Washington Motorcycle Accidents & Personal Injury Lawsuits

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Although the rainy state of Washington is not recognized for its motorcycle-friendly weather, the Evergreen State still has more than 220,000 registered motorcycles—roughly one for every 33 citizens.

Unfortunately, motorcycle riders are significantly more likely to die or have serious injuries in a crash than passenger car drivers.

In this article, we’ll discuss Washington motorcycle accidents, including the rules that motorcycle riders should be aware of, how liability is determined following a motorcycle accident, and the average damages that can be claimed.

Around one in every five motorcycle accidents results in serious injury or death. Each year, on average, 75 riders are killed in incidents on Washington’s highways.

Washington motorcycle rules of the road

Motorcyclists, like other road users, must adhere to the road’s laws.

Motorcycle riders, for example, must respect all traffic signals and posted speed restrictions. Additionally, motorcyclists, like all other road users, are required to exercise “due care” to prevent endangering others.

Additionally, riders in Washington must adhere to some motorcycle-specific restrictions.

Washington’s motorbike legislation

All of Washington’s motorcycle laws are contained in Title 46 of the Revised Code of Washington, but the following points are important for motorcyclists to remember:

All motorcycle operators and passengers must wear helmets certified by the US Department of Transportation.

Unless the operator is wearing glasses, goggles, or a face shield, all motorbikes must be fitted with a windshield.

Motorcycle riders are not permitted to transport passengers unless the motorcycle is specifically intended to do so.

Motorcycle handlebars may not be raised above the seat by more than 30 inches.

Splitting lanes is completely forbidden on Washington state highways.

All motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane, and no motor vehicle shall be operated in such a way as to deny any motorbike that use.

Motorcycles shall not be operated in a single lane more than two abreast.
A child under the age of five is not permitted to ride a motorcycle.

Liability determination following a motorbike accident

Motorcyclists and motor vehicle drivers have a responsibility to exhibit reasonable care on the road in order to avoid injuring others. If a motorcycle rider or a driver of a motor vehicle violates this responsibility and an accident occurs, the at-fault party may be held accountable.

The most frequently used legal theory to hold the at-fault person accountable is carelessness, which requires the plaintiff to show three elements:

The defendant owed a responsibility to the plaintiff,

The defendant violated their fiduciary obligation, and

The plaintiff’s injuries were legally caused by the breach.

While the majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by either a rider or a motor vehicle driver, this is not always the case. There are a few additional persons who could be held accountable for your accident:

Property Owners:  Premises liability regulations require property owners to keep their premises safe. If a motorcyclist is harmed on someone else’s property as a result of a dangerous condition, the property owner may be held accountable.

Manufacturers are required by product liability rules to avoid releasing defective products onto the market. If a motorcycle rider is killed as a result of a defective product (such as a malfunctioning brake system), the product’s producer may be held accountable.

Q: How can I get an attorney that can assist me with my motorbike accident case?

Our experienced attorneys at Caron, Colven, Robison & Shafton with 100+ years of combined experienced can help you with your Washington State Motocycle injury claim. The majority of initial consultations are complimentary.

 

Crash Vs Accident: What is The Difference?

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Automobiles collide all too often on the U.S. highway system. They occur in a wide variety of scenarios and involve several different aspects in most cases. The term “accident” implies that the collision could not be averted when the drivers were not aware of each other, or someone made a bad driving decision. They can also occur at varying rates of speed, with the more serious collisions typically happening at a higher rate. That does not mean that injury does not occur in a low-speed “fender bender” collision, as whiplash and back injuries can easily be suffered by passengers even at slower speeds. The significant difference tends to be the amount of physical damage done to the vehicles along with severe or fatal injuries. However, there are a few aspects of a collision that can establish a distinct difference between the two.

Level of Intent

The mere term that a highway mishap is an accident infers that the collision could not be averted and no one purposely intended to cause the collision. These types of incidents do occur and are the most common problems. Collisions where no one is injured and the vehicles can be driven away from the scene with only the exchange of names, and insurance information are relatively frequent. These types of collisions should still be reported to local jurisdiction police stations within four days according to Washington state law so an official accident report can be generated. Drivers who are involved in a crash scene that causes personal injury or impedes the highway cannot leave the scene, and those who are mobile should contact emergency services immediately. Police will conduct an investigation concerning what transpired and potential fault for the accident, including if the act was intentional.

