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Important Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

How is Fault Determined in a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle Accident Injuries Their Influence on Case Strategy

How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?

Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Motorcycle Accident?

How Long Do I Have to File My Case?

Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Life is all about the unexpected – and the unexpected can come as pleasant surprises or not-so-pleasant accidents. We’re here to help you out when life takes a turn for the worst, to get you back on your feet again.
Restoring Lives After Motorcycle Accidents

Important Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle crash can leave you disoriented, injured, and unsure of what to do next. The steps taken immediately after an accident can protect your health and give your case the best chance of success.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel fine, injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal trauma may not show symptoms right away. Putting off getting treated can lead to complications and give insurance companies a reason to dispute your injuries.

Document the Crash Scene

If possible, gather evidence before leaving the scene. The documentation that creates a compelling case includes:
  • Photos and videos – Capture damage to your motorcycle, other vehicles, skid marks, traffic signals, and anything else that shows details of the accident scene.
  • Witness statements – Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident.
  • Police report – A police report helps establish fault and creates an official accident record.

Avoid Speaking to the Insurance Company Alone

Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Anything you say can be used to downplay your injuries or shift blame. Speaking with an attorney first can help prevent mistakes that harm your case.

How is Fault Determined in a Motorcycle Accident?

Washington state has an at-fault system, meaning the driver who caused the crash is responsible for covering damages. However, insurance companies may argue that motorcyclists were speeding, weaving through traffic, or otherwise contributing to the crash.

Frequent Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

  • Left-turn collisions – A driver turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle is one of the most common and deadly accident types.
  • Lane-change crashes – Drivers that fail to check blind spots before merging.
  • Rear-end collisions – A motorcycle can be totaled by a minor rear-end crash that a car would absorb with little damage.
  • Distracted driving – Texting, eating, or adjusting controls reduces reaction time.
  • Speeding and reckless driving – Higher speeds increase stopping distance and crash severity.
The details of how a crash happened play a key role in building a compelling case. Attorneys use things like accident reports, witness statements, and expert analysis to prove how a driver’s negligence led to the crash. Detailed and convincing evidence helps counter insurance company tactics that attempt to shift blame onto the rider and strengthens the case for full compensation.

The Four Elements of Proving Fault

Proving fault in a motorcycle accident case requires establishing that the other driver’s negligence caused the crash. Generally, this is done by demonstrating the following four elements:
  • Duty of Care – All drivers have a responsibility to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely.
  • Breach of Duty – The driver failed to uphold this responsibility by speeding, failing to yield, driving distracted, or engaging in reckless behavior.
  • Causation – The driver’s actions directly led to the accident and resulting injuries.
  • Damages – The crash caused measurable losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, or property damage.

What If You Were Partially at Fault?

Washington law follows pure comparative negligence, which means that compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
  • For example, if you are 20% at fault, and the settlement amount was $20,000, your total settlement would be $16,000.
  • Some states don’t allow any compensation if you are more than 50% at fault, but in Washington, you can still recover damages. Even if you are 80% at fault, you could still receive 20% of the total compensation awarded.
Insurance companies may try to assign riders more fault than they deserve to limit payouts. An attorney can push back against unfair blame and maximize your compensation.

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Motorcycle Accident Injuries Their Influence on Case Strategy

Motorcycle crashes can cause severe injuries that take months or years to heal. Some victims are left with permanent disabilities that affect their mobility, health, and ability to work.

Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or permanent brain damage.
  • Spinal cord injuries – Paralysis or reduced mobility can result from high-impact crashes.
  • Broken bones – Fractures in the legs, arms, or ribs are common in motorcycle accidents.
  • Road rash – Severe abrasions can lead to infection or permanent scarring.
  • Internal injuries – Organ damage or internal bleeding may not be immediately visible.

