View Location Motorcycle accidents can indeed result in serious injuries due to the lack of protection afforded to riders compared to occupants of enclosed vehicles. Seeking legal representation from an experienced Edmonds motorcycle accident lawyer at the Snohomish County Injury Attorney is essential for victims who have suffered injuries in such accidents. At the Snohomish County Injury Attorney, you can get a free consultation and pursue fair compensation for motorcycle accidents. Do not hesitate to call our motorcycle accident attorneys at (360) 965-8251 for a free consultation.
Motorcycle Laws in Washington
Motorcycle laws in Washington State are in place to promote safety and reduce the risk of accidents involving motorcycles. Motorcycle riders and drivers need to be aware of these laws to ensure compliance and safety on the road. Some essential motorcycle laws in Washington include:
- Helmet Law: Washington has a mandatory helmet law for all motorcycle riders and passengers. Riders must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet while operating or riding a motorcycle. The helmet must have a chin strap securely fastened.
- Eye Protection: Riders must use eye protection unless their motorcycle has a windscreen or windshield.
- Lane Splitting: Lane splitting, which involves riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is illegal in Washington. Motorcycles are not allowed to pass between vehicles in the same lane.
- Passenger Footrests: If a motorcycle is designed for two or more passengers, it must be equipped with footrests for passengers.
- Headlights: Motorcycles must have their headlights on at all times, even during the day.
- Lane Sharing: Washington law allows for “two-abreast” riding in a single lane, which means two motorcycles can ride side by side in the same lane. However, riders should exercise caution when doing so.
- License Requirements: Riders must have a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license to operate a motorcycle legally. To obtain a motorcycle endorsement, riders must pass both a knowledge test and a riding skills test.
- Safety Courses: Washington offers motorcycle safety courses highly recommended for new and experienced riders. Completing an approved safety course can help riders improve their skills and reduce insurance premiums.
Motorcycle riders must understand and follow these laws to ensure safety and compliance with Washington’s legal requirements. Additionally, practicing safe riding habits and wearing appropriate safety gear can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in a range of injuries, many of which tend to be more severe than those in car accidents due to the limited protection afforded to riders. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Head Injuries
- Road Rash
- Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Burn Injuries
- Amputations
- Wrongful Death
Motorcyclists must take safety precautions, including wearing appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, gloves, and protective clothing. Additionally, practicing defensive riding, following traffic laws, and being aware of road conditions can help reduce the risk of accidents and the severity of injuries if an accident does occur.
In a motorcycle accident, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. After receiving medical care, victims should consider consulting with an experienced Edmonds motorcycle accident attorney to protect their rights and pursue compensation for their injuries and losses.
Common Motorcycle Accident Causes
Motorcycle accidents can occur due to various factors, many of which involve the interaction between motorcyclists and other vehicles on the road. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Distracted Driving: Drivers distracted by texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car infotainment systems may not see motorcyclists, leading to accidents.
Left-Turn Accidents: One of the most common motorcycle accidents occurs when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. These accidents often happen at intersections.
Lane Changes: Vehicles changing lanes without checking blind spots or failing to signal their intent can collide with motorcycles traveling in adjacent lanes.
Rear-End Collisions: Motorcycles risk being rear-ended by larger vehicles, especially in stop-and-go traffic. These accidents can result in serious injuries.
Speeding: Excessive speeding by either motorcyclists or other motorists can lead to accidents and reduce reaction times.
Failure to Yield the Right of Way: Motorists who fail to yield the right of way to motorcycles, particularly at intersections, pose a significant risk to riders.
Impaired Driving: Accidents often occur when drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their ability to operate their vehicles safely.
Unsafe Lane Sharing: Drivers who encroach on a motorcycle’s lane or attempt to share a lane with a motorcycle can cause accidents.
Opening Car Doors: Motorcyclists are vulnerable to “dooring” accidents when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle.
Inexperienced Riders: Inexperienced or novice motorcyclists may lack the skills and judgment to navigate challenging road conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
Road Hazards: Uneven road surfaces, debris, potholes, and poor weather conditions can pose hazards to motorcyclists.
Vehicle Blind Spots: Motorcycles are more easily concealed in the blind spots of larger vehicles, making them vulnerable to collisions when changing lanes or merging.
To reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents, both motorcyclists and other drivers should be aware of these common causes and take steps to mitigate them. This includes obeying traffic laws, practicing defensive driving, staying attentive to the road, and respecting the rights of all road users, including motorcyclists. Motorcyclists should also wear appropriate protective gear and take safety courses to improve their skills.
Types of Compensation in Motorcycle Accidents
In motorcycle accident cases, victims may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of their injuries. Common types of compensation in motorcycle accident cases may include:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Property Damage
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of Consortium
- Wrongful Death Damages
- Permanent Disability
- Scarring and Disfigurement
- Punitive Damages
The specific types and amounts of compensation that may be available in a motorcycle accident case depend on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the liability of the at-fault party, available insurance coverage, and the jurisdiction’s laws where the case is pursued.
Seeking the assistance of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Edmonds from the Snohomish County Injury Attorney is essential for victims to ensure that their rights are protected and they receive the appropriate compensation for their injuries and losses.
Get Help For Motorcycle Accident Injuries
If you or your loved one is involved in a motorcycle accident in Washington and is seeking experienced representation, call the Snohomish County Injury Attorney at (360) 965-8251 for a free consultation. Contact our Edmonds motorcycle accident attorney to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
