Vancouver WA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Who Fights For Your Rights
Count on Colin to fight for the best possible outcome in your case
Motorcycles are a common sight in the state of Washington. But when other drivers are negligent, they can cause an accident that leave motorcyclists seriously injured. Motorcycle injury victims may face months or years of recovering and mounting medical bills. The Scott Law Firm, PLLC helps injured motorcyclists recover the financial compensation they deserve.
Vancouver motorcycle accident attorney Colin Scott knows that part of the problem is that many drivers see motorcycles as little more than a nuisance on the road. Some drivers just don't see motorcycles as other vehicles - if they notice them at all. This attitude increases the risk of causing an accident. We see things differently. That’s why we take your case seriously right from the start.
A crash can change the lives of motorcyclists in an instant. Motorcyclists have very little protection, so the injuries they suffer can be severe. They may need surgery, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy or follow-up treatment. Some never fully recover from their injuries and are left with a permanent disability.
The medical expenses for treatment can very quickly become overwhelming. And if a motorcyclist can't work, there is less income coming in. Meanwhile the usual bills don't stop piling up. This can be a very difficult time for motorcyclists and their families. Many find it hard to make ends meet. That’s why we want to help.
Motorcyclists are up to five times more likely to be injured and 30 times more likely to be killed in a collision than occupants of vehicles. The majority of drivers who share the road with Washington's 230,000+ motorcyclists are unaware of these startling facts, but the numbers speak for themselves.
- Nearly 1 out of 5 motor vehicle deaths in Washington involve motorcycle accident fatalities.
- Number of motorcycle accident deaths statewide have increased nearly every year for the past decade.
Don’t become another statistic. Get the legal help you need now after your Washington motorcycle accident. Vancouver attorney Colin Scott can help.
"Colin Scott was very clear in stating all possible outcomes and handled the entire case very efficiently. I didn't have to stress about it and all my concerns were answered timely...This experience has certainly exceeded all my expectations!" – Liliya, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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FAQs about riding motorcycles in Washington State
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions our law firm receives about riding a motorcycle in the State of Washington. You can find answers by clicking on the questions below:
- Is an endorsement required to ride a motorcycle in Washington?
- When do the majority of motorcycle crashes occur?
- What is the leading cause of death for motorcycle riders?
- Are helmets mandatory in Washington?
- What does "DOT approved" mean?
- Is lane splitting legal in Washington?
- Can more than two riders occupy a single lane?
- Are motorcyclists required to use headlights during the day?
- What should I do if I’m in a motorcycle accident with an uninsured driver?
- What factors can affect fault determination in motorcycle accidents?
- What are my rights if a defective motorcycle part caused my accident?
- What should I document at the scene of a motorcycle accident?
- How does a Vancouver motorcycle accident lawyer approach my case?
- Why do insurance companies resist fair compensation for motorcyclists?
- How can an attorney help me with a motorcycle accident brain injury?
- What is “biker’s arm” and how does it impact my motorcycle accident claim?
- How severe is road rash in a motorcycle accident?
- What are the long-term effects of broken bones from motorcycle crashes?
- What should I expect during a motorcycle accident case consultation?
Is an endorsement required to ride a motorcycle in Washington?
Yes, motorcyclists in Washington State must have an endorsement on their driver’s license to legally operate a motorcycle. If you operate a motorcycle without an endorsement, your motorcycle may be impounded. For additional information, see the Washington Department of Licensing Motorcycle Operator Manual.
When do the majority of motorcycle crashes occur?
Studies conducted by the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission indicate the majority of motorcycle-related crashes occur during peak riding season (May through September) when traffic is heaviest (from 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.).
What is the leading cause of death for motorcycle riders?
Despite roughly half of the states enacting mandatory helmet laws, head injuries are still the leading cause of motorcycle-related deaths, although such fatalities occur 10 times more frequently in states that do not have mandatory helmet laws. Other factors include inattentive drivers, poor weather conditions, equipment failure, speeding, dangerous roadways, and motorists who are under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
Are helmets mandatory in Washington?
Yes, everyone must wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in the State of Washington, according to Washington Statute RCW 46.37.530. All helmets must be approved by the United States Department of Transportation (referred to as “DOT approved”).
What does "DOT approved" mean?
Helmets that are DOT approved are certified by the manufacturer as meeting standards set forth by the United States Department of Transportation. All DOT approved helmets must be clearly labeled with a sticker indicating the helmet is made to DOT specifications.
In order to help motorcyclists determine which helmets can be worn legally in the State of Washington, the Washington State Patrol publishes a “Bogus Helmet Brochure” that compares legal helmets with illegal (i.e. “bogus”) helmets. This brochure also contains additional information on how to properly identify whether your helmet is DOT approved.
Is lane splitting legal in Washington?
According to the Washington State Legislature, lane splitting is illegal in the State of Washington. Specifically, Washington law RCW 46.61.608 states: “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.”
