Motorcyclists are vulnerable. They only have very limited built-in protection. When crashes happen, the consequences can be life-altering. Notably, right-of-way violations are one of the leading causes of catastrophic and fatal motorcycle accidents in Washington State. When drivers fail to yield properly, especially at intersections, they put motorcyclists at heightened risk due to the smaller size and lower visibility of bikes. In a personal injury claim, proving that the other driver violated the right of way can be essential to establishing fault. Here, our Seattle motorcycle accident attorney provides a guide to right-of-way violations and crash claims in Washington.
How a Right-of-Way Violation Can Cause a Motorcycle Crash
Broadly explained, the “right-of-way” is a concept that refers to the legally established entitlement (right) of a road user to proceed ahead of others in specific situations. When another driver fails to yield properly, it can cause a bad accident. Here is an overview of some of the most common reasons why right-of-way violations lead to motorcycle accidents in Washington State:
- Left-Turn Collisions: Many motorcycle crashes are left-turn accidents. It happens when a vehicle is making an unprotected left turn across oncoming traffic. They do not have the right-of-way in this scenario. They must yield. However, too often, drivers fail to notice motorcyclists and do not properly yield the right-of-way.
- Failure to Yield at Intersections: Drivers may disregard stop signs or traffic signals and, as a result, collide with motorcyclists who have the legal right to proceed. Many right-of-way motorcycle accidents in Seattle happen at or near intersections. If you were involved in a crash at an intersection, it is likely that there was a right-of-way violation.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: When you change lanes, you do not have the right-of-way. That means that you need to make sure that the lane that you are entering is clear. Motorists changing lanes without checking blind spots may inadvertently move into a lane occupied by a motorcycle. It can cause a bad sideswipe crash or even a rear-end collision.
An Overview of Right-of-Way Laws in Washington State
Washington State has comprehensive rules and regulations in place for traffic, including for the “right-of-way” (Chapter 46.61 RCW: Rules of the Road). Here are some of the most important things that motorcyclists should know about the right-of-way in Washington:
- RCW 46.61.180: All drivers who intend to turn left must yield to oncoming traffic, including to motorcycles, until it is safe to proceed with the left turn.
- RCW 46.61.190: All drivers entering a roadway from a private road or driveway shall yield to all vehicles on the main road.
- RCW 46.61.205: All drivers approaching an uncontrolled intersection must yield to vehicles already in the intersection or approaching from the right.
- RCW 46.61.110: All drivers who are overtaking vehicles must pass to the left at a safe distance and not return to the right lane until it is fully clear and safe to enter.
What to Know About Motorcycle Accident Liability in Washington
Washington is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state, including for motorcycle collisions. The party—driver, motorcyclist, or otherwise—who is at fault for causing a motorcycle crash can be held legally responsible for the resulting damages. If a crash is caused by a right-of-way violation, that could be sufficient to establish negligence.
Multiple parties may share fault for the same motorcycle accident. Washington is a pure comparative negligence state. Each party to a crash will be liable for their share of the fault. Imagine you sustained $40,000 in damages in a right-of-way motorcycle crash. However, you were found 20% at fault due to contributing negligence. Under Washington law, you would be liable for 20% of your own damages ($8,000).
Every serious motorcycle crash should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. A lawyer will help you gather and prepare all of the evidence that you need to establish fault and prove liability for your motorcycle wreck. Our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers are prepared to conduct a proactive, detail-focused investigation to gather all of the key evidence.
Recovering the Maximum Motorcycle Crash Compensation
A motorcycle crash in Seattle can change your entire life. In Washington, injured motorcyclists have the right to seek compensation for both economic losses and non-economic damages. How much can you expect to recover through a motorcycle accident claim? The answer will depend on the nature and cause of your collision as well as the extent of your losses. Along with other damages, our Seattle motorcycle accident attorneys can help you seek a settlement or verdict for:
- Motorcycle repairs or replacement;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other health costs;
- Physical therapy and mental health support;
- Loss of current and future earnings;
- Pain and suffering and mental distress;
- Disability and disfigurement;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
How Our Seattle Motorcycle Crash Lawyer Can Help
Following a serious motorcycle crash in Seattle, King County, or elsewhere in Washington, it is normal to have a lot of questions about your rights. At Seattle Car Accident Law Firm, we are proud to be on the side of injured victims. Our Seattle motorcycle crash lawyers handle the full range of cases, including those accidents caused by a right-of-way violation. Do not take on an aggressive insurance company alone. An initial consultation with our Seattle motorcycle injury lawyer is free, confidential, and carries no additional obligations.
Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Seattle Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
At Seattle Car Accident Law Firm, our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers are strong advocates for justice. If you were involved in a crash that had a right-of-way violation, please call us at (564) 444-7708 or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation. Our firm is committed to helping injured motorcyclists maximize their financial recovery. With a law office in Seattle, we represent motorcycle accident victims in King County and across Washington.
