Motorcycle accidents are a significant concern in Washington State, where the scenic roads attract both residents and visitors to ride. Despite the thrill of riding, motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than passenger vehicles, leading to a higher risk of accidents and injuries. Seattle Motorcycle Crash Lawyers at Oshan and Associates have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that motorcycle accidents can have on individuals Our extensive experience in handling these complex cases has equipped us with valuable insights into the nature of motorcycle injuries and the legal implications for victims seeking justice and compensation in Washington State.

Why Should Oshan & Associates Represent You In Your Motorcycle Injury Case?

• Experience - For over 24 years Oshan & Associates has been helping thousands of car accident victims put their lives back together again. In that time, we have recovered millions for our client's cases in Washington State.
• Expertise - As a full-service personal injury law firm, we have the resources to take on the largest corporations and insurance companies. Our Seattle Attorneys handles a wide range of motorcycle injuries. No matter the complexity we can handle it!
• No Recovery No Fee - We are so confident in our abilities to secure a favorable settlement or verdict for you that we take your motorcycle crash case on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay us if you win! 
• Max Compensation - We are not a referral firm, nor will we settle your case for minimum amount just to get it off our desk. We have proven track record of success for our clients with max recovery. 
• Local Seattle Lawyers - We know local laws and rules when it comes to insurance settlement practices, bad faith and the local courts. For instance local rules are different from Pierce County to King County etc. You need a local Seattle Firm to navigate the complexities of a motorcycle case and bring it all the way to trial if necessary. 
• Free No Obligation Consultation - We offer a free evaluation of your case free of charge without any obligation on your part. 

Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Evan Oshan Has Been Fighting For The Injured For Over 2 Decades! 

Evan M. Oshan and his team are not afraid to go against powerful corporations or the government. With his ‘never say defeat’ spirit and his push to represent the best of his Clients' interests Evan M. Oshan has been called a warrior for justice. Evan Oshan has experience working with all types of motorcycle claims in the state of Washington including but not limited to spinal cord injuries, TBI / brain injuries, catastrophic injuries, and even wrongful death.

Evan M. Oshan was quoted, featured and interviewed in hundreds of news publications worldwide including but not limited to: New York Post, TMZ, ABC, CBS, NBC, Washington Post, Fox, Inside Edition, The Seattle Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Times, CNBC, New York Post, CNN, New York Daily News, Metro UK, People, PBS and more.

Oshan & Associates, P.C. has consistently and effectively secured substantial international, national, and local media contracts, appearing in a plethora of media coverage pieces for high profile cases. Obtaining multiple gag order confidential settlements with hard line negotiation achieving success in settlements and favorable verdicts. No case is too small, every person matters and every case is unique and treated with the outmost respect. 

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Common motorcycle injuries

Motorcycle accidents have a tendency to result in serious injury. This is largely due to the relative absence of protection afforded a biker. Some common motorcycle injuries include the following:

• Head and neck injury: A motorcyclist who has been in an accident may have concussion, cracked skull and even brain damage. Neck injuries may also be sustained and this is just as delicate as head injuries as it may affect the spinal cord. This may lead to paralysis or possibly, death.
• Road rash: This is also another common motorcycle injury. It involves a cut, scrape, bruise, surface nerve damage, irritations or infections. It is usually caused by friction which will be occur due to the motorcyclist sliding across the road. Road rash can be prevented or its impact can be minimized by wearing protective garments like leather jackets, gloves and knee pads.
• Muscle damage: Muscle damage is dangerous as it may result in permanent paralysis. As a rider, it is important to protect yourself properly by wearing protective gear. You should also seek early medical advice after the accident.
• Limb Injury: It is instinctive to throw one’s arms out to block or minimize impact. But this may cause severe injuries to the arm such as fractures, broken bones or lacerations. Limb injury may also involve strains, sprain, dislocation or fracture of the bones of either of the limbs.

How often do motorcycle accidents occur?

It is a lot more likely for a motorcyclist to get into an accident than a person driving automobiles. This may be attributed to the relatively smaller size, minimal protection and exposure of motorcycles. Also due to the fact that it can often be harder to notice, motorcycles can become a magnet for accidents.  Despite this, there are very many motorcycle owners. According to statistics from the US Department of Transportation, there were 8,410,255 motorcycles registered in the United States by private citizens and commercial organizations in 2011. The number of police reported crashes in 2011 was 5,338,000. This puts the average percentage of motorcycles that gets into crashes at 63%.The fatality rate in 2011 was reported as 54.87% by NHTSA. This increased to 58.63% in 2012. Over 4,950 motorcyclists were killed in 2012. This was a 7% increase from the 4,630 motorcyclists killed in 2011. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2013, there were 4,668 deaths arising from approximately 106,000 motorcycle accidents. The same report states that in 2013, 93% of all motorcycles in fatal crashes were two wheeled motorcycles.