Can more than two riders occupy a single lane?
In Washington State, each motorcyclist is entitled to their own lane and two motorcyclists may ride next to each other. However, no more than two motorcyclists may ride next to each other in a single lane.
Are motorcyclists required to use headlights during the day?
Yes, motorcyclists in the State of Washington are required to use headlights at all times. Modulating headlights are permitted under the law.
What should I do if I’m in a motorcycle accident with an uninsured driver?
If you’re in a motorcycle accident with an uninsured driver or underinsured driver, you might worry about how to pay for your medical bills, repairs, and other expenses. In Washington, you can explore your options for compensation through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage if your insurance policy includes it.
UM/UIM coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and damages, similar to the way it would if the other driver had adequate insurance. If you don’t have UM or UIM coverage, other avenues of recovery may still be available. Vancouver motorcycle crash attorney Colin Scott can clarify your options and help you recover as much as possible despite the lack of coverage from the other driver.
What factors can affect fault determination in motorcycle accidents?
Fault in motorcycle accidents isn’t always straightforward, and several factors can influence the outcome, including:
- Driver behavior: Speeding, aggressive driving, an illegal lane change, failure to yield the right of way or failing to obey a traffic signal (such as running a red light) are just some of many examples that can show negligence. In Washington, you’re required to follow the rules of the road, so actions violating these laws can lead to liability.
- Road conditions: Wet or icy roads, uneven pavement, and loose gravel can play a role. If the road conditions were poor, liability may fall partially on the municipality responsible for road maintenance or the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), especially if they created the hazard or knew about a hazard and it wasn’t properly addressed.
- Visibility and awareness: Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, and drivers often miss them at intersections or in blind spots when changing lanes. If the driver didn’t see the motorcyclist but should have under the circumstances, it could show negligence.
- Motorcycle equipment: Working headlights, turn signals, and mirrors are legally required on all motorcycles in Washington. Failure to keep a motorcycle in safe working condition may make a motorcyclist partially responsible for a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle shops that perform negligent repairs to equipment, which then fail and cause a wreck (such as mismatched tubes and tires), may also potentially be held liable.
What are my rights if a defective motorcycle part caused my accident?
If a defective component or assembly caused your motorcycle crash, you may have the right to make a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or even the retailer who sold you the motorcycle. You might also have a claim against those who serviced your motorcycle or sold you the defective motorcycle part.
For a successful claim, you’ll need to show the defect caused your motorcycle accident and resulting injuries. Defects may include design flaws, manufacturing errors, or failure to provide proper instructions or warnings. Common examples include things like faulty brakes, steering malfunctions, or tire defects.
What should I document at the scene of a motorcycle accident?
If possible, documenting details at the motorcycle accident scene can strengthen your case. Here are some key steps to take:
- Call 911: If anyone is seriously injured or any of the vehicles is badly damaged in the wreck (including your motorcycle), it’s important that you contact the police and have them respond to the scene and write a report.
- Take photos and videos: Capture the position of vehicles, damage, debris, road conditions, weather, and anything else relevant. Photos can visually demonstrate the impact, provide a clear picture of the scene and show who was at fault for causing the motorcycle crash.
- Collect witness information: If bystanders witnessed the accident, ask for their contact information. Witness statements can support your claim and offer an objective perspective about your motorcycle accident.
- Note license plate and insurance information: Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident, including their license plate, contact details, and insurance info. If they’re uninsured, contact the police as it’s still important to have their ID details.
- Document injuries and medical attention: Take pictures of visible injuries and, if possible, write down your symptoms and pain level shortly after the accident. Seeing a doctor immediately is important both for health reasons and for recording accident-related injuries in your medical records.
- Get a copy of the police report: Law enforcement will document details, which are valuable for determining fault and establishing an official account. Be sure to get a copy of the motorcycle accident report from the responding law enforcement agency in Washington. Motorcycle accident attorney Colin Scott can obtain this report for you, carefully analyze it and use it at a basis for building your claim.
How does a Vancouver motorcycle accident lawyer approach my case?
When an insurance company receives an injury claim that is legally justified, they are supposed to provide compensation for the injured plaintiff. But insurance companies often hold outdated views about motorcyclists. They think of them as dangerous risk takers. In their minds, a motorcyclist must have been to blame...somehow. They may dispute your version of events, claim that you were speeding or driving recklessly, and question the extent of your injuries.
Vancouver motorcycle accident attorney Colin Scott is familiar with the defense strategies insurance companies use to deny personal injury claims. He knows that motorcyclists, like all people, care about their safety. That's why he doesn't put up with insurance company tactics that attempt to reduce the amount of compensation to which law-abiding citizens, including injured motorcyclists, are entitled.
Here at The Scott Law Firm, PLLC, we don't take the insurance company's word for what happened. We focus on the facts. Colin can investigate to find out what really happened. He can carefully review all relevant documentation - including police accident reports and medical records. He can identify witnesses and interview them himself or do so by hiring a private investigator. He can also consult with an accident reconstructionist and other specialists as needed to help prove your case.
