Were you or someone close to you injured in a motorcycle accident on the streets of Kent or the surrounding area? Motorcycle riders face a higher risk of serious injury as a result of getting into a collision, especially when other drivers fail to share the road responsibly.
Recovering from a motorcycle crash can be especially painful, legally expensive, and incredibly stressful. However, you’re not alone in this—our Kent motorcycle accident lawyers can help you make sense of your options and advocate for your right to compensation.
At NextLaw, our lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience and counting. We’re ready and willing to represent you as your Kent personal injury lawyer. You can count on us to support motorcycle crash victims throughout Washington State.
Motorcycle Accident Trends in Washington
Washington State experiences hundreds of motorcycle collisions per year. According to data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), motorcyclists are involved in roughly 15% of all traffic fatalities despite comprising fewer than 5% of registered vehicles.
In urban areas like Kent, the risks are amplified as a result of traffic congestion, distracted driving, and higher speed limits on arterial roads. These are examples of common contributing factors in motorcycle accidents statewide:
- Drivers failing to yield the right of way
- Unsafe lane changes
- Left-turn collisions at intersections
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Poor road conditions or debris
As a result, even while wearing a helmet, a motorcyclist involved in a high-speed collision may suffer from seriously traumatic injuries, some of which can result in long-term disability or death.
If you’re the victim of a collision, it’s important to contact our Kent motorcycle accident attorneys immediately. Call Dan Next!
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Kent, call (253) 238-2558
Liability in Motorcycle Accidents
Washington is a fault-based state, meaning that the party responsible for causing a motorcycle accident will also be financially liable for the resulting damages. Determining liability typically requires establishing that the at-fault party either acted negligently or violated traffic laws.
To succeed in a claim, the injured party must prove the following:
- The defendant owed a duty of care: All drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws.
- The defendant breached that duty: This can include running a red light, failing to check blind spots, or texting while driving.
- The breach caused the accident: There must be a clear and direct link between the driver’s actions and the crash that occurred.
- The plaintiff suffered damages: This includes physical injuries, property damage, lost wages, and other financial or emotional harm.
Washington’s courts evaluate these elements using evidence like police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and medical records. Your motorcycle accident lawyers in Kent will work to prove liability based on the details of your case.
Kent Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me
Call: (253) 238-2558Washington’s Pure Comparative Fault Rule
Washington follows the rule of pure comparative negligence, codified under RCW 4.22.005. Under this rule, a motorcyclist can still recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the incident. However, their compensation will be reduced by their total percentage of fault.
For example, if a motorcyclist is found 20% responsible for the crash because they were speeding, and their damages are calculated to equal $100,000 in total, they would receive $80,000 after the reduction.
This system allows injured parties to pursue recovery even when fault is shared between the parties, though it also places greater emphasis on factual documentation and witness testimonies.
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Required Motorcycle Insurance in Washington
All motorcycle operators in Washington must carry liability insurance, just like drivers of passenger vehicles. The minimum insurance requirements under state laws are as follows:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people
- $10,000 for property damage
These amounts represent the bare minimum, and many riders choose to carry additional coverage:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is helpful when the driver lacks coverage.
- Medical payments coverage covers medical expenses regardless of fault.
- Collision coverage pays for repairs to the motorcycle after a crash.
- Comprehensive coverage covers non-collision incidents like theft, fire, or vandalism.
Failure to carry the required liability coverage may result in fines, license suspension, and reduced access to compensation in the event of a crash.
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Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in Kent for Help With Your Case Today
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a motorcycle-related crash, you’re likely facing a whirlwind of medical bills, missed work, and ongoing uncertainty. These collisions can leave people in your position grappling with long-term side effects.
However, it’s important to recognize that you don’t have to face them all alone. At NextLaw, our Kent motorcycle accident attorneys are ready and willing to assist you. We understand how life-altering these incidents can be, and we’re here for you.
Our Kent motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to helping you take the next steps toward recovery and accountability. Don’t wait to reach out. The sooner you connect with us, the sooner we can start working on protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Call or text (253) 238-2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form