Main causes of motorcycle accidents:

Motorcycle accidents occur due to a plethora of reasons. Ranging from recklessness to simple inattention, the causes of motorcycle accidents include the following:

• Over speeding: This still remains one of the major causes of motorcycle accidents. When a driver over speeds, it becomes harder to stop in an emergency or control the motorcycle.
  
• Unsafe lane changes: There is risk of a collision with another road user if a driver changes lane without giving a signal with his side pointers. This may also occur if the driver fails to check his blind spots before deciding to switch lanes.
• Failure to obey traffic rules: Traffic rules are there to assist every road user. Failure to obey them often leads to chaos. Running red lights, ignoring stop signs and lane rules are some of the factors that will lead to accidents here.  
• Opening a car door into a motorcycle: One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. It occurs when a driver opens the door to their car onto the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Often times, when this happens, the driver is either at fault for not using his mirrors or the cyclist is changing lanes.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): DUI or drunk driving occurs when a person is operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content higher than the legal limit. In 2011, 9,878 people were victims of drunk drivers according to the 2014 report released by National Highway Traffic Society Administration. This implies that someone is injured in a drunk driving incident every 120 seconds.
• Dangerous road conditions: Poor or dangerous road conditions also contribute to the number of cycling accidents recorded every year. Sharp curves, busy intersections, uneven surfaces or road obstacles may cause accidents. Weather conditions such as snow rain fog etc.
  
• Motorcycle defects: Defective motorcycle parts also contribute to motorcycle accidents thereby putting the lives of the cyclist and the third party road user at risk. Some can be forestalled through adequate maintenance and others cannot. If the accident happens as a result of a defective or poorly designed motorcycle part, the manufacturer can be held liable for injuries or deaths arising as a result.

What are the odds of dying in a motorcycle accident?

The fatality rate of motorcycle accidents was pegged by the NHTSA at 58.63% in 2012. Specifically, 4,957 fatalities were recorded. This was a 7% increase from the 4,630 motorcyclists killed in 2011.

Are you more likely to die in a car or motorcycle accident?

Compared to motorists, cyclists have smaller chance of surviving an accident.  This is because motorcycles are open and vulnerable than closed vehicles. They are also less visible compared to cars on the road especially when there is a fog or when it is dark. The NHTSA’s 2012 report stated that per vehicle mile travelled, motorcyclists were more than 26% more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash.

Risk factors for motorcycle accidents

The risk factors for individuals in motorcycle accidents include the following:

“The alcohol effect”

According to the NHTSA, 27% of riders who had fatal motorcycling accidents had a blood alcohol concentration of over 0.08 while operating a motorcycle. The highest incidence of crash fatalities for reasons of age and alcohol was recorded to be middle aged individuals between the ages of 40 and 44.

Age

The NHTSA report also shows that the average age of cyclists (including motorcyclists) killed in traffic crashes was 45. A steady increase was recorded with 41 being the average age in 2006.

Gender

The majority of bikers killed or injured in 2015 with 85% of those who were killed are males.

Motorcycle accidents are a significant concern in Washington State, where the scenic roads attract both residents and visitors to ride. Despite the thrill of riding, motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than passenger vehicles, leading to a higher risk of accidents and injuries in Washington State.

Overview of Motorcycle Accidents in Washington State

Motorcycle accidents can result from various factors, including driver behavior, road conditions, and weather. Understanding these elements is crucial for both riders and other road users in preventing accidents. Key contributing factors to motorcycle accidents include:

• Excessive speeding
• Alcohol or driving under the influence DUI
• Inexperienced riders
• Failing to yield due to visibility issues
• Not following the rules of the road such as lane splitting in WA State.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Washington State:

1. Single-Vehicle Accidents: These accidents involve only the motorcycle, often resulting from loss of control, road hazards, or rider error.

2. Multi-Vehicle Accidents: In these cases, motorcycles collide with cars, trucks, or other vehicles. These accidents often result from drivers failing to see the motorcycle or misjudging the rider's speed.

3. Lane Splitting: Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is illegal in Washington State. However, when riders attempt to do this, they may be at greater risk of accidents.

