Tacoma, WA Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The state of Washington is considered a motorcycle-friendly state and is a perfect place to explore on a motorcycle. Yes, it does rain—a lot—but the unparalleled natural beauty you will encounter makes a little rain seem like nothing! In fact, the Cascade Loop is an absolute must-see. At 444 miles, it’s a two or three-day trip that features vineyards, mountain peaks, waterfalls, lush forests, orchards, and nature at its most beautiful.
There are many more amazing places to see in Washington state and in and around Tacoma, including Washington Route 509 (SW Dash Point Way) which takes you through Tacoma. On this route, you will see a lighthouse at Dash Point, a breathtaking mountain view from a cliffside restaurant, and cruise the urban environment of Tacoma. Of course, more motorcyclists mean more motorcycle accidents. If you are the victim of a motorcycle accident, it could be extremely beneficial to speak to a Tacoma motorcycle accident attorney from Palace Law.
Why Should You Choose Palace Law Following Your Motorcycle Accident?
Unfortunately, the defendant’s attorney may attempt to use biker stereotypes to deprive you of the compensation you are rightfully entitled to receive. Many people still assume that motorcyclists are reckless, hard-living individuals. In fact, most individuals that ride motorcycles do so for more practical reasons such as commuting to and from work and lower gas costs. You need a highly experienced Tacoma motorcycle accident attorney who understands how to circumvent these misperceptions and can obtain an equitable settlement on your behalf.
At Palace Law, our job is to accurately assess potential liability, then use every resource at our disposal to prove responsibility and collect a fair settlement for you and for your future. When you choose Palace Law you are making the choice to have an experienced, highly skilled attorney take a considerable burden from your shoulders. We have four attorneys at our firm that have each tried over 200 cases. Collectively, we have more than two hundred years of experience in personal injury claims.
We have more than 1,500 positive client reviews, offering a free consultation and affordable rates. We are available to you 24/7 for questions and will even come to you if your injuries prevent you from traveling. We will thoroughly assess the facts of your motorcycle accident, then will develop a comprehensive plan for securing the settlement you need and deserve, allowing you to move forward with your life.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to NSC Injury Facts, while motorcycles make up only 3 percent of all registered vehicles, and 0.6 percent of all vehicle miles traveled across the United States, motorcycles accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. The vast majority (61 percent) of motorcycle fatalities occur in urban settings, and, contrary to what many people believe, 89 percent of motorcycle accidents occur in good weather. Motorcycle accidents are about equally split between daylight and night-time, and about 59 percent of motorcyclists involved in an accident were wearing a helmet. Overall, in 2019, motorcyclists were nearly 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a car collision.
What are the Primary Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
While each motorcycle accident is unique, there are certain factors that are most often involved in these collisions, including:
- The failure of drivers to properly look for motorcyclists is probably the number one cause of motorcycle accidents in Tacoma, and across the U.S. The motorcycle’s smaller size can make it more difficult for drivers to detect, whether due to obstructions, glare, or simply not paying attention on the part of the driver.
- Intersections are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, especially when a car is making a left-hand turn in front of an oncoming motorcyclist. The driver may not see the motorcyclist at all or may misjudge the speed of the oncoming motorcyclist. Left-hand turns made by drivers are a primary cause of motorcycle accidents. When a motorcyclist slams into the side of a vehicle at virtually any speed, the result can be catastrophic.
- Motorcycles are much more vulnerable to hazardous road conditions than vehicles. Slippery surfaces, debris in the roadway, uneven pavement, potholes, and loose gravel can cause devastating accidents for motorcyclists while a vehicle may barely register the hazard.
- Head-on collisions between a motorcyclist and another vehicle almost always result in catastrophic injuries or death for the motorcyclist who can be crushed or thrown through the air. Since most head-on collisions occur at high speeds, the motorcyclist has a significantly increased risk of injury or death.
- Motorcycle lane splitting (when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of cars) is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. Lane splitting is only legal in the state of California. Because a motorcycle is so close to other vehicles on the road while lane splitting, a serious accident can occur.
- Reckless driving, impaired driving, distracted driving, and fatigued driving are all common causes of motorcycle accidents. Distracted driving is the primary cause of all types of auto accidents. Fatigued driving is more and more common as Americans are perpetually sleep-deprived. Impaired driving and reckless driving can similarly be responsible for motorcycle accidents.
- Sharp turns and corners are much more likely to cause a motorcycle accident than for a passenger vehicle. It is simply more difficult to compensate or correct when driving around a sharp turn on a motorcycle.
Complexities Associated with Motorcycle Accidents
As mentioned, there are often preconceived—and inaccurate—notions of the “typical” motorcycle rider. Despite stereotypes, the vast majority of motorcyclists do not drive recklessly or at excessive speeds. Even in cases where the motorcyclist clearly had the right-of-way, some jurors may still place the blame for the accident on the biker. Most motorcyclists are not crazy risk-takers, so it falls to an experienced Tacoma motorcycle accident attorney to dispel jurors of these notions should the case go to trial.
Your Palace Law motorcycle attorney will ensure you receive a fair settlement despite potential biases because he or she fully understands the situation and knows how to handle it. Your attorney will also consider the statutes of limitations—the amount of time you have following your motorcycle accident in which to file your claim. Each state sets its own statutes of limitations; in the state of Washington, you have three years to file a personal injury claim for your injuries or forfeit filing one at all.
Common Injuries Following a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accident injuries are often catastrophic; most fatal and incapacitating injuries are sustained when the point of impact is the front of the motorcycle. Some of the most common injuries from motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries are very common among motorcycle accident victims, particularly those that are not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. When a motorcyclist’s head strikes the hard pavement, the brain is slammed around in the skull, causing concussions, TBIs, and other brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries can also occur when a motorcyclist is hit by a passenger vehicle. Paralysis may occur, or other types of back injuries that do not cause paralysis but can cause long-term back pain and back issues.
- Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding are common from blunt-force trauma—a blow from something hard that does not break the skin—as well as from penetration trauma—when something sharp like broken glass, metal, or steel breaks the skin.
- Lower extremity injuries—Injuries to the lower extremities are frequent injuries for motorcyclists involved in an accident. Leg injuries are the most common type of lower extremity injury, with bone fractures being more common than soft-tissue injuries. Wrists and arms can also suffer fractures when a biker “catches” himself or herself in order to break the fall.
- Road rash occurs when the motorcyclist makes contact with the surface of the road during the crash, causing serious skin abrasions. Road rash can be minor or can be severe, leading to serious skin infections. Road rash can also cause permanent scarring.
Why Do You Need a Tacoma Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
It is rarely a good idea for an accident victim to represent himself or herself unless the accident is very minor, with no serious injuries, and little or no time away from work. Motorcycle accidents have many complexities associated with them that would be extremely difficult for a non-lawyer to handle on their own. Insurance companies do their best to pay out the smallest amount possible because their focus is on their yearly bottom line. The insurance company will simply take you more seriously once you are legally represented because they know your attorney will fight for a full and fair settlement.
How a Tacoma Motorcycle Accident Attorney from Palace Law Can Help
A highly experienced, highly skilled Tacoma motorcycle accident from Palace Law will work hard on your behalf to secure an equitable settlement—one that fully covers all your medical expenses (both current and future), your lost wages (current and future), and pain and suffering. At Palace Law, we will prove liability through a comprehensive investigation. After proving liability, we will fight hard on your behalf for compensation that will help you get your life back on track. Contact a Palace Law motorcycle accident attorney today to ensure your rights and your future are properly protected.