Circumstances of the Collision

All accidents are unique in detail, such as specific injury and driver actions while traveling, but certain types of collisions are crashes instead of accidents for the most part. A crash can often involve multiple cars in congested traffic, and the rate of speed is also typically increased as well. These collisions can result in intentional damage, gross negligence by particular drivers, and other issues such as road rage. The circumstances can also impact the availability of compensation for injuries and property damage as well even in pure comparative negligence state like Washington. Drivers who intentionally cause a crash are barred from receiving any financial compensation while other drivers will be discounted by their comparative negligence percentage if a case goes to court.

Number of Vehicles

While most accidents generally involve two vehicles, collisions that include three or more vehicles are usually classified as crashes. This is especially true if the incident involves commercial trucks or larger vehicles such as a motor home. There may be no presence of intentional action by a driver, but the increased speed alone or the gross carelessness of a driver can result in a very serious situation for all passengers. There is often a fine line between a crash and an accident, but certain entanglements while in highway transit can always be considered a crash.

It is important to remember the details of all collisions have a major impact on how personal injuries are compensated, and it is always vital to have an experienced personal injury attorney representing the case for those who are seriously injured and need maximum financial compensation.

Personal Injury & Train Accidents in California

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When a person suffers injuries in a train accident, they may have a right to recover from the person responsible for an accident. In some cases, a person has a duty to either do something with a reasonable standard of care or to refrain from doing something. In the case of a train accident, a train operator has a duty to drive reasonable speeds and obey train traffic rules. They need to make sure that they don’t operate under the influence of a substance that can impair their ability to operate the train.

If the train operator fails in their duties, they might cause injury to others. They might injure people on the train, and they might hurt people that come into contact with the train. When that happens, the negligent person might owe the injured person for their damages. These damages can include lost pay, medical bills, rehabilitation and pain and suffering.

No two cases are exactly the same. A California personal injury attorney can speak with you about your case. They answer any questions you have and give you an honest opinion about your chances for recovery based on their years of training and experience. If you work with an attorney, they help you prepare your case through all of the steps involved in the process, including going to court if necessary. A personal injury attorney directory can provide information on attorneys and injury law if you have been affected by a train accident in California.

Who’s At Fault In A Motorcycle Accident Involving Lane Splitting?

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What Is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting is defined when a motorcycle drives between two lanes of halted or gradually moving cars, primarily during traffic. In the event that an accident happens while a motorcycle is lane splitting, regardless of whether the bike or car is at fault relies on upon whether lane splitting is allowable in that state, the perspectives of the cop and judge on lane splitting, and the activities of both the motorist and motorcyclist before the incident.

Is Lane Splitting Legal?

While most states don’t perceive lane splitting as a lawful move, they likewise don’t particularly forbid it. In any case, police and the courts regularly translate lane splitting as unlawful. One state, California, does particularly allow lane splitting, yet only when that it is done in a “protected and reasonable” way. Obviously, the meaning of “sheltered and judicious” is especially up to elucidation from cops and judges.

Accidents While Lane Splitting: Who is Liable?

Lane splitting is often perceived as the cause of accidents because of the closeness of the cars to the motorcycle, the decreased space to move, and the way that the cars don’t foresee that a vehicle will pass them in moderated or halted activity.

In the event that an accident happens while a motorcycle is lane splitting, there’s a decent possibility that fault for the crash will be credited to the motorcycle rider. In the event that the insurance agent or court finds that the motorcyclist’s inconsiderateness was a significant reason for the accident, the rider will not likely be successful when attempting to obtain rehabilitation awards.

In any case, if the motorcycle rider can demonstrate that the other driver (most likely of a car or truck) contributed to the crash, the rider might be mostly or completely reimbursed for their wounds and property harm. This may happen if the vehicle that hit them was switching to another lane or swerving, or if the driver was chatting on the telephone or committing any other form of negligence.

