We know that there are plenty of motorcycle enthusiasts in and around Seattle. If you own or ride a motorcycle, then you know there are risks when you ride, more so than if you were in a regular passenger vehicle. The problem is, you cannot control the negligence of other drivers around you.
At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we want to help if you or a loved one need a Seattle motorcycle crash attorney. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will work diligently to secure the compensation you deserve for all of your crash-related expenses.
A Tragedy Happened Here
Last month, police say that a man suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol with his three children in the vehicle slammed into a motorcyclist and killed him. The crash happened in Lacey, but it is something that can happen anywhere.
Washington State Patrol troopers say that the motorcyclist was a 33-year-old man from Olympia. The driver of the vehicle, a 36-year-old Lacey man, was arrested for investigation of:
- Vehicular homicide
- Vehicular assault
- DUI
- Reckless endangerment (one count for each child)
One of his kids, an 8-year-old boy, sustained a laceration and was taken to the hospital.
What Can Happen?
Most motorcycle crashes end up with the cyclist sustaining some sort of injury. They simply do not have protection from the full force of a vehicle slamming into them. Even when a motorcyclist is wearing a helmet, it is not uncommon for us to see the following injuries:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations
- Major soft tissue damage
- Internal organ damage
Each of these injuries requires medical attention. For the most severe injuries, a victim will need extensive rehab and recovery times, which could cost them their job and income.
For the latest reporting year in Washington, we know that there were around 2,500 motorcycle collisions. These incidents are often caused due to the negligence of other drivers. Particularly dangerous to motorcyclists are drivers who:
- Are impaired by drugs or alcohol, as was the case above
- Are distracted by their phones or other devices
- Speed and operate recklessly
In many cases, we find that drivers in passenger vehicles simply do not give motorcyclists the space they deserve on the roadway.
What An Attorney Can Do
Motorcycles are a great experience, but they can lead to tragedy due to the negligence of other drivers on the roadway. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle crash, you may need to seek legal assistance. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our knowledgeable and experienced team will get to work on securing the compensation you deserve for all of your crash-related expenses. This can include:
- Your medical expenses related to the incident
- Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against the negligent party
When you need a Seattle motorcycle accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by calling at 206-516-2045.