders to support their claims. They may blame the rider for the crash, forcing them to present substantial evidence to clear their name and demonstrate how the driver’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident. Russell & Hill, PLLC, is prepared to fight against these tactics on your behalf.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Vancouver, WA

Many motorcycle accidents in Vancouver occur due to negligent or reckless driving by motorists who fail in their responsibility to safely share the road. Unfortunately, drivers who don’t look for motorcycles or adjust their driving behaviors around motorcyclists put riders at risk of a devastating accident. Some of the top driver-related causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Tailgating
  • Running red lights and stop signs
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way
  • Turning or changing lanes without signaling or checking mirrors
  • Passing a motorcycle without moving to an adjacent lane
  • Distracted driving
  • Drowsy driving
  • Driving while impaired

Understanding the causes of your motorcycle accident helps us determine the right evidence and legal approach. For instance, if distracted driving was involved, we might seek phone records to prove the driver was texting. If a driver failed to yield, traffic camera footage or witness statements could be crucial. This targeted approach by Russell & Hill, PLLC, ensures we hold all responsible parties accountable and strengthen your case for the best possible compensation.

Injuries Riders Suffer in Motorcycle Accidents

Without the protection provided by full enclosure, seatbelts, and airbags, motorcycle riders tend to suffer severe injuries in crashes. Injuries riders may suffer in motorcycle accidents in Vancouver include:

  • Lacerations and excessive bleeding
  • Abrasions and road rash
  • Broken bones
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
  • Whiplash
  • Nerve damage
  • Spinal injuries, including paralysis
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Crush injuries
  • Traumatic amputation or limb loss

The type and severity of injuries can affect the amount of compensation a rider may recover through an accident claim. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Vancouver account for the full scope of your injuries when fighting for the financial resources you need to put your life back together after a devastating crash.

Who Can You Hold Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?

Although a negligent or reckless driver who collides with a motorcyclist will usually bear liability for any resulting injuries, other parties may also share liability in some circumstances:

  • An employer, if the negligent driver was operating their vehicle in a business capacity
  • A bar or restaurant, if the driver was over-served alcohol
  • A government agency, if road conditions caused or contributed to the crash

At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our Vancouver motorcycle accident attorneys leave no stone unturned in identifying liable parties and holding them accountable for the harm they cause.

Proving Fault for a Motorcycle Crash

In many cases, a negligent driver or their insurance company will deny fault or liability for a motorcycle accident. The Vancouver motorcycle accident lawyers from Russell & Hill, PLLC, know that successfully recovering compensation for our clients requires a thorough investigation of crashes to recover all available evidence that can help prove fault, including:

  • Police crash reports
  • Accident scene photos and videos
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Surveillance and traffic camera footage
  • Dashcam and helmet cam footage
  • Vehicle event data recorder logs
  • Driver cell phone records
  • GPS logs
  • The motorcycle rider’s medical records
  • Accident reconstruction expert reports and testimony

Our team will work tirelessly to recover all available evidence to build the most robust case and give our client the best chance to obtain maximum financial recovery for their losses.

Can You File a Claim If You Bear Some of the Fault for a Motorcycle Accident?

Even when a driver or insurance company tries to partially blame a motorcyclist for an accident, the rider still has the right to seek compensation. Washington state follows the “comparative negligence” rule for accident cases. Under this rule, an injured party’s partial fault will not bar them from pursuing a legal claim for financial recovery. However, any fault they bear for the accident may reduce their compensation in proportion to their percentage of fault.

 

When the driver who hit you or their insurer tries to blame you for the motorcycle accident, a motorcycle accident attorney in Vancouver from Russell & Hill, PLLC, will vigorously advocate for your interests and work hard to prove the driver’s fault to recover maximum compensation.

What Steps Should You Take After an Accident on Your Motorcycle?

