Motorcycle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. If you were hurt in one, an Olympia personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages.
All types of unexpected expenses can arise after a motorcycle crash. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Olympia from Puget Law Group can help you file a claim and obtain compensation for your losses.
Why Hire an Olympia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Legal representation can greatly improve your odds of a successful motorcycle accident case. An Olympia motorcycle accident lawyer can:
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Olympia, call (253) 627-4696
- Investigate the accident: We can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the scene to strengthen your claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: We can handle communications with adjusters and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Represent you in court: If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we can present your case in court.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
After a motorcycle accident, there are several types of damages you can potentially recover. These include:
- Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for hospital visits, surgery, medications, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover the income you would have earned.
- Property damage: You can recover repair or replacement costs for your motorcycle and personal belongings.
- Pain and suffering: You can receive compensation for physical pain and emotional distress you endured due to the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You can seek damages if your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed.
Our Olympia motorcycle accident lawyers can help you put together a claim that incorporates all of your losses.
Liability in Motorcycle Accidents
Determining fault is a critical part of any motorcycle accident claim. Types of evidence that can help prove liability include:
- Traffic violations: Tickets or citations issued to the other motorist can strengthen your claim.
- Eyewitness accounts: Statements from people who saw the accident can support your side of the story.
- Accident reconstruction: Experts may be called to analyze the scene and determine how the collision occurred.
- Surveillance or dashcam footage: Video evidence can clearly show what happened.
Our Olympia motorcycle accident attorneys can investigate your accident and gather evidence to prove liability.
Olympia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (253) 627-4696
Statute of Limitations in Washington
In Washington State, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims from a motorcycle accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. Filing a claim after this period may result in your case being dismissed, so acting promptly is critical.
Our Olympia motorcycle injury lawyers can help you file your claim promptly.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Olympia
Motorcycle accidents in Olympia can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers using their phones or other distractions may fail to see a motorcycle in their lane.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
- Alcohol or drug impairment: Motorists under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to make dangerous maneuvers.
- Failure to yield: Intersections are a frequent site of collisions when drivers do not yield to oncoming motorcycles.
- Road hazards: Potholes, debris, and wet surfaces can cause riders to lose control.
- Lane splitting accidents: Lane splitting can lead to collisions if other drivers do not anticipate a motorcycle between lanes.
An Olympia motorcycle crash lawyer can help determine the cause of your accident.
Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than car crashes due to the lack of protection riders have. The most common injuries include:
- Road rash: Abrasions from skidding across pavement often require immediate medical attention.
- Broken bones: Fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbone often require surgery.
- Head injuries: Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal injuries: Accidents can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs.
If you sustained any of these in your accident, an Olympia motorcycle crash attorney can help you pursue damages.
Preventing Motorcycle Accidents
While not every accident can be avoided, you can take these steps to reduce your risk:
- Always wear protective gear, including a helmet and reinforced clothing.
- Obey speed limits and traffic signals.
- Use defensive driving techniques to anticipate other drivers’ actions.
- Stay visible with reflective gear and lights.
- Avoid riding in hazardous weather whenever possible.
Insurance Considerations in Motorcycle Accidents
Insurance claims can be complicated after a motorcycle accident, especially if liability is disputed. Potential sources of compensation include:
- Your own policy: Many riders carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect against drivers without sufficient insurance.
- Liability coverage: If the other driver is at fault, their liability insurance may cover your medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
- Medical payments coverage: This can help pay medical expenses regardless of fault.
- Collision coverage: This may cover damage to your motorcycle.
Our Olympia motorcycle accident law firm can help determine how you should pursue compensation for your accident.
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Olympia
Motorcycle accidents in Olympia can have devastating consequences, but you don’t have to deal with them alone. An Olympia motorcycle accident attorney from Puget Law Group can help collect evidence that supports your case and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Schedule a free consultation to find out how you can get justice.
Click to contact our Olympia Personal Injury Lawyers today (253) 627-4696