4. Intersection Accidents: Many motorcycle accidents occur at intersections, either when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle or when a vehicle fails to yield the right of way.

Comparative Negligence in a Motorcycle Case in Seattle Washington

Washington follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that if a motorcycle rider is partially at fault for an accident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a rider is determined to be 20% at fault for an accident, their potential recovery will be reduced by 20%.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help riders and other motorists take steps to reduce the risk of accidents.

Driver Errors

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are distracted by their phones, passengers, or other distractions may fail to notice motorcyclists on the road.
• Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists, particularly at intersections.
• Poorly Maintained Roads: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and debris can create hazardous conditions for motorcyclists
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility and increase stopping distances for motorcyclists, making them more susceptible to accidents.
• Inexperience - Lack of Training: Riders who do not complete safety courses or lack experience may not react appropriately in emergency situations.
• Inadequate Safety Gear: Wearing insufficient protective gear increases the risk of severe injuries in the event of an accident.
• Impaired Riding: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection riders have compared to those in enclosed vehicles. Common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

Head Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common in motorcycle accidents, especially when riders do not wear helmets. According to the NHTSA, helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatalities and 67% effective in preventing brain injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents:

Injuries to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or other long-term disabilities.

Road Rash in Motorcycle Accidents:

This common injury occurs when a rider's skin scrapes against the pavement, often resulting in severe abrasions.

Fractures and Broken Bones in Motorcycle Accidents:

Motorcyclists are at a high risk of fractures, particularly in the legs, arms, and pelvis.

Internal Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents:

Trauma from a motorcycle accident can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs, requiring immediate medical attention.

What to Do After a Seattle Motorcycle Accident:

If you are involved in a Seattle motorcycle accident, taking the appropriate steps is crucial for your safety and to protect your legal rights.

Step 1:

Move to Safety right after your motorcycle accident: If you are able, move out of the roadway to prevent further accidents. If you cannot move, signal for help.

Step 2:

Contact 911: Report the motorcycle accident and request medical assistance if needed. Provide the dispatcher with accurate information about the location and details of the accident.

Step 3:

Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and any other vehicles involved. This documentation can be crucial for any potential claims. Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver and any witnesses. This information will be vital for your claim. 

Step 4:

Get Checked by a Doctor: Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to see a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and some can be internal. Adhere to any treatment recommendations and keep records of all medical visits and expenses.

Step 5:

Report the Accident: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate details and any documentation you have collected.

Step 6:

Contact a qualified local motorcycle accident attorney: If you sustained injuries or significant damages in the accident, consult an experienced personal injury attorney. They can help you understand your rights and navigate the claims process. Provide your attorney with all relevant documentation, including the police report, medical records, and any correspondence with insurance companies.

Potential Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims

Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the injuries sustained. Potential compensation may include: 

• Medical expenses including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Past and future lost wages
• Pain and Suffering (non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life).
• Compensation for damages to your motorcycle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
• If your injuries result in a disability or require long-term care, you may be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses and care needs. 

Common Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Cases

While pursuing a motorcycle accident claim, victims may face several challenges:

1. Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts by disputing liability or undervaluing claims. Having an attorney on your side can help you navigate these negotiations.

2. Proving Negligence: Establishing that the other party was negligent can be difficult. This often requires gathering substantial evidence and expert testimony.

3. Stereotypes Against Motorcyclists: Motorcyclists may face biases when it comes to accidents, as some individuals may assume that riders are reckless or irresponsible. Overcoming these stereotypes can be a challenge in legal proceedings.

4. Emotional Toll: The aftermath of an accident can take an emotional toll on victims and their families, making it difficult to navigate the legal process.

Motorcycle accidents in Washington State pose significant risks to riders, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. Understanding the causes, statistics, and legal framework surrounding motorcycle accidents is crucial for both riders and other road users. If you find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident, knowing the steps to take can protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. At Oshan & Associates, we are dedicated to advocating for motorcycle accident victims and ensuring they receive the support and resources they need during this challenging time. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of motorcycle accident claims and provide the guidance you need.

Contact the best motorcycle accident attorneys in Seattle. In order to assert your rights, you will need a strong diligent advocate that will be on your side guiding you every step of the way. At Oshan and Associates, we help victims of motorcycle accidents. Our lawyers at Oshan and Associates are skilled at personal injury law and have the experience to provide thorough representation for you. We are known for aggressively fighting our clients’ cases and will not relent until you obtain the compensation you deserve. Take advantage of our free no-obligation consultation to start a conversation with us today. Call us on 206-335-3880 to book your consultation now.