Taking prompt action after a motorcycle accident can preserve your right to pursue compensation claims against those responsible. Steps you should take include:

  • Report the accident to law enforcement and ask for a copy of the police report: The police report provides an official record of the accident, which can be critical evidence in proving fault and supporting your claim.
  • Seek immediate medical attention and follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations and recovery instructions: Prompt medical attention not only ensures your well-being but also creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the accident, making it harder for the insurance company to dispute your claim.
  • Secure copies of your medical records throughout your recovery process: Comprehensive medical records document the extent and progression of your injuries, providing necessary proof for the compensation you deserve.
  • Keep all bills, invoices, or receipts for accident-related expenses: Detailed financial records are essential for accurately calculating the compensation you are entitled to, covering everything from medical expenses to property damage.
  • Keep records of missed work and lost income: Documentation of lost wages supports your claim for compensation for income lost due to your inability to work during recovery.
  • Report the accident to your insurance company: Timely reporting to your insurance company is often required under the terms of your policy, and it helps to initiate the claims process.

Each of these steps plays a vital role in building a strong case for maximum compensation. Leaving out any of these steps or not being thorough can weaken your claim and make it easier for insurance companies to dispute the severity of your injuries or the liability of the other party.

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

In most circumstances, Washington’s personal injury statute of limitations gives you three years to file a lawsuit against the driver who hit you on your motorcycle. However, you should protect your right to pursue compensation by speaking with a motorcycle accident attorney in Vancouver from Russell & Hill, PLLC, as soon as possible after a crash. Our firm can manage the process of filing your accident claim. Working with an attorney promptly after a motorcycle accident gives you the best chance of filing your claims on time before the statute of limitations expires.

Pursuing Financial Recovery After a Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle accident can result in significant financial, physical, and emotional losses and challenges. You have the right to file a claim to pursue compensation for any losses or expenses you incur due to an accident. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our Vancouver motorcycle accident lawyers will fight vigorously to pursue maximum financial recovery, including:

 

  • All past, ongoing, and expected future medical expenses
  • Long-term disability care costs
  • Costs of home modifications and accommodations necessitated by your injuries
  • Costs of replacement services for household duties you can no longer perform
  • Lost income, including loss of future earning capacity, if your injuries prevent you from working or require you to switch to a lower-paying or part-time job
  • Physical and emotional pain and suffering
  • Loss of quality and enjoyment of life due to physical disabilities
  • Costs associated with the repair or replacement of your motorcycle and other damaged personal property

 

Working with an experienced attorney from Russell & Hill, PLLC, can give you the freedom to focus on your physical and emotional recovery while our firm seeks the financial resources you need to put your life back together after a catastrophic motorcycle accident.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Vancouver Help with Your Case?

Hiring the Vancouver motorcycle accident lawyers from Russell & Hill, PLLC, can help make the recovery process much more manageable and much less stressful. While you devote your time and energy to your medical treatment and rehabilitation, our firm will handle the details of investigating the accident, preparing a compelling legal case, and pursuing the financial relief you need and deserve. When you choose us to represent you after a motorcycle crash, our firm will go to work for you by:

 

  • Conducting a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident
  • Recovering all available evidence related to the crash
  • Identifying all potentially liable parties
  • Collaborating with accident reconstruction experts and other professionals who can provide insight into the accident and its effects
  • Identifying all potential avenues for compensation
  • Thoroughly documenting your injuries, expenses, and losses to determine fair compensation
  • Managing all communications with insurers and other third parties
  • Filing all insurance claims on your behalf
  • Negotiating with insurers to reach a fair settlement
  • Filing a lawsuit and fighting for you in court if a settlement can’t be reached

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Vancouver from Russell & Hill, PLLC, Today

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident where you were not at fault, contacting a motorcycle accident attorney in Vancouver as soon as possible can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our experienced attorneys are committed to securing the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. We understand the complex nature of motorcycle accident cases and will work vigorously to pursue your rights and the best possible outcome.

To learn more about how we can assist you, call us at (360) 566-2999 or submit an online form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. During this consultation, we’ll discuss the details of your case, explain your legal options, and provide clear guidance on the next steps. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery.

Location
502 NE 72nd St, Suite 208
Vancouver, WA 98665
Phone: 360-566-2999
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