Motorcycle Accidents

Seattle Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Seeking Justice for Injured Motorcyclists in Washington State

While motorcycles are popular for enjoying scenic views and freedom on the open road, collisions can lead to severe injuries for riders. At Bishop Legal, we understand the tremendous physical, emotional, and financial hardships that come with a serious injury. If you were harmed in a motorcycle accident in Seattle, we can work diligently to recover the fair settlement you need to get back on your feet.

Since 1994, our motorcycle accident attorneys have provided caring yet aggressive representation to injured motorcyclists. Our award-winning advocates are committed to pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve to focus on your health. As a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, our lawyers are among the best in the nation, giving you peace of mind that your financial future is in trusted hands.

With over $30 million recovered for clients across Washington State, we take pride in our reputation for record-breaking verdicts. Our highly skilled litigators prepare every case for trial and never shy away from a fight if necessary to achieve a just outcome, making us well-equipped to represent your best interests in and out of the courtroom while safeguarding your rights at every turn.

Common Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Accidents

While motorcycles offer scenic views and freedom on the open road, the lack of protective caging between riders and their surroundings can lead to severe collisions andcatastrophic injuries. Common injuries in motorcycle accidents include:

Road rash
Amputation
Burn injuries
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Broken bones and fractures

Don’t wait to seek justice after a motorcycle accident. Call (206) 260-3316to schedule a free consultation with our nationally acclaimed attorneys.

Can't thank this firm enough for helping me and my family with our accident.
“Roberto helped me with my daughter's case, Victoria, and was able to get a good settlement for her. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.”

- Priscilla A.
They got a great positive outcome for me in the end.
“The people here are great! They took care of everything for me and were always super helpful with any questions or concerns I had. I highly recommend them for your legal needs! Thanks, Bishop Law!”

- Lisa W.
If you need a firm to represent you I would choose Bishop Legal!
“I had the great opportunity of working with Maria and my experience with bishop legal went amazing! They are great to work with, great communication skills, always friendly, and most importantly they make you feel important and part of the case. Hopefully I don’t get into another car crash but if I do I know where to go and I’m definitely going to recommend them to my friends and family. Thank you so much to Maria and Abogado Raymundo. Ps. They also speak Spanish and were able to accommodate my dad when we went with me and make him feel part of the case.”

- Merver
My experience with Bishop Legal has been incredible.
“Communication was kept in a good pace. They help me understand how the process works and explain to me any legal questions I had. I would highly recommend to family & friends.”

- Yadira T.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Common causes include:

Speeding. Driving at excessive speeds can reduce a motorist’s reaction time, increasing the risk of collisions.
Unsafe turns and lane changes. Failure to check blind spots before turning into traffic or changing lanes can cause drivers to overlook motorcyclists.
Distracted driving. Operating a vehicle while texting, eating, drinking, talking on the phone, or adjusting controls can lead to serious accidents.
Failure to yield. Motorcycle accidents frequently occur when other motorists fail to yield the right-of-way to riders.
Roadway hazards. Potholes, debris, local wildlife, and other hazards on the road can lead to serious injuries for motorcyclists.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Depending on the severity of your injuries, various damages may be recoverable in a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Common types of compensation include:

Economic losses, such as vehicular damage, medical expenses, current and future treatment costs, rehabilitative care, and lost earnings and earning capacity.
Non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent scarring or disfigurement.

In rare cases involving especially egregious misconduct, the court may also award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. At Bishop Legal, we assess every avenue for financial recovery to recover the full extent of damages available to you.

Who Is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?

Proving liability in a motorcycle accident lawsuit is notoriously complex, especially when there are multiple parties involved. The plaintiff bears the burden of proof in these claims, making it all the more crucial to work with an experienced lawyer.

Some potentially liable parties in a motorcycle accident claim include:

Other motorists. Drivers are often liable for motorcycle accidents due to reckless driving, failure to yield or check blind spots, and other negligent acts on the road.
Manufacturers. If the accident was caused by a faulty auto part or defective equipment, the manufacturer may be responsible for damages.
Government entities. In some cases, local governments may be liable for accidents caused by poorly maintained roads or failure to warn of known hazards.

At Bishop Legal, our attorneys have a deep understanding of these legal nuances to help you identify negligent parties and demonstrate the necessary elements to establish liability.

What Steps Should I Take After a Motorcycle Accident?

Understanding your rights as a motorcyclist is critical to seeking justice and compensation after a wrongful injury. Some important steps to take after a motorcycle accident include:

Seek medical attention. Visiting a healthcare provider is essential to prioritize your health, rule out serious harm, and establish a formal record of your injuries.
Report the accident. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency attention for any injured parties at the scene.
Collect information. If possible, exchange contact and insurance information with other involved parties, including any witnesses who saw the accident occur.
Gather evidence. Take photos or videos of your injuries, any vehicular damage, and other relevant details that may be used to support your claim later on.
Consult a motorcycle accident lawyer. Seeking sound counsel is paramount to navigating the legal process and recovering a full settlement.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

In Washington State, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims is generally three years from the date of the accident (RCW § 4.16.080). However, some exceptions may apply in rare cases. Seeking sound counsel is paramount to filing your claim correctly and within the appropriate deadline.

Does Washington State Require Motorcyclists to Wear Helmets?

In Seattle, all motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear helmets while operating or riding on a motorcycle on public roads. This includes state highways, county roads, and city streets (RCW § 46.37.530). However, certain exceptions may apply for certain vehicles, such as antique motor-driven cycles or those equipped with a steering wheel, seat belts, and partial or complete enclosures. No matter your legal situation, consulting a qualified lawyer is essential to build a robust case and protect your rights against evasive insurers.

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Can I Recover Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

Yes, it’s possible to recover damages in a motorcycle accident claim even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. While the absence of a helmet does not automatically bar you from seeking compensation, it can still impact your case under Washington’s pure comparative fault system (RCW § 4.22.005).

This rule allows you to file a claim even if you are partially liable for the accident, but reduces the total amount of compensation awarded by your percentage of the fault. For example, if you are 10% at fault for a collision totaling $100,000 in damages, you may only be entitled to $90,000 ($10,000 less than the original value).

Every case is evaluated individually based on various factors, including whether helmet use may have mitigated injuries. Having an experienced attorney on your side can mean the difference between winning a settlement and walking away empty-handed. Our firm is familiar with common insurer tactics to protect your rights and advocate for the outcome you deserve.

If you were wrongfully injured in Seattle, choose a firm with over 30 years of experience to pursue justice. Contact us online to discuss your case.

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