Everything You Need to Know About Getting Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash

As the weather gets warmer and drier, many motorcyclists will be happy to get their bikes back out for the season. Unfortunately, as the number of bikes on the road increases, so does the number of accidents. Motorcycle crashes can be devastating. They often result in serious injuries or fatalities, with motorcyclists at a much higher risk than drivers of passenger vehicles. 

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the important steps you need to take to protect yourself after a motorcycle crash, how to secure the compensation you deserve, and how a skilled lawyer can make all the difference in your case.

Why You Should Take Every Step Seriously

When you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, even seemingly minor steps can play a significant role in protecting your rights and ensuring you’re compensated properly. It’s easy to overlook some of these crucial actions, especially when you’re shaken up, but they can make or break your claim.

1. Seek Medical Attention, Even for Minor Injuries

In the aftermath of a crash, the adrenaline rush can mask the severity of injuries. Even if you don’t feel any significant pain at first, it’s important to seek medical attention quickly. 

Many injuries, such as internal bleeding, concussions, or spine issues, might not be noticeable right away. Failing to get checked out by a doctor could not only jeopardize your health but also hurt your case if you later discover injuries that were linked to the crash. Your medical records will serve as crucial evidence in any insurance claims or lawsuits. They prove the link between the crash and your injuries, supporting your claim for compensation.

2. Document the Scene of the Accident

If you’re able to, document the scene of the crash thoroughly. Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These images can provide valuable evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action later.

In addition, collect contact information for all involved parties—drivers, passengers, and witnesses—and make note of any details that could be important. For example, what direction was each driver traveling in? If you were at an intersection, who had green and who had red? Documenting these details could be crucial when determining fault.

3. Avoid Admitting Fault

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed after a crash, but never admit fault at the scene, even if you’re unsure who was responsible. In many cases, the determination of fault is not immediately clear, and admitting fault can complicate matters later. Instead, stick to asking for contact info and don’t discuss further details with the other driver or witnesses. Leave the determination of liability to the authorities and your lawyer.

4. Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accident cases are often more complex than other vehicle crashes and usually involve more serious injuries. That makes it even more essential to have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side if insurance companies attempt to minimize their payouts, or argue that you were partially at fault due to the nature of the crash. 

Your lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the legal process. We will handle negotiations with the insurance company, protect your interests, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. If necessary, we can also take your case to court and advocate for a fair settlement.

Determining Fault and Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash

Washington State has specific laws for motorcyclists, including the requirement to wear a helmet and carry a valid motorcycle endorsement. Violating these laws could hurt your claim for compensation. If you were obeying the laws and riding safely, your chances of receiving fair compensation are significantly higher.

How Comparative Negligence Works in Washington State

In Washington State, the law follows the principle of comparative negligence, meaning that if both parties share some fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you carry. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for the crash, you’ll receive 80% of the compensation you would have otherwise received.

This is why having a lawyer to help present your case and prove that the other driver was primarily at fault is critical. Your lawyer can ensure that the evidence is presented in a way that minimizes your responsibility and maximizes your compensation.

The Types of Compensation You Can Pursue

After a motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all costs for treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation related to the injuries sustained in the crash.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you’ve lost.
• Pain and Suffering: This non-economic compensation is for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by your injuries.
• Property Damage: If your motorcycle or other personal property was damaged in the crash, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence (like a drunk driver), you may be able to pursue punitive damages to punish the other party and deter future misconduct.

Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

While you don’t technically need a lawyer, hiring one can dramatically improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and their interests are not aligned with yours. A motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to fight for your rights, ensuring that you receive fair treatment.

At Capital Injury Law, we have extensive experience handling motorcycle crash cases. Our team will work on your behalf to gather evidence, negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, take your case to court. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Schedule a Consultation Today

After a motorcycle crash, the road to recovery—both physically and financially—can be long and difficult. By taking the right steps after the accident, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash, contact Capital Injury Law for a free consultation. We’re here to help you navigate the process and secure the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.