The accompanying factors may assist riders in proving their case:

  • The motorcyclist was riding safely- not speeding or weaving all through lanes or between autos.
  • The motorcyclist is an experienced rider.
  • The motorcyclist has finished a motorcycle riding or security course.
  • The other driver accomplished something significantly more perilous than lane splitting – for instance, rolling out an unexpected lane merge without flagging, or gradually merging from one lane into another.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Orange County, California, contact a professional motorcycle accident lawyer from the offices of GF Accident Attorneys immediately if you believe another driver was responsible for any injuries you sustained from the accident. Visit www.gfaccidentattorneys.com today to schedule your free legal consultation to determine whether or not you are eligible to earn compensation.

What Injuries Occur After A Car Accident In Riverside, California?

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California traffic moves at a quick pace and is normally overwhelming, particularly amid rush hours. The individuals who live in Riverside, know direct exactly how hazardous travel can be here which is the reason car accidents are so typical. As indicated by the Association For Safe International Road Travel, car accidents cost the U.S. more than $230.6 billion dollars every year. The chances are that the vast majority will manage no less than one traffic accident amid their lifetime. The accompanying is a review of California personal injury law and how reaching a Riverside car accident attorney may help victims get a settlement for wounds experienced in a car accident.Expected Accident Related Injuries

While there is a wide range of sorts of wounds car accident victims can receive, some are more basic than others. The most widely recognized sorts of wounds identified with car accidents include:

  • Crush Injuries
  • Broken Bones
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Burns
  • Facial Lacerations And Fractures
  • Back Injuries
  • Neck Injuries
  • Amputations Or Severed Limbs

Car accident wounds can be mellow, or they can be devastating. The individuals who endure serious injuries or are permanently disabled because of a recent car accident may profit by talking with a personal injury attorney for exhortation.

Damages Car accident victims might be granted particular damages on the off chance that they have a successful personal injury lawsuit. Probably the most widely recognized damages granted to accident victims are:

  • Crush Injuries
  • Broken Bones
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Burns
  • Facial Lacerations And Fractures
  • Back Injuries
  • Neck Injuries
  • Amputations Or Severed Limbs

Seeking Help

In the event that you have been harmed in a Riverside car accident, contact a professional car accident lawyer from Guldjin Law APC to schedule your free legal consultation. Amid your visit, an attorney will go over the points of interest for your situation and give you the best counsel on the best way to push ahead. While being harmed in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence is upsetting, having an attorney to provide you professional legal representation will relieve an enormous amount of stress as you aim to obtain financial compensation for your hardships.

Everything You Need To Know About Motorcycle Accidents In California

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The refreshing California climate loans itself well to outside projects, which is one reason many individuals ride bikes over the state. With 799,900 enlisted cruisers in California, accidents are bound to happen, however motorcycle accidents happen less regularly than automobile accidents. Since the motorcyclist isn’t provided with much protection, injuries sustained from these accidents are often devastating and life-threatening. The information presented below is essential regarding motorcycle accidents in California. On the off chance that you have endured injuries in a motorcycle accident because of another person’s negligence, it is imperative to look for professional legal guidance from an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.

What are some of the types of accidents?

Accidents can have a wide range of causes, however, when they included motorcycles, some causes are more prevalent than others. The most widely recognized reason for motorcyclist injuries in accidents are:

  • Cars Making Left Turns
  • Road Hazards Due To Construction Or Improper Highway Maintenance
  • Recklessly Swerving Through Traffic
  • Speeding
  • Striking The Motorcyclist Head On

Documenting A Personal Injury Claim

Not each motorcyclist harmed in an accident will have the ability to get compensation through a claim. To obtain pay for your injuries, you need to demonstrate that the accident was because of the carelessness or heedlessness of another person. You might have the ability to accomplish this by showing the other driver was:

  • Driving Under The Influence
  • Speeding
  • Driving Aggressively
  • Messaging or Talking On A Cell Phone

Now and again, motorcyclists are harmed by street risks that ought to have been marked by the county or on expressways that have not been safely upheld. These arguments ought to be documented against the responsible party in charge of the hazard that brought on the crash.

