While a motorcycle gives riders an increased sense of freedom on the road, they arguably face a higher risk of serious harm. Proper protective riding gear does not always shield motorcyclists from severe injuries when heavier vehicles suddenly hit them. Motorcycles do not have steel enclosures that can prevent riders from getting thrown off; it is not difficult to picture what happens to motorcyclists who end up on the ground. Even low-speed collisions are enough to cause life-threatening injuries or permanent disabilities to motorcyclists. In more tragic circumstances, a crash can become a deadly incident.
All motorists are responsible for driving their vehicles safely, and accident victims should hold those who disregard traffic laws and put others’ safety at risk accountable for their actions. If you suffered severe injuries because of another driver’s irresponsible behavior, you could contact a Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer to understand your legal options and protect your rights to obtain compensation. Schedule a free consultation today with a member of the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, by calling (800) 924-3113.
What to Do After You Receive Medical Attention
Following a traumatic incident, you might find it overwhelming to think about your next steps. After obtaining urgent medical attention, you might consider seeking the counsel of a Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer. Extensive injuries can strain your finances, and an attorney can make it easier to discover legal avenues that let you access the compensation you need. If another person’s negligent actions led to your physical, emotional, and financial damages, you should not wait to collect evidence to prove the other party’s liability.
With the assistance of a motorcycle accident lawyer, you could gather information about the circumstances surrounding your case before memories fade or evidence goes missing. Locating witnesses may become more challenging, the more you delay. A lawyer can investigate the incident and talk with accident reconstruction experts to show you were not at fault.
Victims of negligence could receive compensation for damages like pain and suffering, medical costs, emotional distress, lost income, property damage, disability, and other out-of-pocket expenses through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
You will likely receive phone calls from insurance companies soon after your accident. You should have informed your insurer about your crash before filing a claim; once you have, you might find it prudent to let your lawyer speak on your behalf in the future. They can negotiate with insurance adjusters to reach a settlement amount that accounts for all your damages. It might surprise you to discover you’re entitled to more damages than you thought, and a personal injury attorney can fight for what you deserve.
Filing Claims
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that motorcyclists are at significantly higher risk of severe or fatal injuries in traffic accidents compared to other drivers. In many collisions, car and truck drivers are at fault because they fail to see motorbikes when they do not pay attention to the road or drive recklessly. Since Washington is an at-fault state, whoever causes an accident has liability for injuries and damages. However, before you pursue damages, you must establish negligence first.
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner explains how new insurance requirements enacted in 2019 require anyone driving a motorbike to carry liability insurance. However, this policy typically does not include personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, so unless you added PIP to your motorcycle policy, you would likely need to file a claim with the negligent party’s insurance carrier.
When you hear from an insurance adjuster, a Seattle motorcycle accident attorney can review any settlement offer you receive. They can calculate your claim’s value, which should include both present and future expenses, and counter the adjuster’s offer with one that fully accounts for all your damages. Take note that accepting a settlement agreement generally prohibits you from asking for additional compensation in the future. It is critical to know your claim’s worth so you can ask for adequate financial compensation to help you make a complete recovery.
In many cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy will not cover the full amount of your damages. If this happens to you, you have the option to file a lawsuit against the liable party to recover damages that exceed your policy limits. You can discuss your legal options with a Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer before deciding. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today for a free case review with a team member.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Seattle, call (800) 924-3113
Liability of Other Parties
In proving liability, you usually must demonstrate that the other party’s negligent or reckless actions caused the collision, giving rise to your injuries. Some examples of negligent driver conduct include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while impaired
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Careless lane changes
However, do not overlook the fact that sometimes, drivers have no control over unfortunate events. For example, vehicle manufacturers could have liability when drivers lose control of the car because of a defective part.
Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 924-3113
Pure Comparative Fault System
Washington allows individuals to recover damages despite bearing some responsibility for an accident, as outlined in Revised Code of Washington (RCW) § 4.22.005. A court will award you reduced damages based on the degree of your fault. For instance, if your share of liability for the accident is 10 percent, and a court awarded $100,000 in compensatory damages, you will only receive $90,000. You can work with a motorcycle accident attorney to minimize the contributory fault assigned to you.
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Do Not Let Legal Deadlines Run Out on You
RCW § 4.16.080 gives you three years starting from the date of your accident to bring legal action for your injuries. While this may seem like plenty of time for you to build your case, you might not want to leave things to chance. You could have a Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, take care of legal matters, so you don’t miss your chance of attaining justice and collecting compensation. A member of our team can take your call at (800) 924-3113 and set up a free case evaluation. Call today to get started.
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