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Lehmbecker Law Firm

Bellevue Personal Injury Lawyers

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  Fax: (425) 278-5908   | FREE CONSULTATION: (888) 889-6895  

Motorcycle Accidents

Although motorcycles account for only four percent of registered vehicles in Washington, motorcycle fatalities made up 15 percent of Washington’s traffic fatalities in 2014 alone; in fact, motorcyclists are approximately 26 times more likely to be killed in a traffic crash than someone in a car.

At Lehmbecker Law, we have seen numerous personal injury cases that have been caused by motorcycle accidents. While motorcyclists follow most of the same laws as other drivers do, there are a few specific laws that apply only to motorcyclists. If you or a loved one followed these laws and still suffered an injury on the road, our team of experts can help you determine if another party can be held accountable for your injuries.

Washington Laws Specific to Motorcyclists

Aside from normal traffic laws, motorcyclists in Washington have specific laws that they must abide by:

  • Obtaining a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.
    • To obtain a motorcycle endorsement, you can either take a knowledge and riding skills test from the Department of Licensing, or take a motorcycle rider class (which includes the knowledge and skills test).
  • After obtaining an endorsement, it is required that you register your motorcycle with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
    • Additionally, you must display a valid, registered license plate on your motorcycle at all times.
  • Washington law requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets while riding. If you fail to wear a safety helmet and get into an accident, you may be considered negligent and may not be able to recover full compensation from the other party.
  • While motorcyclists are subject to Washington traffic laws, they may be able to ride through red lights so long as they first come to a complete stop, wait for at least one traffic cycle, and make sure no other vehicles or pedestrians have the right of way if a vehicle detection device fails to notice their presence and function as intended.
  • Motorcyclists may ride in a full traffic lane without impediment from other vehicles, and two motorcycles ride abreast in a single lane.

In 2015, the Senate passed a bill that would allow “lane splitting” (riding a motorcycle between traffic lanes). However, the bill failed to pass in the House, which means lane splitting is still illegal in Washington.

Negligence and Liability

As with any other kind of traffic accident, motorcycle accident claims usually revolve around proving negligence; in other words, whose careless or reckless behavior caused the accident. If the vehicle driver is at fault in a motorcycle-vehicle collision, then he or she may be required to pay the motorcyclist money in damages—including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages related to the accident.

On the other hand, if the motorcyclist is at fault—even partially—he or she may be unable to recover damages from the driver of the vehicle. This is known as contributory or comparative negligence. If this type of negligence applies, the court may decide damages based on how much each party is to blame for the accident.

In rare cases, neither party may be to blame. Instead, the accident may have been caused by a defect in the motorcycle, which can be attributed to the company that designed, planned, or built the motorcycle. A design defect means that the motorcycle company planned or designed the bike in a faulty manner, causing injury as a result. A manufacturing defect means that the manufacturing company made a mistake in putting the motorcycle together, or intentionally failed to follow the design for the motorcycle, making the bike unsafe for use. For example, a defect in alignment may cause the front end of a motorcycle to wobble at high speeds, potentially resulting in an accident.

Companies have a legal duty to issue recalls when a product defect is discovered. Motorcycle companies are also supposed to notify owners of recalls and issue a refund or exchange without further cost to the motorcycle’s owner. If the motorcycle design or manufacturing company is at fault in an accident, then they may be responsible for compensating the injured motorcyclist.

Statistics

  • In two thirds of accidents involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, the driver of the other vehicle caused the accident by violating the motorcyclist’s right of way.
  • Motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to be killed and five times more likely to be injured in a crash than someone in a car.
  • Helmets are 37% effective for preventing death in motorcycle accidents, and 67% effective for preventing severe brain injuries.
  • In 2013, 1,630 motorcyclists survived because they were wearing helmets.
  • In 2013, the average age of motorcyclists that died in accidents was 42.
  • 91% of all motorcyclists who died in 2013 accidents were male.

Preventing Accidents and Serious Injury

As a motorcyclist, there are several things you can do to minimize your chances of getting into an accident, and to protect yourself in the event of an accident. This includes making sure your motorcycle is safe and in good working order before taking it out, wearing a helmet while riding, following traffic laws, and riding sober.

When an accident of any kind occurs, it is critical to take appropriate action as soon as possible. Never accept a settlement or give a statement without first consulting an experienced attorney and discussing your case to determine your claim.

At Lehmbecker Law, we have over 30 years of experience in assessing and winning personal injury cases on behalf of our clients. Contact us today for a free initial consultation and to learn more about seeking compensation for your injuries from a motorcycle accident.

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Settlements:

$460,000

Obtained for our client after being hit by driver making an illegal U-turn.

$5.7 Million

obtained for our client after being hit by a car while taking a walk in Bellevue, WA.

$2,000,000

for our client who suffered permanent cardiovascular impairment after his surgeon performed an unnecessary procedure during a heart surgery.