Statute Of Limitations

When recording a personal injury claim after a bike accident, you should make certain to comply with California’s statue of limitation. In California, you have two years to file a personal injury claim after your accident. Nonetheless, if you are pursuing legal action against a government entity, you will have far less time to record your case, six months. Since the law here is surmounting, it is for the most part best to have a professional California motorcycle accident attorney from the offices of Guldjian Law APC to represent you and help you obtain proper compensation for injuries sustained during your accident.

Protect Legal Rights and Interests with a Pasadena Car Accident Attorney

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Insurance companies are in business for one reason. They exist to make money. Because this is the primary goal of an insurance company, these large corporations are committed to minimizing the amount of money paid out on insurance claims, even in cases involving serious injuries.

The best way an injured person can protect his or her rights and interests in the face of a large, uncaring insurance company is by retaining the services of an experienced Pasadena car accident attorney. There are some ways that a Pasadena car accident attorney can protect and injured person’s interests and work to ensure that he or she obtains necessary compensation.

Fighting the Insurance Company

Automobile insurance companies are notorious for pushing back when an injured person has a valid claim. In other words, large insurance corporations employ a full range of devices and schemes to avoid paying an injured person what he or she is entitled in car accident case.

An experienced Pasadena car accident attorney knows the games insurance companies play. A skilled lawyer knows what must be done to fight for a client seriously injured because of the negligence of someone else.

Maximizing Compensation

An experienced Pasadena personal injury attorney also understands what tactics to employ on behalf of a client to maximize compensation in a car accident case. The specifics regarding compensation to an injured person depends on upon the facts and circumstances of a particular instance. With that said, a lawyer typically strives to ensure that an injured person obtains full compensation for:

  • pain and suffering
  • medical bills
  • emotional distress
  • lost income
  • permanent injury

Filing a Lawsuit

Car accident lawsuits are complicated. Applicable laws are complex, and court procedures can be confusing. To effectively maneuver through a car accident lawsuit, an injured person needs the assistance of an experienced, qualified Pasadena personal injury lawyer. For more information on how to file an injury claim visit www.alllaw.com.

Attorney Fees and a Car Accident Case

The typical arrangement in a Pasadena car accident case regarding payment to an attorney for services is what is called a contingency fee. Through a contingency fee arrangement, an injured person pays nothing to his or her attorney in the way of a fee unless and until that lawyer obtains a favorable settlement or judgment in a lawsuit.

Retaining a Pasadena Car Accident Attorney

A Pasadena car accident lawyer will schedule an initial consultation with a prospective client at not cost. During the appointment, an attorney provides an assessment of the case. Additionally, a lawyer answers any questions a person might have about his or her case.

What Do Personal Injury Attorneys Do?

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Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents can be devastating. In addition to the visible physical injuries, victims may worry about how they will afford their medical bills, and they may have nagging effects from the emotional trauma of the accident.
To make a car, truck, and motorcycle accident victim whole, the state of California has ensured that accident victims have legal rights. If you have been the victim of an accident, you are entitled to your day in court and, potentially, compensation to cover the costs – seen and unseen – of your injuries.
To ensure that you get the compensation, it is important that you hire a competent, qualified personal injury attorney. Fortunately, accident victims in Burbank, California can count on Guldjian Law.
The personal injury attorneys at GF Accident Attorneys care about accident victims and their families. We take the time to ensure that we meet your needs. As soon as you contact us, we will meet with you and decide if we will be able to assist you. This consultation is free and an opportunity for you to meet our team and for our attorneys to assess the facts in your case.
If we can take your case, our attorneys will work with you, the police and your doctors to gather substantial evidence. We will also ensure that you are receiving the appropriate medical treatment you deserve.
In the days that follow, the skilled attorneys at Guldjian Law will work closely with you and your family. We have considerable experience building strong cases, making sure we have a firm argument for why you deserve compensation for your injuries.
Personal injury attorneys like the team at Guldjian Law are responsible for negotiating your case with insurance companies, since car, truck, and motorcycle drivers are required to have insurance under California law. As we go through this process, we will keep close contact with you and your family.
If we can’t get you the compensation you deserve from the insurance company, we may take your case to court. The lawyers at Guldjian Law are skilled trial practitioners. If we need to take your case to court, we will carefully prepare you and your family for the experience. And we’ll fight tenaciously for your rights.
If you’ve been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident, don’t delay. If you’re in Burbank call Guldjian Law today or visit their website to schedule your free legal consultation to determine whether you or a loved one is entitled to legal compensation.

