Vehicle Accidents /
Motorcycle Accidents
We’ll Handle The Motorcycle Legal Process So You Can Focus On Recovery
TACOMA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
You Can Recover Compensation If You’re Injured In A Tacoma Motorcycle Accident
The laws of the road are meant for everyone – automobiles, large trucks, and motorcycles. However, because motorcycles can be less visible on the road, they are vulnerable to drivers who fail to yield the right of way, neglect to check their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, or who do not allow sufficient braking distance when following a motorcycle.
If you or a loved one have been in a motorcycle collision, our Tacoma motorcycle accident lawyers can help remove the financial burden and pursue a fair and fast settlement.
Building Your Motorcycle Accident Case in Tacoma
Just as with car accidents, the establishment of fault after a motorcycle accident is critical. Prompt investigation of the accident by experienced attorneys and their experts is important to preserving the evidence necessary to prove fault for the accident.
Establishing the contributing factors to the accident frequently involves investigating the scene of the accident, inspecting the motorcycle, and interviewing witnesses to the accident. Many times expert witnesses must be hired to perform these tasks.
A personal injury lawyer experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases can gather evidence and guide you through the legal process every step of the way. The attorneys at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC have the experience, expertise and access to highly qualified expert witnesses to skillfully handle motorcycle accident cases in Tacoma, Pierce County, and throughout the State of Washington.
Because of the special considerations outlined above, and because the personal and monetary stakes can be so high, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified attorney if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident.
Our experienced legal team has vast experience litigating motorcycle accidents and managing related issues, such as:
- Liability
- Driver negligence
- Driver impairment (DUI)
- Defective manufacturer design
- Dangerous road conditions
- Compensable damages
When you choose to hire us, we’ll operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe us anything until we win your claim.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Driver Error/Negligence: If a driver operates the vehicle with negligence, it can lead to accidents. This negligence may involve reckless driving, drunk driving, impairment, or failure to follow traffic laws.
Negligent Maintenance or Repair: Improper maintenance and repair can lead to malfunction or failure of the motorcycle’s engine, steering, brakes or other component parts during operation. In such cases, an injury claim may exist against the business that performed the repairs or maintenance.
Manufacture Error: In cases where a manufacturer has failed to meet required safety standards, it may be possible to establish liability against the company that built the motorcycle.
Road Conditions: Poorly designed or maintained roads can contribute to an accident. If the accident is a result of hazardous road conditions such as a large pothole, legal action can be taken against the responsible parties. State and local governments may be responsible for a motorcycle crash caused by hazardous road conditions.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accident victims are at high risk for broken bones and fractures, head trauma, burns, brain injury and spinal injuries including paralysis. Severe injuries may result in the need for extensive medical care, cause an inability to work, or a tragic loss of life.
Head injuries: Motorcycle accidents can cause serious head injuries, such as concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures.
Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis and other lifelong disabilities.
Broken bones: Motorcycle accidents can cause broken bones, which can require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
Road rash: This type of injury is unique to motorcyclists involved in a collision and can lead to infection, skin irritation, and disfigurement.
Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, can be very painful and difficult to treat.
Common Insurance Issues
Insurance companies will give you a hard time because they don’t have your interests in mind.
Our law firm is here to navigate you through these issues and negotiate a settlement that works in your favor. As with other types of motor vehicle accidents, here are some common insurance issues you may face:
- The at-fault driver does not have insurance. This may require you to use your uninsured motorist benefits.
- The at-fault driver is underinsured.
- Your medical expenses exceed the at-fault driver’s liability coverage.
We are adept at negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other losses.
How To Get Compensation for Your Injuries
The driver of a motorcycle may be entitled to compensation for both damage to property and personal injuries suffered. In cases of gross negligence or an individual driving under the influence, there may be grounds for a criminal action. Injuries suffered by motorcycle riders and passengers can be severe or result in fatalities.
Get Legal Representation Promptly
Representing yourself in this type of personal injury claim would be a mistake. Navigating a motorcycle accident case in Washington requires expertise, especially given the state’s unique laws. Our personal injury attorneys have a deep understanding of the local legal landscape and can help you build a strong case.
Understand Statute of Limitations
In Washington state the legal time limit to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. If a lawsuit is not filed within this time frame, you can lose the right to seek legal action for resulting injuries in the future.
Understand Your Rights
It’s important to know your rights which include the types of compensation you may be awarded after an accident. Our firm is committed to guiding clients through this process to make sure they get the compensation and justice they deserve.
We Are Tacoma Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Fueled by Getting You the Compensation You Deserve
There are many types of damages that may be awarded, including compensation for the following:
- Current and future lost income
- Current and future medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and other serious injuries
- Emotional distress
- Loss of opportunity to enjoy life
- Wrongful death
Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you understand your rights and explain the losses that are compensable, then help you fight for a favorable outcome. The right legal representation can help you navigate the complex legal system, insurance claims, medical expenses, and set your personal injury lawsuit up for success.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or someone you know has suffered from a motorcycle accident, contact Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC at 253-242-2452 or contact our Tacoma office online. We promptly respond to internet inquiries. Our initial consultation is free of charge, and if you decide to retain us, we only get paid for our services if you receive monetary compensation.
Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC has vast experience managing wrongful death and personal injury cases arising from motorcycle accidents in Washington State.
You pay no attorneys fees unless you obtain compensation for your losses.
Get Started
Do you have a case?
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC we have the skill and experience to take on a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Washington state. From motor vehicle accidents to workplace injuries – our reputation and success rates keep opposing counsel on edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most common Washington personal injury questions. These are resources for injury victims.
Do I need a lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit?
It is not necessary to retain a lawyer to file your personal injury lawsuit. You should base your decision to involve an attorney on a reasonable assessment of the pros and cons. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC is a highly reputable personal injury law firm that has served Washington since 1959. We deliver value to our clients that far outweighs the fees we collect. But before you retain any attorney, you have to be satisfied that the benefits exceed the costs. We offer these points for your consideration.
What is the statute of limitations in Washington for personal injury?
A statute of limitations is state law; throughout the country, different states set different time limits for identical causes of action. Within each state, different causes of action have different time limits. In Washington, for personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is three years.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
The great advantage of filing a personal injury lawsuit is that most attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means that rather than charging upfront legal fees or an hourly rate, the attorney works without compensation until the case resolves through a jury verdict or settlement. At that time, the attorney takes a percentage of the award. The contingency fee arrangement helps plaintiffs who could not otherwise afford the costs of civil litigation to pursue just compensation without worrying about expenses. It also means that your ability to retain an excellent lawyer does not depend on your ability to pay, but rather on the attorney’s assessment of the strength of your case, or the importance of delivering justice to someone in your particular circumstances.
How do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington state?
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, we want our clients to have an accurate picture of what a personal injury lawsuit entails. The process is rarely quick and easy; defense counsel and insurance companies often employ delay tactics to wear a plaintiff down. We offer this page as a primer for anyone who has a cause of action and is considering a personal injury lawsuit.
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