$2,000,000

for a young woman who suffered multiple orthopedic injuries after being struck in a crosswalk by a taxicab.

$2,000,000

for an elderly woman who suffered a shoulder injury after being struck in a crosswalk by a delivery van.

More Testimonials

Client Reviews:

“Please allow me to take this moment of your time to say thank you to all the members in your firm who worked on my case. I was so proud of the way my attorney handled herself and stood by myside during the court proceedings. It has been an honor and a privilege for me having all your legal help and advice for the past two years. It’s hard to say goodbye. Again, thank you.”

Kim Kent, WA

“Thanks again for all your help! You made a difficult situation much easier on us. We really appreciate everything you’ve done.”

Alana

“Lehmbecker Law has been outstanding in helping me deal with my Workers’ Comp claim. Before I hired them, it was very stressful trying to deal with the insurance companies and the medical bills. As soon as Lehmbecker Law took my case, my stress levels dropped and I was able to concentrate on getting better. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs help with their workers’ comp claim.”

N.H. Woodinville, WA

“After a full year of fighting, Lehmbecker Law got me a full year of back wage loss. I couldn’t be happier or more relieved. This will make such a difference in my life. Now we are working on my vocational plan. Lehmbecker Law has been there for me and I will recommend them to anyone who needs help fighting L&I.”

A. Mayberry Woodinville, WA

“After my mother and I were involved in a car accident at the Westfield Shopping Mall at Southcenter I was in a lot of pain. Having your law firm oversee my medical treatment and make sure my bills got paid took away a lot of my stress. And, the settlement I received was even more than I expected. I recommend that anyone involved in a car accident call you and get representation. I truly believe I received a bigger settlement with you fighting for me than I would have gotten on my own.”

M. Bonifacio Federal Way, WA

“I am very happy with the results I received from settling two different cases I had with Mr. Lehmbecker and his law firm.

Mr. Lehmbecker is a very caring and knowledgeable attorney and I felt confident throughout both my cases that he would give me excellent results. I highly recommend Mr. Lehmbecker to anyone who has a personal injury, worker’s compensation or medical malpractice case.”

Y. Knotts Redmond, WA

“I am a lawyer in this community and have had the pleasure of working side by side with two lawyers from this firm, as well as some of the staff members. I am always glad to see other lawyers in the community doing a good job in representing their clients, and the lawyers with Larry Lehmbecker’s office will do that.”

“I have known Larry Lehmbecker for 15 years. I have conferred with Larry over the years regarding personal injury and workers’ compensation issues because I respect his knowledge and experience. I have always found his problem solving and case strategy skills to be thoughtful, practical, and helpful. I consider Larry to be one of top attorneys in his field.”

Attorney Christine Foster

“I had never been in a motor vehicle accident before, and I didn’t know who to turn to for help. After doing research on law firms in the area, I learned about Lehmbecker Law. My case was not an easy one, and there was a lot of emotion along the way. The team at Lehmbecker Law was terrific at navigating the difficulties of my case, from beginning to end. Throughout the process they were responsive, professional, and put my mind at ease during a difficult time. I strongly recommend that anybody who has been in a serious accident reach out to Lehmbecker Law.”

Katrina Issaquah

“Recently, I needed legal services to help me with my injury claim resulting from a drunk driver. The team at Lehmbecker Law was very helpful in the resolution of my claim. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have known how to address the many issues in my case. I would strongly recommend Lehmbecker Law for people who are injured and need help.”

Mozeyl Seattle

“This is an outstanding firm. I have used them twice now, and I would recommend them strongly to anybody who needs legal advice. I had a great experience with both of my cases. They are a very caring firm that truly has their clients’ best interests at heart.”

Darcelle Snohomish

“This law firm is Great. They kept me informed on all that was going on, they cared, were compassionate, kept on top of it like you were their only client. They are not afraid to take on the big companies to help out the little guy. Always straight shooters with me never had to ask twice and when I did have a question if the person I talked to didn’t know the answer they would find out what it was and always called you back. I never had a problem getting to talk to someone in the office, they never put me off with I will have them call you back unless they were not in the office, they always called back in a timely manner and with the questions I wanted answered. Great people to work with.I would recommend this law firm without hesitation to anyone that needed a great lawyer. I have had other lawyers in the past for different reasons and most of the time it was hard to get to speak to someone in the office not here. If you want a great law team on your side choose Larry Lehmbecker.”

Brenda

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Locations:

Washington Federal Building
400 108th Ave NE, Ste. 500 Bellevue, WA 98004

Uptown Square
1066 S. 320th St.
Building K, Suite F
Federal Way, WA 98003

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Just a few of our past clients…

Lehmbecker Law

Bellevue Car Accident Lawyer

400 - 108th Ave. NE, Suite 500 Bellevue, WA 98004

(425) 455-3186 (888) 889-6895