Long-Term Effects of a Motorcycle Crash

  • Chronic pain and limited mobility – Many injuries lead to long-term discomfort and reduced function.
  • PTSD and emotional trauma – Some riders develop anxiety or fear of riding again.
  • Loss of income – Extended recovery times or permanent disabilities can impact earnings.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys build a compelling case by showing how these injuries affect daily life and financial stability. Medical records and expert evaluations help push back against insurance tactics that minimize claims. A winning case strategy ties the evidence to the compensation needed for recovery.

How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?

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The value of a motorcycle accident claim depends on multiple factors, including injury severity, financial losses, and long-term impact. Because of all the different variables, a motorcycle settlement or award can range from several thousand to millions. 

Damages That Can Be Recovered

  • Medical expenses – Emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future care.
  • Lost wages – Compensation for time missed at work and reduced earning potential.
  • Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
  • Property damage – Repairs or replacement of the motorcycle and gear.

Factors That Affect Settlement Amounts

  • Injury severity – More serious injuries result in higher compensation.
  • Liability disputes – If fault is contested, insurance companies may try to reduce the payout.
  • Insurance coverage – The at-fault driver’s policy limits impact how much can be recovered.

Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Motorcycle Accident?

Medical bills after a motorcycle accident can pile up fast, especially with hospital stays, surgeries, or ongoing treatment. Figuring out who covers these costs can be complicated.  Coverage depends on the at-fault driver’s insurance, the rider’s policy, and whether additional protections like uninsured motorist coverage apply.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Motorcycle Accidents?

  • The at-fault driver’s insurance – Liability coverage typically pays for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but only up to the policy limits.
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists in Washington are not required to carry PIP, which covers medical expenses regardless of fault. Some riders add it for extra protection, but many do not.
  • Health insurance – Can help cover medical costs after an accident, but the insurer may require reimbursement if a settlement is reached.

What If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or does not have enough coverage, other options may be available:

  • Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage – Pays for injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance.
  • Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage – Covers damages if the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to cover medical bills or other losses.
  • Filing a claim against the driver – If the at-fault driver has personal assets, it may be possible to recover compensation directly.

How Long Do I Have to File My Case?

Washington’s personal injury statute of limitations gives motorcycle accident victims three years from the date of the crash to file a claim. Missing this deadline means losing the right to recover compensation.

Exceptions That May Extend the Deadline

  • Minors – If the injured rider was under 18 at the time of the crash, the three-year period may not begin until they turn 18.
  • Delayed Injury Discovery – In rare cases, if an injury was not immediately apparent, the deadline may be based on when it was diagnosed.

Since waiting too long can weaken a case or prevent recovery altogether, speaking with our motorcycle crash attorneys as soon as possible can help protect your case.

Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Some insurance companies look for ways to pay as little as possible after a motorcycle crash. They might argue that a rider was speeding, claim the injuries aren’t as bad as reported, or drag out the process to force a low settlement. Our motorcycle accident lawyers build winning cases that shut down those tactics, proving exactly what happened, what the injuries have cost, and what full compensation should look like.

What Freeman Law Firm’s Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Do for Your Case

  • Prove exactly how the crash happened – Collects accident reports, analyzes police findings, interviews witnesses, and works with experts when needed.
  • Take on the insurance companies – Pushes back against low offers, challenges blame-shifting, and demands the full compensation the case deserves.
  • Build a case that’s ready for court – If the insurance company refuses to settle, our attorneys prepare a strong argument backed by solid evidence.

No Upfront Costs – Only Pay If You Win

Freeman Law Firm’s motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs. Fees are only collected if we recover compensation, so injured riders can pursue a claim without financial risk.

Talk to a Renton Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If a motorcycle crash has affected your life, you don’t have to handle the process alone. Call Freeman Law Firm, Inc. at (206) 880-2454 or send us an email today. Our compassionate counsel and fierce advocacy will be your path to justice. We will fight for the compensation you need to recover and move forward with confidence.

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Fighting For The People. Giving Back To The Community.

Giving back and supporting our community is important to us. Upon the completion of your case, you will choose a charity to receive a 1% donation made exclusively from Freeman Law Firm, Inc. fees.
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