Protecting Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

July 28, 2025

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, often resulting in severe injuries and a complex legal aftermath. If you’ve experienced a motorcycle accident in Washington, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the steps you should take to protect them. At Floyd Personal Injury Law Group, we want to provide insight into how you can safeguard your rights and build a strong case if you’ve been involved in such an unfortunate event.

Understanding Washington's Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle accidents are, unfortunately, not uncommon. In Washington, they account for a disproportionate number of fatal and severe injury crashes. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, motorcycles represented about 15% of all traffic fatalities, despite making up only 3% of registered vehicles in the state. These statistics underscore the importance of taking immediate and informed actions after an accident to ensure your rights are protected.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, emotions run high, and injuries may be severe, making it difficult to think clearly. However, the actions you take immediately after the crash can have a significant impact on your case.


Here's a step-by-step guide:


  • Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Call emergency services to the scene and seek medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor. In many cases, symptoms of serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or internal damage may not be immediately apparent. Washington state law also requires you to report any accident involving injuries to law enforcement, who will create an official accident report.
  • Document the Scene: If you're able, gather evidence at the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles, the road conditions, any visible injuries, and any other relevant factors. This documentation can be crucial for proving fault later on. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses, as their statements may bolster your case.
  • Do Not Admit Fault: Be cautious about what you say at the scene. Washington is a comparative fault state, which means that even if you are partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. However, admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as such may reduce the amount of compensation you’re entitled to. Let the investigators and your attorney determine liability based on the evidence.
  • Notify Your Insurance Company: Washington operates under a "fault-based" insurance system, meaning that the at-fault party is responsible for compensating the injured party. However, it's essential to notify your own insurance company as soon as possible. While you're obligated to cooperate with your insurer, avoid providing recorded statements or signing any settlement offers before consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and early settlements may not reflect the full scope of your damages.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Washington

Motorcycle accidents often occur because drivers of other vehicles fail to notice motorcyclists. Some of the most common causes include:


  1. Left-turn collisions: A driver turning left across traffic might not see an oncoming motorcycle, leading to a serious accident.
  2. Lane changes: Many accidents occur when drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes.
  3. Speeding and reckless driving: Speeding cars pose a significant threat to motorcyclists, who have far less protection in an accident.

Washington State Laws and How They Impact Your Claim

Washington has specific laws that can influence the outcome of a motorcycle accident claim:


Comparative Fault

Washington follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule, which means that even if you're 99% at fault for the accident, you can still recover 1% of the total damages. However, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of your fault. This rule makes it all the more critical to have a skilled attorney on your side, ensuring that the other party's fault is adequately demonstrated.


Statute of Limitations

In Washington, motorcycle accident victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This window may seem lengthy, but building a strong case takes time. Investigations, evidence gathering, and negotiations with insurance companies often take months or even years. Failing to file within this time frame could mean losing your right to compensation entirely.


Helmet Laws

Washington law requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet, and failure to do so may impact your injury claim. While not wearing a helmet doesn’t prevent you from seeking compensation, it could reduce your damages if the defense argues that your injuries were worsened by not wearing protective headgear.

Working with an Attorney to Protect Your Rights

Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney, such as those at Floyd Personal Injury Law Group, can be invaluable after a motorcycle accident. Here’s how an attorney can help:


  • Thorough Investigation: Your attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and consult with experts to establish liability. This can include reviewing police reports, surveillance footage, and medical records to build a strong case.
  • Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to settle quickly and for less than what you deserve. Your attorney will handle negotiations to ensure that any settlement reflects the full extent of your injuries, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
  • Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court. Having legal representation significantly increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Conclusion: Advocating for Your Rights

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to navigate the legal complexities alone. Floyd Personal Injury Law Group is dedicated to helping motorcycle accident victims in Washington protect their rights and obtain the compensation they deserve. Understanding your rights and taking immediate action is essential for a successful recovery—both physically and financially.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait—contact Floyd Personal Injury Law Group for a free consultation and let us help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.


