Russell & Hill, PLLC
motorcycle accident in spokane valley

Spokane Valley Motorcycle Accidents

Did you or someone you love get hurt in a Spokane Valley motorcycle accident? The after effects of an accident can be overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to turn for help. You might be facing medical bills, income losses, and pain that affects your daily life. At challenging times like these, you need someone in your corner who understands your situation and can fight for your rights.

A Spokane Valley motorcycle accident lawyer from Russell & Hill, PLLC, can pursue the compensation you need for your recovery. We understand the challenges motorcycle accident victims face and will advocate aggressively on your behalf. Don’t wait to get the support you deserve, contact Russell & Hill, PLLC, today at (509) 350-4452 for a free initial consultation, and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.

Common Causes and Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents frequently result in severe injuries and life-altering consequences. Here are some common factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents in the Spokane Valley area:

  • Distracted Driving: Drivers who focus on their phones, GPS devices, or other distractions often fail to notice motorcycles. This lack of attention can lead to collisions at intersections, during lane changes, or even while driving in a straight line.
  • Failure to Yield: Many drivers underestimate the speed of oncoming motorcycles or simply overlook them altogether. This is common at intersections and in merge zones. When drivers fail to yield the right of way, motorcyclists have little or no time to react.
  • Speeding: If car or truck drivers exceed the speed limit, they reduce the amount of time they have to notice and react to motorcycles on the road. Speeding vehicles also create more force upon impact, which makes any collision with a motorcycle much more severe.
  • Aggressive Driving: Drivers who tailgate, weave through traffic, or give in to road rage pose significant threats to motorcyclists. Aggressive drivers often make sudden lane changes, which can cut off motorcycle riders or force them into dangerous maneuvers.
  • Left-Turn Accidents: One of the most common motorcycle accident scenarios involves a driver turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. This can happen if the driver fails to see the motorcycle or misjudges its speed and distance.
  • Dooring Incidents: Drivers or passengers in parked cars sometimes open their doors without checking for approaching motorcycles. If a motorcyclist collides with a suddenly opened car door, the impact can throw them off their bike or cause them to swerve into traffic.
  • Mechanical Defects: Mechanical failures like brake malfunctions or tire blowouts in cars and trucks can lead to sudden, unpredictable movements. If the driver of a larger vehicle experiences a defect, they might swerve, stop suddenly, or lose control and crash into a motorcyclist.
  • Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, or poorly marked construction zones create hazardous conditions for motorcyclists. Unlike cars, motorcycles are more sensitive to changes in the road surface, and hitting a pothole or loose gravel can result in loss of control.

Each of these factors presents distinct risks for motorcyclists and can contribute to numerous types of motorcycle accidents, such as:

  • Rear-end collisions
  • Left-turn accidents
  • Head-on collisions
  • Dooring accidents
  • Side-swipe accidents
  • T-bone crashes
  • Intersection accidents
  • Highway collisions

How the Cause of the Accident and Injury Type Influence Case Strategy

The cause of a motorcycle accident shapes the approach we take in your case. Here are some examples of how different accident scenarios and injury types affect case strategy:

  • Aggressive Driving and Spinal Cord Injuries: Proving reckless behavior often involves gathering witness testimony and reviewing traffic camera footage. Severe injuries like spinal cord damage increase the need for extensive medical documentation and expert analysis to ensure all future medical costs are considered.
  • Left-Turn Accidents and Traumatic Brain Injuries: Left-turn accidents frequently lead to serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries. These cases may focus on proving the driver’s failure to yield, supported by accident reconstruction experts to clearly establish fault.
  • Poor Road Conditions and Fractures: When a motorcyclist hits potholes or loose gravel, it can result in serious injuries like fractures. In these cases, our attorneys may explore third-party liability, holding the city or contractors responsible for failing to maintain safe roads.
  • Mechanical Defects and Multi-Vehicle Collisions: Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can cause devastating crashes. If a defective part played a role, our team would investigate claims against the manufacturer, potentially pursuing product liability in addition to the accident claim.

Each case is unique, and our strategy adapts to the specific cause and resulting injuries, ensuring we gather the right evidence and pursue all potential sources of compensation.

Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?

Motorcycle accidents are particularly dangerous compared to other motor vehicle accidents because motorcycles offer far less protection than passenger cars. Cars have seat belts, airbags, and metal frames to protect passengers, while motorcycles leave riders exposed to the full impact of a collision. This lack of protection significantly increases the likelihood of serious injuries when a motorcycle accident occurs.

Motorcycle accidents are also more likely to be fatal than car accidents because of the exposure and vulnerability of motorcycle riders. According to WSDOT, In one recent year, there were nine fatal accidents out of 1,259 total crashes throughout Spokane Valley, an overall fatal crash rate of 0.7 percent. Four of these deadly accidents were motorcycle crashes. There were 44 total motorcycle wrecks in Spokane Valley that year, meaning more than nine percent were fatal motorcycle accidents.

High-Risk Areas for Motorcycle Accidents in Spokane Valley

Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere motorcyclists ride, but certain roads in Spokane Valley are exceptionally high-risk for riders:

  • Sprague Avenue is one of the most dangerous roads for motorcyclists in Spokane Valley. Seven motorcycle accidents occurred along this road in one recent year alone. This busy road has numerous intersections and sees a lot of traffic. The mix of high-speed traffic and frequent stops increases the risk of motorcycle accidents, especially during peak hours.
  • Sullivan Road is another high-risk area, particularly near its intersections with Sprague Avenue and E 16th Avenue. Motorcycle accidents occurred at both of these intersections in one recent year. These intersections are known for their heavy traffic, and the volume of vehicles combined with frequent lane changes makes them hazardous for motorcyclists.
  • Trent Avenue (SR 290) is a major route that runs east to west through Spokane Valley. Due to its high speed limits and numerous intersections, motorcyclists face significant risks on this road, especially during peak traffic hours. Five motorcycle accidents occurred along Trent Avenue in one recent year, one of which was fatal.

