Washington’s diverse landscape makes it one of the most popular bucket-list motorcycle-riding destinations in the United States. It’s also a state with many residents who appreciate the gas-friendly, dependable transportation a motorcycle offers for daily rides to work or school as well as exhilarating weekend road trips. Unfortunately, there’s also a significant safety risk whenever a motorcyclist hits the road, because in an accident—they literally hit the road due to the unenclosed, open-air design of a motorcycle.
Motorcycle accidents often end in tragedy or catastrophic injuries, and although motorcyclists don’t have a perfect record, the majority of motorcycle accidents result from driver error or negligence on the part of a driver sharing the road unsafely with a motorcyclist. An Everett motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate any accidents you were involved in.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Washington?
Motorcyclists love a thrilling ride in the open air, but the slim, two-wheeled design of a motorcycle makes it more difficult for drivers to see and judge the motorcycle’s speed and proximity. When drivers share the road with motorcyclists, they must give due diligence to the presence of motorcycles and take all reasonable measures to avoid causing an accident and injuries. Sadly, some drivers fail to take those reasonable measures. The most common causes of Washington motorcycle accidents include the following driver actions and negligence:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating, or following a motorcycle too closely
- Failure to yield the right of way to a motorcyclist
- Unsafe lane changes
- Drivers making left turns
- Car-dooring accidents
- Reckless driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Drowsy driving
Some motorcycle accidents are caused by defective motorcycle parts or hazardous road conditions such as potholes, sandy shoulders, or workzone construction debris and obstacles. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident with a car, make sure to reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer in Everett.
Proving Liability for Different Causes of Washington Motorcycle Accidents
Washington is a fault-based insurance state that requires accident victims to prove liability on the part of another party to recover compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company. The at-fault party is most commonly a negligent or reckless driver. In these cases, an injured motorcyclist and their attorney must investigate the accident to prove the driver’s negligent actions breached the legal duty of care that requires them to take all reasonable measures to avoid causing injury to others. Then they present the evidence of driver liability to the driver’s insurance company to make a compelling case for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If the accident was caused by a road hazard, the at-fault party in a compensation claim may be a negligent road maintenance agency. When motorcycle accidents result from a defective motorcycle part, an injury victim doesn’t have to prove negligence, since manufacturers have direct liability for product injuries. Instead, the injury victim must prove that the part had a design flaw, manufacturing error, or marketing problem such as inadequate safety warnings or instructions.
How Can a Washington Motorcycle Accident Lawer Help?
Insurance companies protect their profits at an injury victim’s expense, often by disputing or denying claims or assigning an undue portion of fault to the injury victim to reduce a payout on a claim. It’s always best to hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Washington and then direct the insurance company to speak to your lawyer. Contact Wells Trumbull today so your Everett injury attorney can investigate your accident, document evidence of the cause of the motorcycle accident, and seek the maximum compensation in your case.