Riding a motorcycle in Washington can be an exhilarating experience. However, in a bustling city like Everett, Washington, it can also be fraught with dangers. The winding roads, unpredictable weather, and heavy traffic make for a potentially lethal combination. A motorcycle doesn’t offer the same level of protection as an automobile or a truck, and motorcyclists have less separating them from the roadway and its hazards. For this reason, motorcycle accidents can be more severe than other vehicle collisions since motorists are at a greater risk of being hurt in the event of a crash.
When motorcycle accidents happen, victims need an advocate who understands the complexities of local traffic law to help them recover the compensation they deserve. That is where an experienced Everett motorcycle injury attorney from law firm Wells Trumbull steps in. Find a trusted personal injury attorney in Everett today by calling us at (360)435-1663.
Why Choose Us for Your Motorcycle Injury Lawyers in Everett?
Serious motorcycle accident injury victims deserve serious representation. All too often, insurance companies deny valid claims or assign undue percentages of fault for the accident to the motorcyclist. An experienced motorcycle injury lawyer protects injured clients against those and other tactics to maximize the amount of compensation you’ll recover. Wells Trumbull offers the following advantages to your case:
- A free consultation and no fees until we win your case
- Diligent attention to detail for prompt action in a streamlined claim
- Decades of experience in motorcycle accident claims in Everett and a strong history of success in obtaining large settlements and court awards for our clients
- A resolution-based approach to increase your chances of an out-of-court settlement so you don’t have to go to court
- Experienced litigators who are more than ready to take your case to court should the insurance company of the at-fault party fail to cover your damages
Attorney Ben Wells has practiced injury law since 1989 and was named Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Washington State Association of Justice in 2020. Joshua Trumbull’s strong business background makes him a formidable negotiator to advance your best interests throughout the process of obtaining the maximum compensation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Everett:
There are a variety of reasons why a motorcycle accident may occur in Washington State.
These include:
- Alcohol or drug impairment: Drunk driving or being under the influence of drugs is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents in Washington State. It can be due to over-consumption and impairment from prescription medications that affect your ability to drive safely.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. Motorists become so engrossed with their cell phones or other electronics that they ignore other roadway vehicles.
- Speeding: Speeding is another common cause of motorcycle accident cases.
- Driving too fast for road conditions: This can include fog or rain. In the winter time freezing weather can worsen conditions on the road.
- Failing to yield the right-of-way or an intersection is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Most drivers don’t expect motorcyclists to come from one direction when making turns at intersections.
- Car drivers are not seeing motorcyclists: This can happen for several reasons, including poor weather conditions, darkness, and other factors. Even if your headlights were working correctly before an accident occurred, it might still be possible for someone else not to see you until it’s too late.
Remember to contact an Everett motorcycle accident lawyer if you are a motorcycle rider that has been in a serious accident. When involved in any kind of vehicular accident, be it a motorcycle or a truck, contacting an experienced Everett truck accident attorney can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Motorcycle Injuries in Everett
Motorcyclists make direct contact with the roadway, obstacles, or vehicles during a crash. Common injuries from motorcycle accidents include the following:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Fractures
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Abrasions/road rash
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic limb loss
Though motorcycle helmets protect from many forms of head injuries and increase the chances of surviving an accident, they cannot protect from all injuries. Some brain injuries occur when crash force causes the brain to bump and twist against the inside of the skull.
Motorcycle injuries can leave victims with significant disabilities requiring rehabilitation and ongoing medical care. Even less severe injuries can quickly cause financial hardship as well as pain and suffering. When someone else’s careless actions caused the injury, the motorcyclist should not be left responsible for damages like medical expenses and lost wages.
Understanding Washington Laws Pertaining to Motorcycle
Everett’s bustling streets see a considerable number of motorcycle accidents every year, with varied causes such as:
- Reckless drivers
- Bad weather
- Poor road conditions
- Inadequate road signage
Washington law, specifically RCW 46.61, delineates the rules of the road, and any violation thereof can be pivotal in establishing negligence in a motorcycle accident case. Helmet use is mandatory, as stipulated by RCW 46.37.530. But beyond safety gear, motorcyclists have a responsibility to follow traffic rules, just like any other motorist. On the flip side, drivers have an obligation to watch out for bikers. Failure to do so can make them liable for negligence.
Why Motorcycle Accidents are Different
Motorcycle accidents are not like typical car accidents. Firstly, riders are more exposed, so injuries can be more severe. Data suggests that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than car passengers. Add to that the fact that motorcycles are less visible, and it is easy to see why these motorcycle accident cases are often more devastating than the average car accident.
Establishing Liability & Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Determining fault is paramount in motorcycle accident cases. An experienced Everett motorcycle accident attorney meticulously examines every case, scrutinizing the accident reports, witness statements, and applicable motorcycle laws in Washington state to construct a strong case for compensation. In Everett, Washington’s comparative fault system plays a significant role in an accident victim’s recovery as it allows them to recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the accident, albeit at a reduced amount (RCW 4.22.005).