Other high-risk areas in Spokane Valley include I-90, Mullan Road, and Pines Road. Multiple motorcycle accidents occurred along each of these roads in one recent year.

Several factors increase the risk of motorcycle accidents in Spokane Valley. During winter and early spring, cold weather often covers local roads with snow and ice, reducing traction and making riding dangerous. Frequent road construction in Spokane Valley also creates hazards for motorcyclists. Construction projects often leave roads with uneven surfaces, gravel patches, and sudden lane shifts. Motorcycles are more sensitive to these changes, and riders face greater risks in such conditions.

Motorcycle Wreck Injuries

Due to the lack of protection that motorcycles offer, even a minor collision can cause significant harm to riders. Common examples of motorcycle accident injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Road rash
  • Concussions
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal bleeding
  • Organ damage
  • Lacerations
  • Bruising
  • Whiplash
  • Fractured ribs
  • Collapsed lungs
  • Dislocated joints
  • Amputations
  • Facial injuries
  • Eye injuries
  • Hearing loss
  • Burns
  • Pelvic fractures
  • Knee injuries
  • Torn ligaments
  • Nerve damage
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

What to Do After a Spokane Valley Motorcycle Crash

The steps you take after a motorcycle accident can significantly impact your ability to file a claim and recover fair compensation. Here’s what you should do:

  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel hurt.
  • Follow your doctor’s advice and attend all follow-up medical appointments.
  • Keep a record of all medical treatments and expenses related to your injuries.
  • Document your injuries with photographs and detailed notes.
  • Obtain a copy of the accident report and review it for accuracy.
  • Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for guidance.
  • Notify your insurance company about the accident promptly.
  • Do not accept any settlement offers without advice from your attorney.
  • Avoid discussing the accident or your injuries on social media.

Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim

If you have a motorcycle accident claim after a Spokane Valley accident, you should understand how Washington handles accident insurance claims. State law requires all drivers, including motorcyclists, to have liability insurance. This includes at least $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability insurance, and $10,000 per accident in property damage liability insurance. It’s worth noting that liability insurance pays for injuries or damage you cause to others in an accident, but it won’t cover your own injuries or losses.

If another driver is at fault for the motorcycle accident, you could file a personal injury claim against the negligent driver’s insurance policy. In that case, you could be entitled to compensation up to the other driver’s policy limits. If you have no-fault coverage in addition to the mandatory liability insurance, you could receive a payout from your own insurance provider, too. You might also have claims against other parties, such as a manufacturer (if a defect contributed to the accident) or the city (if poor road conditions were a factor).

Filing a motorcycle accident claim can be difficult due to several complicating factors. One significant issue is the bias that insurance companies and juries often have against motorcyclists. Many people assume that motorcyclists are inherently reckless, which can make it harder to prove that another driver was at fault. Additionally, motorcycle accident injuries are often particularly severe, which can lead to disputes about the extent of the harm you suffered and how much compensation you are due. In light of these factors, working with a knowledgeable lawyer who understands the specific challenges of motorcycle accident cases will give you the best chance of maximizing positive outcomes.

Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident Case

The compensation you receive from a successful motorcycle accident claim can cover a wide range of financial, physical, and emotional losses you experience due to the accident, such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical costs
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost quality of life
  • Emotional distress
  • Rehabilitation and therapy costs
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Assistive device or home modification costs
  • Funeral and burial expenses (in fatal cases)
  • Property damage repair or replacement costs

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Spokane Valley, Washington?

Washington law gives you three years to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident injury. If you wait too long to file, you risk losing your right to pursue compensation for your injuries. The filing deadline is strict, so it’s important to take action quickly. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a Spokane Valley motorcycle accident to avoid missing this critical filing window.

A lawyer can help you by managing your claim and filing all necessary paperwork on time. The sooner you act, the more time your lawyer has to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and build a strong case before the deadline passes. Waiting too long to seek legal help could result in losing the opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve, so don’t delay.

How a Spokane Valley Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Hiring an experienced attorney after a motorcycle accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through the complex case process, protect your rights, and work to secure the compensation you deserve by:

  • Investigating the accident to determine fault
  • Gathering and preserving evidence from the accident scene
  • Interviewing witnesses to support your case
  • Calculating the full extent of your losses, including future expenses
  • Consulting with medical experts to validate your injuries
  • Handling communications with the other driver’s insurance company
  • Preparing and filing all necessary claim documents on time
  • Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
  • Advising you on whether to accept settlement offers
  • Representing you in court if your case goes to trial

Why Choose Russell & Hill, PLLC?

At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we prioritize getting results for our injured clients above all else. Our team has decades of combined experience in handling tough personal injury cases, including those that other firms might turn down. We understand the confusion and stress that often follow a traumatic event like a motorcycle accident, and we’re here to support you throughout your recovery.

Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurers and big-name companies. We know that insurance providers often prioritize saving money over fairly compensating injury victims. That’s why we’re committed to fighting for every dollar you deserve. We offer more than just legal representation—we provide moral support, medical evaluations, and financial resources to help you recover and move forward.

We believe that you should never settle for less than you deserve. Our attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case and advise you on your legal rights. When you come to us for help, we’ll determine the true value of your case and work tirelessly to secure the most favorable outcome. Don’t face the aftermath of a motorcycle accident alone—let us fight for you so you can focus on healing.

Contact our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Spokane Valley

Dealing with the effects of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. A Spokane Valley motorcycle accident attorney can help. Contact Russell & Hill, PLLC, today at (509) 350-4452 for a free initial consultation, and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.

 

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