Every motorcycle rider faces the risk of suffering serious injuries in a crash. Motorcycles’ inherent instability and lack of safety features, such as seatbelts and airbags, means riders must remain vigilant at all times. However, even the most cautious rider can be hit by a careless driver that fails to look for motorcycles, fails to yield, or drives while distracted or drunk.
If you’ve been injured by another driver’s negligence while riding your motorcycle, don’t hesitate to talk to the knowledgeable Seattle motorcycle accident attorneys at Banks Law Office about your options for seeking financial recovery. We can investigate the circumstances of the accident and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries from the responsible party. Call (206) 497-4357 today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Washington State
Motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries in collisions because, aside from basic safety equipment like a helmet or jacket, the rider is at the mercy of physics. There is nothing restraining them, no seatbelts to keep them firmly in place, no airbags to cushion any hard impacts. When a negligent driver causes a motorcycle accident, the consequences for the rider are often painful and costly.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Impaired driving – Motorcycles can be difficult to see, especially at night or in bad weather. When you add drugs or alcohol into that mix, a driver will have an even harder time spotting a motorcyclist and reacting quickly when they do see them.
- Bad road conditions – Because motorcycles are less stable, a pothole or broken pavement can spell disaster for a rider.
- Distracted driving – Despite all efforts to the contrary, people will still take their attention off the road for a wide variety of reasons, such as checking a text, changing radio settings, or retrieving a dropped item. It only takes a moment to cause an accident.
- Speeding – Speeding can make it harder for drivers to react to hazards or stop in time to avoid hitting a rider, especially in bad weather.
- Lane splitting – Though this practice is illegal in Washington state, lane splitting is still occasionally seen on highways. Drivers are not expecting motorcycles between lanes, and dooring accidents can occur, causing severe injury.
- Unsafe lane changes – If a motorist doesn’t check blind spots before changing lanes, they can easily strike a motorcycle and injure the rider.
Common Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Collisions
Unfortunately, injuries from motorcycle accidents tend to be more severe and costly than injuries from passenger vehicle accidents. Some injuries common to motorcycle accidents include:
- Road rash (abrasions)
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Head and neck injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Organ damage
- Internal injuries
- Amputation
- Coma
Compensation You Could Be Entitled To
You can be compensated for a variety of losses you suffer as a result of a motorcycle accident. Some of these are financial in nature and some relate to non-economic, subjective losses suffered by the injured victim, such as pain and suffering. These losses are called damages. Some examples include:
- Lost wages if you’re unable to work as you recover
- Lost potential earnings if a long-term injury prevents you from returning to work
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
The exact amount of compensation you could obtain may vary widely depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your losses. Talk to your attorney to determine what damages may apply to your claim for compensation.
How Banks Law Can Help
At Banks Law Office, we can help you determine your best options for seeking the compensation you deserve from the party responsible for your injuries. Call us today at 206-497-4357 or contact us online for a free case consultation with a compassionate, experienced Seattle injury lawyer. There’s no obligation and no fee unless we win compensation for you, so call today.