Spokane Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Motorcycle accidents often cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities because riders lack the protections of an enclosed vehicle.
- A frequent cause of motorcycle crashes is that drivers fail to notice motorcycles on the road.
- Violating Washington’s motorcycle laws can reduce the compensation you may recover.
- Motorcycle collisions can lead to serious injuries, high medical expenses, and uncertainty about next steps. Without legal support, you risk dealing with insurance companies alone and accepting less compensation than you may recover under Washington law.
A motorcycle accident can turn your world upside down, leaving you with severe injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next. Without legal guidance, you may have to deal with insurance companies on your own and accept a lower settlement than you might recover under Washington law.
Let our Spokane motorcycle accident lawyer fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options for seeking fair compensation.
“Great people. They spent lots of time reviewing my case before letting me know what was best. Most others will want you to hire them right away before they even know if they can help.” — Seth
Why Clients Choose McPartland Law Offices
When you need a Spokane motorcycle accident attorney, you want someone who can use their experience to help you recover the compensation you deserve. McPartland Law Offices has earned a 10.0 rating as a Top Attorney from Avvo, along with high reviews from the same organization.
Meet Bryce McPartland
Attorney Bryce McPartland served as president of the Grant County Bar Association in 2016. Prior to that, he served as vice president in 2015 and secretary-treasurer in 2014. He was named a Rising Star by Washington’s Super Lawyers Magazine in 2015 and was the only north-central Washington attorney on that list at the time.
He has completed hundreds of hours of continuing legal education and has presented seminars training other attorneys. Bryce is active in Washington’s legal community, having served on the Washington State Bar Association’s Mentor Development Team, the Washington State Association for Justice Board of Governors, and the organization’s Judicial Committee. He has also trained with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy.
Testimonials
“I am very very thankful & happy with Bryce McPartland & his whole staff. I came to McPartland Law hopeless after being mislead & mistreated as a client from another law firm the Grant County. From start to finish, they took care of my half started messy case kept me in the loop, & did all the work to make sure justice was served. Communication is amazing, don’t stress you or overwhelm you. Really fought for me & made sure i was taken care of. I would definitely say this is the best law firm in the area, really specialize in what they do, & take care of you. Thank you Mcpartland Law saved me from a lot of headache.” — Elizabeth
“Mr. McPartland did an excellent job in explaining the Washington State Loudermill process and hearing to me. He helped reduce my stress in explaining what options were available to me at a time when I truly felt like I had none. The time frame for a response to my employer was very short and I very much appreciated his ability to accommodate me in such a short time period. He provided me with professional expertise in order to communicate with my employer. His time and expertise were appreciated beyond words!” — Lisa
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Spokane, Washington
Negligence plays a significant role in many motorcycle accidents, including rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, and sideswipe accidents.
Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Right-of-way violations
- Poor weather
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Failure to see motorcyclists
In Washington state, negligence contributed to many of the 2023 motorcycle fatalities.
What Are Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Some common types of motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Simple and complex fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head, neck, and shoulder injuries
- Burns
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
In 2024, Washington reported 109 fatal accidents for motorcycles. Of those, 66% involved impaired drivers, and 50% involved speeding. Across the United States, 6,335 people died, and 82,564 were injured in motorcycle crashes. Motorcycle fatalities nationwide increased by 1.3% from 2022 to 2023, based on the latest available statistics.
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Result in More Serious Injuries?
Motorcycle riders face more serious injuries because they lack the protection of an enclosed motor vehicle, leaving them more vulnerable to severe and catastrophic harm.
Those with catastrophic injuries may pursue compensation for pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and loss of future earning capacity due to the long-term or permanent nature of these injuries.
Motorcycle Laws in Washington State
Washington has several laws that pertain to motorcyclists.
- Riders and passengers must wear DOT-approved helmets. They must also wear eye protection if the bike does not have a windshield.
- Motorcycles must have the proper lighting and equipment.
- Passengers must have a designated seat and footpegs.
- Lane splitting is illegal, and riders cannot ride more than two abreast in a single lane.
- Operators must have a motorcycle endorsement.
- Motorcycles are required to have liability insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements for coverage.
