Your Guide to Motorcycle Laws in Washington State

Every time you get in a vehicle and hit the road, you take a risk. For motorcyclists, that risk is far greater. In fact, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than other types of motorists.

Each state has laws to help minimize this risk and keep everyone safe on the road. Knowing the motorcycle laws in Washington state is your first step to being a responsible, safe driver. At Capital Injury Law, we specialize in personal injury cases like motorcycle accidents. Let’s explore Washington motorcycle laws and how they affect an accident claim.

3 Important Washington State Motorcycle Laws to Know

Three of the state motorcycle laws every rider should know are license and helmet requirements and whether activities like lane splitting are permitted. Of course, the primary reason to understand your state’s laws is for road safety and to avoid legal consequences. But these laws can also play a role in the outcome of a motorcycle accident case. 

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and weren’t abiding by state laws, you may not be able to secure compensation or may even be the one liable for damages. We’ll take a look at each of these important Washington State motorcycle laws so you can make informed, safe decisions as a motorcyclist.

Motorcycle Permit and License Endorsement

First, it’s essential to realize that all states require some sort of driver’s license endorsement to drive a motorcycle. Just because you have a driver’s license doesn’t mean you can legally drive a motorcycle–it is a different type of vehicle and requires additional licensure.

In Washington, you start by getting a 2W permit, which requires passing a basic knowledge and skills test. This permit allows you to drive a motorcycle during the day only and without passengers. You then must pass a more advanced knowledge and skills test to get a full endorsement on your driver’s license.

Wearing a Helmet

Some states don’t require helmets, and some only require them for young riders. Washington State requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. It’s estimated that for every 100 motorcyclists who die in an accident, 37 could have survived if they’d been wearing a helmet.

Lane Splitting

When a motorcyclist drives between traffic lanes to pass other vehicles, it’s called lane splitting. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. However, some states allow similar driving tactics. Lane sharing, where more than one motorcyclist shares a lane, is legal in Washington. 

Navigating a Motorcycle Accident Case in Washington

Road accidents can have significant consequences, especially for motorcyclists. If you have extensive injuries or medical bills, you’ll want compensation. That requires proving your damages resulted from the accident and that the other driver was at fault. You can file a claim against the other driver for compensation, but what if they think you are at fault?

Motorcycle laws are in place to protect motorcyclists and other motorists, but they also offer protection in a lawsuit. One of the biggest questions to answer in any sort of vehicle accident case is whether either driver was behaving recklessly or illegally. If you were following all laws and driving responsibly, while the other driver was speeding or driving under the influence, you’ll most likely win the case. 

Determining Fault and Applying Comparative Negligence

A vehicle accident case is all about proving who is at fault and how much compensation is owed. Your adherence to laws, your driving behavior, and distractions may all be considered to determine fault. It’s fairly common that there is no clear distinction where one driver is at fault and the other is blameless.

That’s where contributory or comparative negligence comes into play. These are different ways of handling cases where both drivers are partially at fault. Washington State uses comparative negligence. By this standard, your compensation is typically reduced by whatever percentage you are at fault. If you are 30% to blame for the accident, you can only receive 70% compensation.

How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Some motorcycle accident cases are simple, but many are not. A lawyer is invaluable in navigating a complicated, high-stakes lawsuit. Our job is to help you gather evidence, craft a compelling case, negotiate with insurance, and defend your rights in court to ensure you receive maximum compensation. Your lawyer will also know the relevant laws inside and out to use them to your advantage.

Even fairly straightforward cases can benefit from legal counsel. Your motorcycle accident lawyer can handle the extensive paperwork, phone calls, and negotiations while you focus on recovery. Working with a lawyer increases your chance of success and typically results in higher settlements.

Contact Capital Injury Law Today

If you’re recovering from injuries, the last thing you need is a mountain of paperwork and a lengthy battle with insurance companies over settlements. Let us handle your motorcycle accident claim while you heal. 

Capital Injury Law is dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate service and making sure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.