Quick Answer
After a motorcycle accident in Vancouver, you generally have three years to file an injury claim in Washington (RCW 4.16.080). Washington requires every rider to wear a helmet, and lane splitting is illegal, so expect the insurance company to argue you share the blame. Even if you were partly at fault, Washington uses pure comparative fault, so you can still recover with your award reduced by your share (RCW 4.22.005). Motorcycle crashes tend to cause severe injuries, which usually means higher medical bills and larger claims. A case review with Goldberg & Loren is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
If you're an accident victim in Vancouver, you need an experienced motorcycle injury attorney to help you fight for your rights and get the compensation you are entitled to. Our Vancouver motorcycle accident lawyers are here to support you every step of the way.
The motorcycle accident attorneys at Goldberg & Loren have a successful track record of securing compensation for our clients, including damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Book a free consultation by calling (360) 230-5023 today. We are open now to discuss your motorcycle accident claim options.
Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Vancouver
In Vancouver, the four fatal crashes recorded in 2022 were primarily linked to speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving. [1]
Hazardous road conditions, including potholes, uneven pavements, and lack of proper signage, also contribute to fatal accidents.
Types of Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle collisions can lead to a range of common injuries, from minor to severe, and injuries with long-lasting effects on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being, often requiring extensive medical attention.
Following are some of the severe injuries that occur with motorcycle accidents:
- Broken bones can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and the need for extensive medical treatment.
- Road rash, caused by abrasions against the road surface, can result in permanent scarring and nerve damage.
- Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis and lifelong disability, dramatically affecting a victim's independence and quality of life.
- Traumatic brain injuries often have long-term effects on cognitive and motor functions, impacting a victim's ability to work and perform daily tasks.
Wrongful death is the most devastating outcome, leaving families with emotional and financial burdens. In 2024, Vancouver experienced 63 motorcycle accidents, three of which were fatal. [2]
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Vancouver, Washington
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial impacts.
From seeking medical attention to contacting a skilled attorney, the following points outline the important actions to consider after a motorcycle accident in Vancouver.
- Seek Medical Attention: After a motorcycle accident, seek medical attention, even if not seriously injured. Adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms of underlying injuries, so it's essential to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure that all injuries are properly documented and treated.
- Contact Authorities: Contact the police and file an accident report, regardless of the accident's severity. Having an official record of the incident helps file insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
- Gather Evidence: Collecting evidence from the scene, such as photos of the accident, obtaining witness statements, and preserving any physical evidence can significantly support your case in the event of a legal dispute.
- Notify Insurance Company: Promptly notifying the insurance company about the accident is important for initiating the claims process and ensuring timely coverage for medical expenses, property damage, and other related losses.
- Consult a Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Our local Vancouver motorcycle accident lawyers can provide guidance throughout the claims process, protect your legal rights, and work towards securing fair compensation for your losses. We offer both in-person and online appointments. Time is limited as a claim must be filed within three years of your accident per the Statute of Limitations. §4.16.080
Who Can Be Liable For a Motorcycle Accident in Vancouver?
Several parties can potentially be liable for a motorcycle accident in Vancouver, including:
- Negligent Drivers: Motorists who exhibit negligent behavior such as speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, or driving under the influence can be held as fault drivers for causing accidents involving motorcycles.
- Government Entities: If the accident resulted from poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or other infrastructure issues, the government entity responsible for road maintenance could be held accountable.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: In cases where the accident is caused by a defective motorcycle part or design flaw, the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty component may bear liability.
- Third Parties: Entities other than drivers or manufacturers, such as construction companies or property owners, might be liable if their actions or negligence contributed to the accident.
Determining liability in a motorcycle accident often requires a thorough investigation and assessment of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Consulting with our motorcycle crash lawyer will help you identify liable parties and pursue appropriate legal action for compensation.
Get a Free Consultation From a Vancouver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Our law firm, Goldberg & Loren, in Vancouver, Washington, is dedicated to assisting motorcycle accident victims by providing legal representation and fighting for the maximum compensation they are owed.
We can provide expert legal representation to help with the motorcycle accident claims process and secure compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Here are some legal services we provide to our clients.
- Evidence Collection: We gather necessary evidence, such as medical records, medical bills, police reports, etc., incurred during the accident meticulously.
- Communication Management: Our personal injury attorneys handle interactions with insurance carriers or at-fault parties, ensuring you are protected and their rights upheld during discussions and negotiations.
- On-site Investigation: We conduct thorough on-site investigations, visiting the accident scene to capture images, secure police reports, inspect the motorcycle's damage, and gather tangible evidence crucial to the case.
- Witness Coordination: Our experienced attorneys identify and interview witnesses, utilizing their testimonies to strengthen the victim's case. We can also locate potential video footage from surveillance cameras that could provide additional evidence.
- Expert Collaboration: When necessary, legal experts collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists or field experts to determine the accident's precise cause, bolstering the victim's motorcycle accident claims with expert analysis and insights.
- Litigation Representation: If negotiations fail, we provide vigorous representation in court, presenting compelling arguments to defend your rights and interests.
Schedule an appointment with our personal injury attorneys in Vancouver to get started. Let us help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Don't pay unless we win.
Sources:
[1] Motorcyclist Fatalities Dashboard - Washington Traffic Safety Commission. (2023, October 9). Washington Traffic Safety Commission. https://wtsc.wa.gov/dashboards/motorcyclist-fatalities-dashboard/
[2] WSDOT - Crash Data Portal. (n.d.-f). https://remoteapps.wsdot.wa.gov/highwaysafety/collision/data/portal/public/#parms
