Riding a motorcycle can be both ecologically and economically wise. Motorcyclists usually end up paying less at the gas pump than people who drive passenger vehicles while also leaving a smaller carbon footprint. However, as wallet-friendly and green as riding a bike maybe, motorcyclists face hazards that car and truck drivers do not. Because of their small size and lack of sturdy steel enclosures, motorcycles and their riders are more vulnerable than passenger vehicle occupants in the event of a road collision. While someone in a car has the benefit of airbags and seatbelts, a motorcyclist is left with the clothes on their back and the helmet on their head as their sole protection in the event of an accident. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the expert motorcycle accident attorneys at Russell & Hill, PLLC for a consultation today.
Recovering from serious injuries is not only a painful process, it can also be expensive, and the road to recovery may be a long one—if indeed a full recovery can be made at all. Some accident victims are left permanently disabled after the crash, leaving them unable to return to work to earn a wage. The costs of medical care and treatment can be astronomical, resulting in financial strain being added to the already-massive burden the injury victim bears. However, accident victims can seek to recover damages from the party that was liable for their injuries by taking legal action in civil court.
All too many passenger vehicle drivers are negligent when it comes to sharing the roads with motorcyclists. Tragic accidents could be prevented by double-checking a blind spot before merging, but drivers often fail to do this—and the results can be devastating. Distracted drivers, speeding drivers, and drivers who fail to stop at stop signs or red lights are all engaging in negligence, which means that they can be held legally liable for any damages to persons or property resulting from their poor driving.
The Insurance Information Institute reported that, despite strict helmet laws in the majority of states in the US, only 65 percent of motorcyclists reported using helmets while riding. In 2016, more than 5,200 motorcyclists were killed in fatal accidents, and it is estimated that 88,000 or more bikers were injured in 2015.
If you were hurt in a bike crash and need a motorcycle accident attorney in Seattle, contact the personal injury specialists at Russell & Hill, PLLC. As an accident victim, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the person responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, and we can help. We specialize in handling motorcycle accident injury claims, and we do our work on a fee-contingency basis, so you pay no attorney’s fees until your case has resulted in a courtroom win or a cash settlement. Call today for your free consultation.
Motorcycles can be a great way to get out and see the beautiful Washington State scenery, but they can also lead to serious injuries. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, there were 2,137 motorcycle crashes during the latest reporting year. Out of those, there were:
Over half of all motorcycle crashes result in an injury or a fatality for riders and their passengers.
There are new insurance requirements in place for Washington motorcyclists. As of July 28, 2019, all motorcycle drivers must carry liability insurance as well as proof they have insurance. The minimum coverage required includes:
Washington law requires all motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear a helmet. This has been a constant source of debate for state lawmakers, and this requirement is subject to change in the future. Right now, it is illegal to ride without a helmet.
There is no denying that helmets save lives in motorcycle accidents. Please ride safely every time you hit the road on your motorcycle.
Even when a motorcyclist is wearing a helmet, they are more vulnerable to major injuries in the event of a crash. The average passenger vehicle weighs around 4,000 pounds. When a car slams into a motorcycle, the motorcyclist is often struck twice – once by the vehicle and once by the ground. It is not uncommon for us to see the following injuries in the aftermath of a motorcycle crash:
Lane splitting refers to the practice of motorcyclists riding in the middle lane between slow or stalled traffic. While this practice is legal in some states, it is not legal in Washington. If you are lane splitting at the time of a crash, you will be found at-fault. Because some states allow lane splitting, it can be confusing for out of state motorcyclists coming to Washington.
Washington is an at-fault state, so the driver who caused your crash is going to be on the line for injury and damage expenses. You will file a claim with your insurer, and they will file a claim with the at-fault driver’s carrier.
In many cases, motorcycle crash expenses go beyond the minimums carried by at-fault drivers. You may need to contact Russell & Hill, PLLC to file a personal injury claim. Their Seattle motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to help. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 800-529-0842.
