Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Bellevue Standing Up for the Rights of Victims Injured in a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycles are an inherently risky form of transportation, offering no protection to riders in the event of a collision. Speeding, alcohol and drug use and distracted drivers aggravate the risk of serious injury. You might be entitled to compensation if you were injured in a motorcycle accident. Learn what a motorcycle accident lawyer can do to help you protect your rights as a motorcycle accident victim.

What Are the Motorcycle Laws in Washington?

According to statistics published by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, motorcycle accidents account for 19% of severe injuries and 15% of fatalities in collisions in recent years, even though motorcyclists comprise only 3% of road users in the state. For that reason, the state of Washington has a set of motorcycle traffic laws that riders should follow for their safety and the safety of other roadway users.

For starters, any motorcyclist must have a valid motorcycle license. Riders must wear a DOT-approved helmet and carry sufficient insurance and other safety equipment such as a horn and head and tail lights.

Who Is at Fault in a Left-Turn Accident?

A collision with a left-turning vehicle is one of the most common accidents involving motorcycles and larger vehicles. This often happens due to the passenger vehicle driver failing to see and yield to a motorcycle at an intersection.

Determining fault in a left-turn accident can be tricky, as each accident is unique and takes place under unique circumstances. Generally speaking, the vehicle operator intending to turn left at an intersection should exercise care and yield the right of way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction if that vehicle could pose a hazard. The exception is when the vehicle turning left is executing a protected left turn (with a traffic light displaying a green arrow). For example, if the driver did not have a green arrow and turned left, hitting a motorcycle, the driver may carry most of the blame for the accident. However, if the driver was making a protected left turn on a green arrow, that driver has the right of way, and the motorcyclist may be primarily at fault for the accident. Each motorcycle accident requires a thorough investigation to determine what happened and who is at fault.

What Kind of Evidence Can Be Used to Prove Liability in a Motorcycle Accident?

One of the many crucial tasks a motorcycle accident attorney can assist you with is recovering evidence and conducting an investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding your accident and pinpoint who is mostly at fault.

Many kinds of evidence can be used to build your case. For example, a police report can provide crucial information about the site of the accident, including whether any of the parties involved violated traffic laws. Pictures and video from the crash scene, eyewitness testimonies, medical reports documenting your injuries, and even surveillance video from homes or businesses in the area that may have captured the accident are all valuable evidence to help you build a strong case.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help Me Recover Compensation?

A motorcycle accident claim is a type of personal injury claim; thus, the burden of evidence falls upon the plaintiff. That means it is up to the motorcycle accident victim to find the evidence needed to prove that the other party was completely or mostly at fault. A motorcycle accident attorney can assist with the investigation needed to determine responsibility of the other party – and much more.

The legal team at Cascade Injury Law, PLLC, can take over every aspect of your case and help you fight for maximum compensation. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Bellevue, WA, and its vicinity, reach out to Cascade Injury Law, PLLC, at 425-654-8121.