The Harsh Reality of Motorcycle Accidents in Washington
Let's face it: motorcyclists are vulnerable on the road. Without the protective shell of a car around them, riders are exposed to direct impact forces in a collision. Even with proper safety gear, motorcyclists can suffer catastrophic injuries when struck by a much larger vehicle. Some common motorcycle accident injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Broken bones and fractures
Road rash and disfiguring scars
Internal organ damage
Amputation and limb loss
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle miles traveled. In Washington state alone, there were 92 motorcyclist fatalities and 504 serious injuries in 2020, as reported by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. These grim statistics underscore the need for riders to have skilled legal representation after a wreck.
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Washington?
Motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons, but they're often caused by negligent drivers who fail to watch for riders or yield the right of way. Some common causes of motorcycle wrecks include:
Cars making left turns in front of oncoming motorcyclists
Drivers changing lanes without checking their blind spots
Motorists following motorcyclists too closely
Reckless driving, speeding, and aggressive maneuvers
Distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel
Drunk or drugged driving
In some cases, multiple parties may share liability for a motorcycle crash. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, this may include:
The at-fault driver and their insurance company
The at-fault driver's employer, if they were on the job at the time of the wreck
A government entity responsible for a dangerous road condition that contributed to the crash
A manufacturer of a defective motorcycle or auto part that malfunctioned
At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, we'll dig deep to uncover all liable parties and hold them accountable. We'll also explore all avenues for compensation, including the at-fault party's insurance coverage, your own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, and any applicable umbrella policies.
Insurance Company Biases Against Motorcyclists
Unfortunately, insurance companies often hold biases against motorcyclists. They may assume riders are reckless risk-takers who are more likely to cause accidents. This prejudice can work against injured motorcyclists seeking compensation for their losses. Insurance adjusters may try to shift blame onto the rider, even when the other driver was clearly at fault.
That's why it's crucial to have a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney to defend your riding abilities and advocate for your rights. At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, we know that most motorcyclists are responsible riders who follow traffic laws and prioritize safety. We'll gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case on your behalf. Our goal is to prove the other party's liability and minimize any fault wrongly attributed to you.
The High Cost of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe and require extensive medical treatment. As an injured motorcyclist, you may need emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitative therapy, and ongoing care for chronic pain or permanent disabilities. Your medical expenses can quickly soar into the hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
Moreover, if you’re seriously injured, you may be unable to work during your recovery period, losing vital income to pay bills and support your family. Some motorcycle accident injuries may even leave you permanently disabled and unable to return to your previous job or any gainful employment. This loss of earning capacity can profoundly impact you and your family's financial security.
At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, we've witnessed firsthand how a serious wreck can derail a rider's health, relationships, and livelihood in the blink of an eye. We fight to recover maximum compensation for all your damages, including:
Past, current, and future medical expenses related to the accident
Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Disfigurement and disability
Loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage to your motorcycle
We'll thoroughly investigate your case, gather documentation of your losses, and consult with medical and economic experts to assess the full value of your claim. Our attorneys will then aggressively negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. If the insurer refuses to offer an acceptable amount, we're fully prepared to take your case to trial and argue before a judge and jury.
