Motorcycle accidents occur within seconds, yet they may have long-term effects. A Seattle Motorcycle accident lawyer makes you know your rights, claims with insurance, and makes sure you are treated well. Thus, this guide will shed light on what should be done after the crash, how the legal process will take place, and why employing an attorney can transform your recovery.
Motorcycle Accidents in Seattle
Seattle motorcycle crashes are more prevalent than people believe. The traffic, unpredictable weather, and the busy streets present significant dangers to riders in the city. Additionally, although motorcycling is liberating and exciting, it is also risky.
Riders are not protected by a seat belt or airbag as car drivers are. Consequently, a minor collision can lead to fractured bones, injuries to the head, or road rash. Thus, being aware of the causes of these accidents is important to be safe and legally aware.
Typical Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The accidents of motorcycles usually occur due to the driver’s error, weather conditions, or visibility. In Seattle, the most widespread causes are:
- Distracted Driving: A lot of accidents occur because drivers text, call, or change the GPS, but are not looking at the road.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Motorcycles fit well in the blind spots. As a result, a rapid change of lanes may lead to an accident.
- Speeding: When speed is high, it lowers reaction time, and it becomes difficult to avoid hazards.
- Bad Weather: Rain and fog regularly occur in Seattle, making roads greasy and reducing visibility.
- Left-Turn Collisions: A motorcycle is involved in numerous fatal accidents when drivers turn to the left and pull in front of it.
All these cases may cause complicated insurance matters. Thus, a motorcycle crash attorney is a way to demonstrate the wrongdoing and demand reasonable compensation.
Legal Rights in a Motorcycle Accident
The rights of injured riders have been overlooked after a crash. Therefore, knowing them at an early stage avoids expensive errors.
1. Right to Medical Care
Whichever the cause of the crash, you are entitled to instant medical assistance. There is also the medical report that is later used to show the severity of your injuries.
2. Right to File a Claim
The comparative negligence law of Washington allows you to claim even when you are partially to blame. But your pay depends on your portion of the blame.
3. Amendment: Right to Legal Representation
You can also enlist the services of an attorney. Actually, you may refer to a Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to know your rights and to see how to achieve more when a crash has occurred.
What to do right after a motorcycle accident?
The speed of action will save your rights and reinforce your case. Therefore, here’s what to do:
- Ensure Safety: Exit the traffic and look out for injuries.
- Dial 911: CALL and report on the crash and help. Furthermore, police reports are useful in court as evidence later.
- Collect Evidence: Make pictures of the cars, location, and wounds.
- Get Witness Members: Witnesses are able to affirm the occurrence.
- Seek Medical Care: See a doctor, despite the fact that you are ok. Some injuries appear later.
- Admission of fault: Do not panic and remain unemotional.
- Notify Insurance: This is the reporting of the accident, but it should not be detailed before a lawyer is consulted.
All in all, every step will increase your likelihood of good pay in the future.
Role of a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer is much more than a filing clerk. They are, instead, your representative, detective, and mediator.
1. Collecting Evidence
Legal practitioners collect police documents, medical history, and videotapes. This will ensure that no valuable evidence is overlooked.
2. The Insurance Companies.
Insurance adjusters tend to minimize payments. But your attorney is your voice, and he defends your claim.
3. Calculating Damages
A lawyer assists you in adding up the worth of lost earnings, medical expenses, and suffering. Furthermore, they see to it that no cost is overlooked.
4. Negotiating or Going to Trial.
The majority of cases are out of court. However, your attorney will be able to defend you in court in case it is necessary.
Popular issues in Bike Claims.
Despite the facts, victims encounter obstacles. For example, these include:
- Discrimination of Riders: There is an assumption that motorcyclists are reckless.
- Complex Liability: In the case of multi-vehicle crashes, there are multiple insurers.
- Delayed Symptoms: Injuries such as whiplash are manifested days later.
- Insurance Disputes: The adjusters tend to doubt the severity of injuries or refuse treatment.
Luckily, an experienced Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyer is aware of these problems and takes them into account early.
Determination of Compensation
The reward is based on your injuries, level of fault, and loss of earnings. Typically, the common damages involve:
- Medical Bills: Surgical, hospital, or medication.
- Lost Wages: Work lost or lost income on a long-term basis.
- Misery and distress: Emotional distress and physical distress.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of the motorcycle.
- Future Care Costs: Long-term therapy/treatment.
Thus, your lawyer makes sure that they add all expenses to your claim.
Motorcyclist Safety in Seattle
It is better to prevent than to cure. So, here’s how to stay safer:
- Wear Gear: Helmets, gloves, and reflective clothing.
- Obey Regulations: Observe traffic regulations and speed.
- Keep Distance: Keep a safe distance between cars.
- Be Alert: Explore distracted drivers.
These tips will help you avoid the risks of crashing and defend your rights.
Five Frequently Asked Questions about Seattle Motorcycle Accidents
1. What is the time limit for filing a claim?
There are normally three years from the date of the accident. Nevertheless, an early start contributes to evidence preservation.
2. What would have happened to me had I not had on a helmet?
All riders are subject to the helmet law. However, failure to wear it can make a difference to your claim, but still, you can still recover damages.
3. Is it possible to do insurance on my own?
You can, but it’s risky. Adjusters want to pay less, so by hiring a Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, you get the full value of your claim.
4. Suppose that the second driver is not insured?
The uninsured motorist policy could be in your favor. Thus, an attorney will be able to discuss your alternatives.
5. How much does a lawyer cost?
Most work on contingency. This implies that you only pay when you win or settle.
Conclusion
Motorcycle crashes can impact your health, mood, and money. Therefore, it is possible to save yourself by being aware of your rights and acting correctly after an accident. The Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyer provides you with the advice and the application of that advice to pursue an insurance and legal claim without fear.
After all, you not only save yourself, but you also make the roads safer for everyone on a bike in Seattle.
