Unfortunately, motorcyclists are vulnerable. As they have limited built-in protection, they are disproportionately likely to suffer serious injuries in collisions. Motorcycle accidents can happen for a wide range of different reasons. The cause can have a significant impact on a personal injury claim. Our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer can help with your personal injury claim in Washington.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Washington
Motorcycle accidents can happen due to a wide range of causes, but they often share an important common characteristic: Few motorcycle crashes are truly unavoidable. Every motorcycle accident should be thoroughly investigated to determine exactly what went wrong and why. The cause of a motorcycle crash helps establish the applicable duty of care, the conduct that breached that duty, and the parties whose negligence contributed to the collision. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Seattle include:
- Left-Turn Collisions: A driver may turn across a motorcyclist’s path after failing to see the motorcycle or misjudging its speed. Washington law requires a driver turning left to yield to approaching traffic that is within the intersection or close enough to present an immediate hazard.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: A driver may sideswipe a motorcycle or force it from the roadway by changing lanes without checking mirrors and blind spots. Notably, Washington law (RCW 46.61.305) requires a driver to ensure that a lateral movement can be made with reasonable safety and to provide an appropriate signal.
- Following Too Closely: A driver who leaves inadequate following distance may be unable to avoid striking a motorcycle that slows for traffic. RCW 46.61.145 prohibits following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent under the existing speed, traffic, and roadway conditions.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, handling a phone, adjusting controls, or focusing on passengers may prevent a driver from detecting a motorcycle in time. Under Washington State law (RCW 46.61.672), all types of motorists are generally prohibited from using a handheld personal electronic device while driving on a public highway.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the force of a collision. Washington law requires drivers to travel at a reasonable and prudent speed based on actual and potential hazards, even when they are below the posted limit.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs can impair perception, judgment, and braking response. Washington treats certain statutory violations involving driving under the influence as negligence per se, which can materially affect how breach is established.
- Road Hazards or Defective Equipment: Not all motorcycle accidents in Washington are caused by negligent drivers. Potholes, loose gravel, malfunctioning signals, defective tires, brake failures, and negligent repairs may cause or worsen a crash. These claims may involve a governmental entity, contractor, manufacturer, component supplier, repair facility, or another party beyond the drivers directly involved.
The Cause Helps Identify Every Potentially Liable Party
Washington is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. The motorist who struck the motorcycle may be primarily responsible, but the immediate collision does not always reveal every liable party. If the driver was acting within the scope of employment, the employer may face vicarious liability, while negligent hiring, training, supervision, or vehicle maintenance may support separate theories of direct liability. A defective bike or component may also support a product liability claim. Beyond that, dangerous pavement, obscured signs, malfunctioning signals, or negligently managed road construction may place responsibility on a public entity or contractor. Every serious motorcycle crash in King County should be thoroughly investigated by a Seattle motorcycle accident attorney.
Comparative Fault Can Reduce, But Not Automatically Defeat, Recovery
Washington applies pure comparative fault. Under RCW 4.22.005, fault attributed to an injured motorcyclist reduces compensatory damages in the same proportion, but it does not automatically bar recovery. When multiple entities contributed to the harm, RCW 4.22.070 generally directs the factfinder to allocate percentages of fault among the entities that caused the damages.
Insurers may argue that the rider was speeding, following too closely, improperly positioned, difficult to see, or not using required safety equipment. Those allegations do not establish comparative fault by themselves because Washington law requires a causal relationship between the rider’s conduct and the claimed injuries or damages. Further, most violations of traffic statutes are evidence of negligence rather than negligence per se. The cause of the crash, therefore, affects the available defendants, the strength of potential defenses, the allocation of fault, and the compensation that may ultimately be recovered.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for a Motorcycle Wreck
In Washington, motorcycle accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including for any non-economic losses. With that being said, defendants and insurers can make it challenging for injured victims to get the full and fair financial compensation that they deserve. Even when motorcyclists have suffered devastating injuries, insurance companies fight to settle for less. Our Seattle motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to helping injured riders secure the maximum settlement or verdict, including for:
- Motorcycle repairs;
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death.
We are Committed to Fighting for Justice for Injured Motorcyclists
Motorcycle crashes can cause serious, even catastrophic injuries. As riders face a heightened health and safety risk, it is imperative that they know how to get justice and compensation after a collision. At Seattle Car Accident Law Firm, we have the experience that injured motorcyclists can rely on. Your initial consultation with our Seattle motorcycle accident attorney is free, confidential, and carries zero additional obligations.
Contact Our Seattle Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer Today
At Seattle Car Accident Law Firm, our Seattle motorcycle accident attorney is a passionate, experienced advocate for justice. If you or your loved one was seriously hurt in a motorcycle wreck, we are here to help. Give us a call at (564) 444-7708 or to contact us online to set up a free, no obligation case evaluation. From our Seattle law office, we fight for justice for motorcycle crash victims in King County and throughout the region in Washington.
