Table of Contents
- Distracted Driving—A Growing Threat on Washington Roads
- Left-Turn Accidents at Intersections
- Unsafe Lane Changes and Merging
- Speeding and Sudden Braking
- Hazardous Road Conditions Unique to Washington
- What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Washington
- Let Us Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve
Motorcycling offers a thrilling sense of freedom, but in Washington state, that freedom comes with risk. While riders are often among the most safety-conscious people on the road, they are still highly vulnerable, especially when sharing the streets with distracted or negligent drivers. Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Washington is the first step toward safer riding and protecting your rights in the event of a crash.
Whether you ride for leisure, commute daily, or hit the open road on weekends, knowing how accidents happen—and how to prevent them—can make all the difference. Below, we break down the five leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Washington and share clear, actionable ways to avoid them.
1. Distracted Driving—A Growing Threat on Washington Roads
Distracted driving is a top cause of motorcycle crashes across the state. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, distraction was a factor in nearly 30% of all fatal crashes in the state in recent years. Unfortunately, motorcyclists often pay the highest price for someone else’s momentary lapse.
Common distractions include:
- Texting or using a phone
- Adjusting the GPS or in-car entertainment
- Eating or drinking while driving
Motorcycles are smaller and harder to spot than passenger vehicles, so even a few seconds of inattention can result in a devastating collision.
How to avoid it:
- Stay out of blind spots and keep your headlights on, even during the day.
- Assume other drivers don’t see you. Ride defensively.
- Consider wearing high-visibility gear to increase your presence on the road.
2. Left-Turn Accidents at Intersections
One of the most dangerous scenarios for motorcyclists occurs when a car turns left in front of them at an intersection. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 44% of fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking another vehicle.
Why it happens:
- Drivers misjudge the speed or distance of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Motorcycles are more difficult to see, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather.
- Drivers are not always trained to look for motorcycles at intersections.
How to avoid it:
- Approach intersections with extra caution, even if you have the right of way.
- Flash your high beams briefly or tap your horn if you suspect a car may turn in front of you.
- Be prepared to brake and swerve safely if needed.
3. Unsafe Lane Changes and Merging
Lane changes may seem routine, but for motorcyclists, they pose serious risks. Many drivers fail to check their blind spots or signal properly, making sudden moves into a lane already occupied by a rider.
Washington State Patrol data shows a rising number of crashes caused by improper lane changes, especially on highways like I-5, I-90, and SR 167.
Risk factors include:
- Heavy traffic congestion leading to aggressive merging
- Larger vehicles (like trucks and SUVs) with bigger blind spots
- Drivers are not expecting a motorcycle to be beside them
How to avoid it:
- Never ride in a driver’s blind spot; if you can’t see their face in the mirror, they likely can’t see you.
- Use lane positioning to stay visible, either fully in the left or right third of the lane.
- Watch for signs that a driver may merge unexpectedly, such as wheels turning or a quick mirror check.
4. Speeding and Sudden Braking
Speeding is not just a danger to the speeder—it endangers everyone on the road. In Washington, speeding contributes to over 45% of motorcycle fatalities, according to the WTSC. Even riding just 10 mph over the limit significantly reduces your ability to respond to road hazards, weather changes, or sudden traffic stops.
On the other end of the spectrum, sudden braking—either by the motorcyclist or a nearby driver—can lead to rear-end collisions or cause a rider to lose control.
How to avoid it:
- Follow posted speed limits and adjust for weather, traffic, or poor road conditions.
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, at least 3-4 seconds behind.
- Make smooth, gradual stops when possible, and keep an eye on brake lights ahead of you.
5. Hazardous Road Conditions Unique to Washington
Riders in Washington face a range of environmental hazards, including wet roads, rough pavement, and fallen debris. Wet leaves in the fall and black ice in the winter are hazardous for two wheels. Even poorly maintained roads—like potholes or gravel shoulders—can cause a rider to lose control.
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), weather-related crashes increase by 15-20% during the rainy and snowy season, typically from October through January.
Common hazards include:
- Rain-slicked roads and oil buildup
- Gravel on corners and shoulders
- Uneven pavement or large potholes
How to avoid it:
- Reduce speed during and after rainfall, as wet conditions decrease tire traction.
- Avoid sudden acceleration or hard braking on slick surfaces.
- Scan the road ahead for potential hazards and avoid lane splitting on poor surfaces.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Washington
Even if you do everything right, accidents can still happen, especially when someone else is at fault. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Washington, your health and your rights should be your top priorities.
Take these steps immediately after a crash:
- Call 911 and get medical attention, even if the injuries seem minor.
- Take photos of the scene, your motorcycle, and any visible injuries.
- Get witness contact information and file a police report.
- Do not admit fault or sign anything from insurance companies until speaking with an attorney.
Accident victims often deal with steep medical bills, time off work, and insurance companies that don’t have their best interests at heart. That’s where experienced legal help makes all the difference.
Let Us Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve
At Washington Auto Law, we understand how devastating a motorcycle accident can be. We’re committed to helping injured riders get the compensation they need for medical care, lost income, and peace of mind. Our legal team has deep experience handling motorcycle accident claims and holding negligent drivers accountable.
We’re here to guide you through every step of the process, so you can focus on healing while we focus on the fight.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
- 📞 Call us now at 206-497-4357
- 💬 Schedule your free consultation HERE
- ⚖️ Let us handle the legal work while you get back on the road