4 Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents

September 15, 2022

Motorcycle accidents can be some of the most traumatic experiences for any rider. A crash or collision on a bike has the potential to cause severe injuries and serious financial consequences.

If you ride a motorcycle in Washington and become involved in an accident, you’ll likely have many questions regarding your rights, the law, and your ability to file a personal injury claim against the party at fault.

Here are four frequently asked questions about motorcycle accidents in Washington state.

1. If I Don’t Have a Motorcycle License, Can I Still File an Injury Claim?

Under Washington law, all motorcycle riders must have a valid motorcycle license endorsement. Failure to obtain an adequate license for riding can result in expensive citations and other legal consequences.

However, just because you may lack a formal motorcycle endorsement does not mean you lose your rights after an accident. If a reckless or distracted driver injured you, you still have the legal right to file a lawsuit and pursue damages.

2. What Is Comparative Negligence for Motorcycle Accidents?

Washington State follows comparative negligence in personal injury cases. Comparative negligence allows you to pursue a claim in court even if you had partial responsibility for your injuries.

Example: If you were 25% at fault, your award would be reduced by 25% to compensate for your responsibility. Nonetheless, you can still receive financial compensation if you were partially responsible for the crash.

3. What Is Considered Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident?

When another vehicle is responsible for an accident, you’ll have to establish that negligence was the cause. Some examples of negligence in motorcycle accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Running a stop sign or red light
  • DUI or DWI
  • Moving violations
  • Distracted driving

Your attorney will look at all the available evidence to argue why negligence was responsible for your injuries.

4. What Evidence Can Be Used to Prove a Motorcycle Personal Injury Claim?

Depending on the circumstances of your motorcycle accident, there may be different types of evidence. Your personal injury attorney will work to secure the following:

  • Police reports and affidavits
  • Witness statements
  • Photographs of the damage and scene
  • Surveillance videos
  • Testimony from the party at fault

Anything that helps prove the other party was negligent can help you prevail in court.

Motorcycle Injury Attorney in Vancouver

If you’ve suffered an injury due to a negligent driver, you have the right to file a lawsuit to recover damages. The attorneys at Harlan Law represent motorcycle accident claims throughout Vancouver. Contact us today for a free case review.

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