Why do insurance companies resist fair compensation for motorcyclists?
You can’t fight the insurance companies on your own. Their hope is that you won’t hire a lawyer and that you’ll quickly agree to a lowball settlement offer that helps them save money.
Our firm knows how to build a strong case that insurance companies take seriously. When they see that Colin is prepared and ready to fight them in court, they often agree to enter into settlement negotiations. Their hope is we'll quickly agree to a lowball offer that helps them save money.
That's not acceptable. We are only interested in a resolution of your case that meets your individual needs. This can include compensation for all current and future medical expenses related to the motorcycle accident. It can also include compensation for lost wages as well as other damages like pain and suffering and any disability you have suffered as a result of the crash.
Colin is dedicated to getting the best possible outcome and recovering the compensation his clients need to get their lives back on track. Many times that can be done through a negotiated settlement with the insurance company. Other times, it may require filing a lawsuit and fighting for you in court.
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, it's important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. The amount of time in which you have to take legal action against the parties responsible for your injuries is limited. If you wait too long, you risk losing your ability to seek financial recovery. Additionally, the longer you wait, the more likely it is that evidence will be lost or destroyed. The sooner we can get started, the sooner we can begin building a strong case that proves you are telling the truth.
Learn more about how we can help you with your case. Contact us online or call 360-718-3640 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney. If you have difficulty traveling due to your injuries and can't come to our office, Colin can meet you at your home or another location that is more convenient for you.
How can an attorney help me with a motorcycle accident brain injury?
These are common and very serious injuries often seen in motorcycle accidents. Head and brain injuries can happen when a motorcyclist is hit directly by a vehicle or thrown onto the ground. The force of impact causes the brain to crash into the skull. This can result in bruising, bleeding or swelling - and motorcyclists can suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The long-term effects of a TBI can have a significant impact on injury victims. They may experience problems with speech, thinking and motor skills. They may undergo personality changes. Other effects can include weakness and problems with balance or walking. Many victims of TBI require long-term or even lifelong care. In these situations, medical expenses can become overwhelming.
What is "biker's arm" and how does it impact my motorcycle accident claim?
During a motorcycle crash, the natural instinct of a motorcyclist is to use his or her arms for protection. The force of impact can result in damage to the nerves in the arm - including the brachial plexus, median nerve, radial nerve and ulnar nerve. This damage can lead to a condition known as "biker's arm."
Damage to the nerves can cause a loss of feeling and limited arm movement. Injured motorcyclists may have difficulty using their hands or fingers (which can also be symptoms of a neck injury). Symptoms can take days or even weeks to develop. Treatment can help, but some injured motorcyclists never fully recover. In some cases, biker's arm can lead to permanent paralysis.
How severe is road rash in a motorcycle accident?
In a motorcycle accident, a motorcyclist may slide on the road before coming to a stop. This contact with the road can result in serious cuts and bruises to the skin, or it may result in a friction burn or road abrasion – a condition commonly referred to as "road rash." If the injuries are severe enough, road rash may also be diagnosed as third-degree (full thickness) abrasion burns.
Like other types of burns, road rash can be extremely painful. If not properly treated, the affected area can become irritated or infected. There may also be nerve damage or scarring. Severe road rash diagnosed as third-degree burns can also require surgical skin grafts. These injuries can take weeks or even months to fully heal. Medication, including powerful narcotics, are often needed in these situations to help with pain management.
What are the long-term effects of broken bones from motorcycle crashes?
The force of impact with a car or truck - or with the ground after being thrown from a bike – can easily lead to broken bones. These injuries are often seen in the arms, wrists, hands, legs and hips. Mobility becomes limited in the injured area. You may not be able to return to work or take part in your usual activities.
Depending on the location and type of fracture, it can take many months for a broken bone to heal completely. Surgery may be required in some cases – such as when a motorcyclist suffers a displaced or compound fracture. Comminuted fractures are also common injuries that can occur during a motorcycle accident, when bones are literally crushed and fragmented. In these situations, the injured motorcyclist may require one or more surgeries. In severe cases, a broken bone can result in disfigurement or permanent disability. Complications may also include infection and nerve damage. The effects from these type of injuries can be life-long.
What should I expect during a motorcycle accident case consultation?
When you consult with a Vancouver motorcycle accident lawyer at The Scott Law Firm, you can expect a straightforward, honest conversation about your legal options. We start by listening carefully to you talk about your motorcycle accident and reviewing any details or documents you’ve gathered in connection with your motorcycle crash. This helps us understand your case, including who is potentially at fault, possible damages, and impact on your daily life.
We'll answer your questions openly, provide a clear assessment of the strengths and possible weaknesses of your claim, and outline the next steps for pursuing compensation. Our consultations come with no obligation, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover money in your case. To find out how we can help you recover from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, contact us online or call us today to schedule your free consultation.