The Role of an Everett Motorcycle Injury Attorney in an Motorcycle Accident Claim
Motorcycle accident attorneys in Everett will have an intimate understanding of state laws and the city’s unique challenges. Your motorcycle accident lawyer can assist you with your motorcycle accident claim in the following important ways:
- Proving Liability: Was the driver who hit you texting? Did they fail to signal or to check for you on the road? Establishing fault is key in motorcycle accident cases, and an experienced attorney will know how to gather the right evidence to support your claim.
- Evaluating Your Damages: From medical bills to lost wages, pain, and suffering, quantifying the impact of an accident is complex. A motorcycle accident lawyer will ensure that all your damages are fully accounted for and that you are compensated fairly.
- Negotiating with the Liable Insurance Companies: Insurance companies can be tough negotiators. Having a skilled advocate on your side can level the playing field, and ensure your rights are protected.
In Washington State, personal injury law allows an injured victim to recover damages for:
- Pain and suffering: include physical pain and mental anguish caused by accident. An experienced motorcycle crash attorney can help you determine how much pain you suffered and how long it will take to heal.
- Lost wages: If you missed work due to your injuries, or if your job duties changed because of them, you may be able to collect lost wages.
- Medical expenses: These are costs associated with treating injuries from an accident. These include deductibles, co-pays, and medical bills such as ambulance rides, emergency room visits, and surgeries.
- Mental anguish: Psychological distress caused by a brain injury can amount to actual damages if proven in court. It often takes the form of physical symptoms like headaches or nausea and anxiety attacks, or depression stemming from the incident itself or its aftermath.
Everett Motorcycle Accident FAQs
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
You should always seek medical attention immediately after an accident. You may have sustained injuries that need immediate treatment. Your injuries may range from minor scrapes and bruises to broken bones or brain injuries. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it is essential to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. You should also call the police immediately after an accident so they can document the scene and interview witnesses who were present at the time of the crash. If you’re able to use your phone to snap photos at the scene, capturing important evidence before the scene is cleaned up can be critical in a claim for damages. Photograph your damaged motorcycle before it’s moved as well as any damage to a vehicle. Then, add the contact information of the driver and any eyewitnesses to the accident.
Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney For my Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Yes! If someone else caused your motorcycle accident, having an attorney help with settlement negotiations is extremely important. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that you receive compensation for any damages caused by the crash (medical bills, lost wages, etc.). If the other party refuses to compensate you and their insurance company denies coverage, then an attorney can help you file a lawsuit against them.
What Should I Do if I’m Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you should immediately contact your insurance company to make sure that you are covered for injuries sustained in the motorcycle crash. If there is any question about your insurance coverage, it’s best to get answers from your provider before seeking treatment at the hospital.
How Do I Know if I Have a Case?
We will review your case to determine whether there is a valid claim. We’ll look at factors such as whether or not the other driver was at fault. If they were and they caused your injuries, then we can pursue compensation for those injuries.
What Should I Expect From my Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
In most cases, you will be able to speak with your lawyer directly and discuss your case without going through a paralegal or other representative. Your Wells Trumbull motorcycle accident attorney in Everett will explain how they will handle your case and what fees are expected up front or as the case progresses.
How Long Does It Take for a Motorcycle Accident to Settle?
The amount of time it takes to obtain a settlement varies widely from case to case depending on the availability of evidence demonstrating the at-fault party’s liability for the accident. Your attorney must investigate all aspects of the accident to document ample evidence, carefully calculate your present and future damages, and send a demand package to the appropriate insurer. After that, the process of negotiations begins. In the best-case scenario, the insurance company offers an ample settlement amount right away, but more often the process takes back-and-forth negotiations and mediation before both sides reach an agreeable settlement. If the insurer wrongfully denies a valid claim or offers an unacceptably low settlement amount, the case must go to court within Washington’s three-year statute of limitations.
What is the Difference Between an Automobile Accident and a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than accidents involving other types of vehicles. Motorcycles are smaller and lighter than cars, making them less stable when colliding with other objects or vehicles. Additionally, motorcycles do not have as many safety features as cars, like airbags, seatbelts, and anti-lock breaks (ABS). The lack of these safety features can make it more difficult for riders to avoid an accident or reduce their injuries if they’re involved in one.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents:
The most common types of motorcycle accidents are:
- + Single-vehicle accidents
- + Head-on collisions
- + Rear-end collisions
- + T-bone collisions (where one vehicle is struck from the side)
- + Loss of control accidents where the motorcycle slides out from under the rider, causing a fall and crash with another car or object.
Contact Wells Trumbull to Consult with an Experienced Everett Personal Injury Attorney
A motorcycle accident can change your life in an instant. Whether you are dealing with broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, or even the loss of a loved one, the aftermath can be overwhelming. But remember, you do not have to go it alone. An experienced Everett personal injury attorney can be the advocate and guide you need to ensure justice is served, and you get the compensation you rightfully deserve for your motorcycle injuries.
If you or a loved one has sustained motorcycle injuries in Everett and want to be compensated, do not wait. Contact an expert Everett motorcycle injury lawyer at our law firm, Wells Trumbull. Your future, your recovery, and your peace of mind may depend on it.