What are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Spokane Washington?
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by various reasons, including the negligence of the driver. Some of the negligent acts that can cause an accident include:
- Swerving in front of a motorcyclist
- Cutting cyclists off at intersections
- Driving above the speed limit
- Failure to yield
- Inattentiveness when driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to leave sufficient room between vehicles
- Failure to see a motorcyclist changing or entering lanes
- Swerving in front of a motorcyclist
- Cutting cyclists off at intersections
- Driving above the speed limit
- Failure to yield
- Inattentiveness when driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to leave sufficient room between vehicles
- Failure to see a motorcyclist changing or entering lanes
What injuries can be sustained after a motorcycle accident?
Motorcyclists have very little protection when riding, which means that the injuries sustained in an accident can be severe and life-threatening. Some of these injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Severe head trauma
- Traumatic brain damage
- Neck injuries
- Spinal Cord injuries
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Loss of limbs
- Death
- Broken bones
- Severe head trauma
- Traumatic brain damage
- Neck injuries
- Spinal Cord injuries
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Loss of limbs
- Death
What Compensation can be recovered after a motorcycle accident in Spokane Washington?
If you or your loved one has been injured as a result of a motorcycle accident, you can receive any of the following compensation.
Pain and Suffering
In Washington, insurance companies are not obligated to give motorcyclists PIP insurance. Regardless, they can still file a lawsuit to claim compensation for their pain and suffering after the accident. The amount of compensation will depend on the nature of the injury, as well as the duration and extent of the pain.
Past and Future Medical Expenses
The victim can receive compensation for hospital care, surgery, and other medical bills that were incurred as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident.
Mental Anguish
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can cause emotional distress to both the victims and their families. It can lead to feelings of fright, nervousness, worry, embarrassment, and grief. As such, they may receive compensation for this emotional distress.
Lost Wages
Motorcycle accident victims can receive compensation for the time taken off work to recover from the accident, and for the wages lost during that time.
Loss of Consortium
When the victim dies as a result of the accident, the surviving spouse or the minor children can receive compensation for the loss of assistance, services, aid, and companionship caused by the motorcycle accident. The surviving parents may be given compensation for the loss of affection, love, and companionship of their minor children due to their wrongful death.
Motorcycle Laws and Riding Safely in Spokane Washington
Knowing and obeying both motorcycle and traffic laws is the first step in deterring the worst from happening. To avoid being a victim of a motorcycle accident, you should take the following measures.
Always wear a helmet approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. It not only helps you adhere to Washington motorcycle laws, but it also safeguards you against brain injury in an accident. Wearing a helmet could also be relevant when filing an accident claim.
Use motorcycle equipment. Washington state law requires motorcycles, amongst other things, to have a windshield unless the rider is wearing goggles, safety glasses, or a face shield approved by Washington state patrol.
When riding, watch out for motorists and avoid their blind spots. A lot of drivers are not used to having motorcycles around. Because of this, they aren’t conditioned to be mindful of them. This is why you, the motorcyclist, need to look out for them.
Make yourself more noticeable with reflective motorcycle safety equipment. Several options are available to make you more visible and less likely to be ignored.
Contact us
If you or your loved one has recently been involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in injury or death, please contact our motorcycle accident attorney today.