The dangers of riding motorcycles are well-known. From 2014-2018, Washington state motorcycle accident statistics show that nearly 450 motorcycle accidents occur each year that result in a serious injury or death. Nationwide, motorcycle riders are almost 30 times more likely to die as the result of an accident than regular automobile drivers. If you are a motorcycle accident victim or have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, then it is important that you speak to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Important Factors in a Motorcycle Accident Case
There are numerous factors that exist in motorcycle cases that don’t exist in regular car accidents. The first has to do with the appropriate licensing. About 1/3 of motorcycle riders in Washington don’t have the appropriate motorcycle endorsements on their driver’s licenses. A failure to have the proper endorsements can result in a fine but can also hurt your motorcycle accident insurance claim or lawsuit.
In the state of Washington, motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets by law. Washington is one of a number of states that currently has a universal helmet law, which means that every rider of a motorcycle or scooter is required to wear a helmet. A failure to wear a helmet can have fatal consequences to the rider and his or her claim or lawsuit.
What Types of Damages are Available in a Motorcycle Lawsuit?
Motorcycle accident injuries can result in significant medical bills that can accumulate quickly. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, then you can recover both economic and non-economic damages for your injuries or property damage sustained in the accident.
- Economic damages: these include things like medical bills, physical therapy costs, and lost wages
- Non-economic damages: these include things that can’t easily be added up such as loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.
If you are an accident victim, it is important that you target the correct insurance provider so you can have your medical costs and other expenses covered. Make sure your claim for compensation is a claim for maximum compensation. Don’t settle for anything less from the insurance company for your motorcycle accident settlement.
Important Information About Motorcycle Insurance
Motorcycle riders used to be exempt from the state requirement to carry a minimum policy limit of auto insurance. As of July 2019, motorcycle riders in the state of Washington must do one of the following:
- Carry liability insurance with minimum liability coverage of:
- $25,000 for the injuries or death of someone else
- $50,000 for the injuries or death to all other people involved in the accident
- $10,000 for any damage to someone else’s property
- Apply for a certificate of deposit to pay for your liability insurance with the Department of Licensing.
- Have a liability bond filed with a minimum of $60,000 in coverage
- You can self-insure if you own 26 or more vehicles
You must always carry proof of your motorcycle insurance from your insurance company on you in case you are stopped by the police. A failure to do so can result in a traffic ticket. If you have questions about liability coverage, then make sure you speak to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
How Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help
Experienced personal injury attorneys can help you in many ways. They can ensure your medical bills are paid, that your motorcycle accident claim is filed properly, and can help you negotiate a motorcycle accident settlement. Motorcycle crashes can cause severe injuries including a head injury, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and even soft tissue injuries. Road rash, nerve damage, and various leg injuries are also common in motorcycle accidents. Insurance adjusters are not on your side, a motorcycle accident lawyer will be. If your case does not settle, then your motorcycle accident lawyer can take the case to a jury verdict if necessary.
Sofia’s No Fee Guarantee
Attorney Sofia Miguel guarantees that you will never write a check to our office under Sofia’s “no fee guarantee.” Consultations are free and if your case is selected, then Sofia will also cover all of your court costs that are incurred during your motorcycle accident case.
Sofia only gets paid what you do. Her services will cost you nothing out of pocket; simple as that. Let Sofia’s nearly twenty years of experience in helping people recover from their injuries get to work for you now.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a motorcycle accident near Seattle, Puyallup, or Tacoma, WA, then contact attorney Sofia Miguel as she is ready to help you fight to get the money you deserve. Call us at 253-200-4471, come visit our office right here in Puyallup at 702 S. Hill Park Dr. #207, or contact us online anytime. We are here for you.
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