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Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Washington & Idaho

Riding a motorcycle through the roadways and surrounding landscape across Washington and Idaho can be a memorable experience. However, the negligence of other automobiles can expose the motorcyclist and their passenger to possible harm or injuries. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by another person's negligent actions, you may be eligible to pursue fair financial compensation for your injuries and damages.

At Perez & Perez Law PLLC, we're committed to offering vigorous representation and knowledgeable legal guidance to motorcycle accident victims in their injury claims. Our experienced Attorneys can evaluate the aspects of your case and enlighten you about your available options to pursue compensation. Our skilled legal team will fight compassionately for your legal rights and help you seek the financial justice you deserve.

We proudly serve and represent clients throughout the State of Washington, including: King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, Thurston County, Kittitas County, Island County, and Spokane County. We proudly serve and represent clients in North Idaho, including: Kootenai County, Bonner County, Benewah County, Boundary County, Shoshone County, and Latah County.

Steps to Take If You Were in a Motorcycle Accident

The moments after a motorcycle accident can be confusing to sort through. Regardless, what you do – or do not do – can affect the outcome of your injury claims significantly. Hence, when involved in a motorcycle accident, you should follow these steps where possible:

Stay calm and get to safety, but don’t leave the scene of the accident.
Call 911 to get emergency medical help for your injuries.
Report the incident to the nearest police department.
Exchange relevant information with the other parties, including the driver's name, insurance information, phone number, license number, and address.
Obtain and document the police report, accident scene photos, witness statements, medical treatments, health records, and doctor's appointments.
Document your personal account of the incident and the impact of the crash on your day-to-day life and work.
Inform your insurer of the incident.
Hire a knowledgeable attorney to help file your injury claims and handle negotiations with the insurance company.

However, you need to act promptly to avoid forgetting vital details or losing crucial documents. An experienced personal injury attorney can educate you about state laws addressing liability in your case and help file your insurance claims.

Motorcycle Laws

Here are some laws affecting motorcyclists in Washington and Idaho:

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is prohibited in both Washington and Idaho. According to state laws, motorcycle drivers are not allowed to ride between traffic lanes or between rows of vehicles. Doing so can cause more accidents and injuries.

Washington & Idaho Red Light Law

After coming to a complete stop, if a traffic light controlled by a vehicle sensor fails to detect the motorcycle after waiting one full cycle of the light, the rider may proceed with caution, yielding to other vehicles.

Operation

All motorcyclists must obtain a motorcycle license or permit when riding, and riders below 18 years must also take an education course.

Helmet

Motorcyclists are required to wear eye protection and DOT-approved helmet.

Passengers

Only motorcycles with a passenger seat and adequate footrest can carry a passenger. However, passengers have to be five years or older.

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Determining Fault in Washington & Idaho

Washington and Idaho are both a "fault" auto insurance state. This means that when a motorcycle accident occurs, the at-fault party (driver responsible for the accident or injury) will hold financial liability for the medical expenses, property damages, and accident-related losses suffered by the accident victims. To pursue compensation, the accident victims can proceed by:

Filing a claim with their own insurance provider
Filing a third-party claim with the at-fault party's insurance carrier
Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party in civil court

A reliable Washington and Idaho motorcycle accident attorney can help file your claims and determine the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.

Pure Comparative Negligence Rule in Washington

Washington operates using the "pure comparative negligence" rule. According to the system, a person injured in a motorcycle accident may be eligible to recover damages regardless of their contributory fault. However, the amount of compensation that will be recovered will reduce by the claimant's degree of fault.

For example, if the judge awards a settlement of $40,000 against the at-fault party but finds the plaintiff (injured person) to be 20% liable for their injuries or accident, the damages will be reduced by $8,000. Hence, the plaintiff will only be allowed to recover 80% of $40,000 ($32,000).

Under Washington's comparative negligence laws, a motorcycle crash victim may still seek compensation even if they were up to 50% responsible for the accident or their injuries.

Modified Comparative Negligence Rule in Idaho

Idaho operates using the "modified comparative negligence" rule. According to the system, a person injured in a motorcycle accident may only be eligible to recover damages if they are found to be less than 50% at fault. However, the amount of compensation that will be recovered will reduce by the claimant's degree of fault.

Filing a Claim for a Deceased Loved One

However, if the motorcycle accident caused someone's death, their surviving family members may be eligible to seek damages through a wrongful death claim. The following people can file a wrongful death action in Washington and Idaho:

The personal representative of the deceased person.
The decedent's spouse or state-registered domestic partner
The deceased person's children or stepchildren

In a situation where the decedent had none of the above, then the parents or siblings can file a wrongful death claim. An experienced attorney can walk you through the legal steps involved and help you seek rightful compensation for your loss.

Some law firms hire outside counsel to set up a legal estate and have the court appoint a Personal Representative. Here at Perez & Perez Law PLLC, we have the experience and expertise to set up a legal estate and have a loved one be appointed as Personal Representative.

Work With a Highly-Skilled Personal Injury Attorney

Getting injured in a motorcycle accident can be a devastating experience. Such an unfortunate incident can result in injuries, such as road rash, fractures, concussions, lower-extremity injuries, TBIs, and hospitalizations. However, you don't have to suffer the financial liability and pain all alone. Therefore, it is important that you act quickly and hire highly-skilled personal injury attorneys to advocate for your best interests and help you seek fair financial compensation.

For over 15 years, our attorneys at Perez & Perez Law PLLC have been protecting the legal rights of motorcycle accident victims and their loved ones. With our extensive knowledge, we can review the surrounding details of your unique situation and guide you through the over-complicated claims process. Our dependable legal team will fight zealously for your best interests, help negotiate fair financial compensation with the insurer, or take additional legal action where necessary.

Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Washington & Idaho

If you were injured in a negligent motorcycle accident, you deserve compassionate representation and experienced legal guidance. Contact Perez & Perez Law PLLC today to schedule a simple case assessment.