Violations of these and other laws can impact liability and insurance claims in motorcycle accident cases.
What to Do Immediately Following a Motorcycle Accident
After an accident, motorcycle accident victims should take the following steps:
- Call first responders. Allow them to examine you, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries can take hours or days to appear. This documentation helps support a negligence claim against the at-fault driver.
- Check on others involved in the accident.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including all vehicle damage.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Tell medical professionals you were in a motorcycle accident.
- Contact a motorcycle accident attorney for a free case evaluation.
- If your injuries are severe, you or a loved one can call our office from the hospital. We will arrange a free case evaluation while you are still in the hospital to help you pursue compensation.
Preserve your personal injury case by:
- Avoiding any statements to insurance companies without an attorney. Only share your contact information, our contact information, and the date and location of the accident.
- Staying off social media. Insurance companies often monitor social media for posts they can use against you.
Your Rights After a Motorcycle Crash in Spokane, Washington
After a motorcycle crash in Spokane, Washington, you have several rights, including the right to:
- Seek compensation for your injuries and damages
- File a personal injury lawsuit
- Receive legal representation
- Decline to make statements to insurance companies without your attorney present
Who Can File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Injured motorcyclists, passengers, and, in the case of wrongful death, certain family members can file a motorcycle accident injury claim. The injured party must prove that the other driver’s actions or inactions were negligent to recover damages such as lost wages and medical expenses.
A motorcycle accident attorney can help you prove the elements of negligence, including:
- The at-fault driver had a duty of care
- The driver breached that duty of care
- The breach caused the accident
- The accident resulted in your injuries and losses
- Your injuries and losses led to financial hardship
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Accident in Spokane?
Depending on your injuries, you may be able to recover two types of compensation:
- Economic damages, which can include current and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, replacement or repair of personal property, and, in the case of wrongful death, funeral and burial expenses.
- Non-economic damages, which can include pain and suffering, inconvenience, loss of quality of life, loss of consortium or companionship, excessive scarring or disfigurement, and amputations.
Determining Fault in a Motorcycle Crash in Spokane, Washington
Your motorcycle accident attorney will help determine liability by reviewing police reports, questioning witnesses, reviewing traffic laws and possibly employing a forensic accident reconstructionist to prove the other driver’s negligence.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Washington State?
The statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident case in Washington state is typically three years. However, investigating the accident and negotiating with insurers can take time, so it is helpful to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Waiting to file a claim may allow the at-fault driver to argue that your injuries were less severe than initially reported.
What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Offers Me a Settlement?
Before accepting any offer, consider having a personal injury lawyer review it. Insurance companies may undervalue motorcycle accident claims because their goal is to limit payouts.
A personal injury attorney can help negotiate a fair settlement that accounts for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other related losses.
Suffered a Motorcycle Accident in Spokane, WA?
Talk to Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today.
Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is here to help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and address your questions about your case. Fill out our online contact form or call us today at (509) 495-1247 to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A motorcycle accident settlement in Washington typically takes between six and eighteen months to resolve, depending on factors such as the willingness of the parties to settle and court scheduling.
The value of a motorcycle accident case varies widely and depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, property damage, and whether you share any fault. There is no set average settlement, as each case is unique.
No, Washington state is not a no-fault state. It follows a fault-based tort system. The driver responsible for the accident is liable for damages and losses.
Yes. You should seek medical attention even if you feel your injuries are mild, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical documentation can help protect your health and any future legal claims.
Yes. In Washington, certain family members, such as spouses, state-registered domestic partners, children, and, in some cases, parents or siblings, can file a wrongful death claim if a loved one is in a motorcycle accident.
It is often helpful to hire a motorcycle accident attorney after receiving medical attention or when dealing with mounting medical bills, property damage, or insurance disputes. Early legal representation can help preserve evidence and avoid costly mistakes.
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Moses Lake, Washington 98837
Written By Bryce McPartland
Mr. McPartland, a graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law and Washington State University, has a proven track record in personal injury law. Recognized as a Rising Star by Washington’s SuperLawyers Magazine, he has secured multimillion-dollar settlements for clients. Bryce’s commitment to continuous legal education and community service underscores his expertise in the field of personal injury law.