What you need to know about Motorcycle Accidents in Orange County

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Motorcycles are deemed the most dangerous vehicle to drive, and for a good reason. There’s a substantial fault in the safety of motorcycles, being on two wheels instead of four means fifty percent less stability than traditional four-wheeled vehicles. The absence of a steel body surrounding you, restraint measures, or air bags are enough to award motorcycles the riskiest vehicle on the road.
Motorcycle Accidents Results

Due to the vulnerability of a bike, motorcyclists are extensively more likely to suffer life-threatening injuries or even death after a crash. These injuries will likely require surgery and rehabilitation which are no doubt expensive. Do yourself a favor and seek professional legal assistance in Orange County, visit here to learn more.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Typically motorcycle incidents involving an additional vehicle are due to that same vehicle. On the road, motorcyclists tout a minuscule profile compared to passenger cars, this effect is considerably evident at intersections as that is where most accidents take place for riders. Commonly another vehicle turns left in front of a motorcyclist, and a severe crash happens. The turning vehicle’s drivers practically always declare they didn’t see the motorcycle, or if they did, it was too late to avoid the collision. Motorcycle aren’t limited to intersection collisions, other causes of crashes may be:

  • Swerving in front of a motorcycle
  • Lane Changes
  • Hitting a bike when entering a roadway from another road or private driver
  • Rear-end collisions

Typical Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle injuries usually range from fractures of the extremities to brain and spinal damage, which account for the majority of fatalities in motorcycle crashes. Trunk, Chest, back and shoulder injuries along with organ damage are expected after a collision.

Damages

Due to the variety of motorcycle accidents and differences between riders no crash is the same. California injury claim laws allow compensation for following losses:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Past and future lost earnings
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of a healthy life
  • Permanent partial disfigurement
  • Permanent partial disability
  • Funeral and burial expenses in the event of a death

It’s important to remember to share the road; motorcyclists share the same rights as any other vehicle on the road. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Orange County, you owe it to yourself to seek experienced, and professional legal representation who you know will fight relentlessly to earn you your entitled compensation.

Call Guldjian Law APC today or sign up for a free legal consultation at their website

Orange County Bicyclist Accident Attorney

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The number of bicycle accidents in the United States is quite significant, according to sources such as the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Tens of thousands of people suffer severe injuries and death in bicycle accidents each year. They happen for some avoidable reasons. You may be eligible to receive monetary reimbursement if you have suffered an injury on a bicycle for all of the expenses you accrued. A bicycle accident injury attorney can help you see clearly and realize what you deserve for your anguish. You can schedule an appointment for a free consultation even if you do not believe you can win. You may just be pleasantly surprised.

Why Bicycle Accidents Occur in California
A large number of accidents occur because of carelessness. Drivers do not watch out for the bicyclist on the road. Narrow bicycling lanes sometimes play a part in the dangers for the bicyclist, but mostly inattentive drivers cause the accidents. Some incidents occur because bicyclists try to listen to music and do other things while they are riding. What ends up happening is that they run into parked cars. In some rare instances, manufacturer defects cause bicycling accidents in California. Chain spoke, and pedal issues can be the culprits in such cases.

What Constitutes Neglect in an Accident
Neglect occurs in any accident when a person fails to look out for another person’s best interests. Neglect can happen when a party does something that causes harm to the other person, as well. An example of a negligent act that can cause a bicycle accident is drinking and driving. Speeding can cause an accident by not allowing the vehicle driver enough time to stop before a collision.

Sources:

http://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/personal-injury/laws-california.html
http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/