References:

Washington Traffic Safety Commission - Motorcycle Data

WSDOT Crash Data Portal

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Helmet Safety

Washington State Department of Licensing - Motorcycle Laws

Injured on Property: Kent’s Legal Guide by Floyd Personal Law Group
By jeff December 24, 2025
What Really Happens After a Property Injury If there is one thing I have learned from years of working with injured clients in Kent, it is that the most painful part of a property injury is often what comes after the fall. The shock, the confusion, the embarrassment. People replay the moment over and over, wondering what they did wrong. Most of the time, the answer is nothing. The emotional impact tends to catch people off guard. I hear the same questions constantly. Why do I feel so overwhelmed? Why is the property owner acting like this was my fault? Should I have spoken up sooner? I once represented a woman who fell on a slick ramp behind a retail store. She blamed herself because she was “in a hurry.” But when we reviewed the surveillance footage, it showed employees walking past the spill for nearly an hour before she fell. That is how quickly self-blame can cloud reality. Clients also struggle with symptoms that evolve days later. Pain that spreads Difficulty walking Headaches Loss of sleep Anxiety about returning to the location These are real experiences, and ignoring them only makes things worse. The moment you start doubting your own instincts is the moment the insurance company gains leverage. That is why clarity matters so much in these cases. Understanding Liability and What You Should Do Next Premises liability protects you when unsafe conditions on someone else’s property cause harm. It covers everything from wet floors to broken steps to poor lighting. The standard is simple. Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent hazards. When they do not, people get hurt. Here is what I look for when assessing a case: Was there a clear, preventable hazard? Did the owner or employees know or should they have known about it? Did their failure to act directly cause your injury? These answers often come from details that people overlook. Maintenance logs. Internal memos. Prior complaints. A witness who saw the hazard hours earlier. These pieces quietly connect the story. If you get injured, your actions in the first few hours matter more than most people realize. This is what I always recommend: Get medical care right away, even if pain feels manageable Report the incident and get a copy of the report Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and surrounding conditions Ask for names and contact information of witnesses Avoid recorded statements with insurance adjusters Document symptoms as they develop Each of these steps protects your future self. I have seen strong cases collapse because the hazard was cleaned up before anyone captured evidence or because the injured person casually apologized at the scene. These moments may feel harmless, but insurance companies use them strategically. How Compensation Works and When to Call a Lawyer The cost of a property injury is rarely just the initial medical bill. I have seen slips and falls lead to months of physical therapy, lost wages, long term pain, and ongoing stress that clients were not prepared for. People often underestimate the long term financial impact until they are in the middle of it. Here is what compensation may include in Washington: Medical expenses Physical therapy and rehabilitation Lost wages Reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Long term care costs Washington follows comparative negligence, meaning the insurance company will often try to assign part of the blame to you. You missed a warning sign You were distracted Your shoes were inappropriate These arguments come up constantly, even in cases where the property owner clearly failed to maintain a safe environment. It is why legal representation becomes important earlier than most people think. So when should you contact a lawyer? Your pain is worsening or persistent You are missing work The property owner denies responsibility The insurance company offers a low settlement You feel pressured to settle quickly You are unsure what your claim is worth Reaching out is not about being combative. It is about protecting your rights before the situation becomes more complicated. Why Work With Floyd Law Group in Kent, WA? Over the years, I have represented people who walked into my office feeling overwhelmed and unheard. Many assumed their injuries were not serious enough or believed the insurance company would treat them fairly. What they needed was guidance grounded in real experience, not vague reassurance. At Floyd Law Group, my approach is straightforward. I investigate the facts, not the assumptions I protect clients from insurance tactics I communicate clearly and honestly I focus on long term recovery, not quick settlements Because we work here in Kent, we understand the nuances of local properties, businesses, and community spaces. That local insight helps us see patterns others might miss and build cases with stronger context. Above all, my goal is simple. Make sure you are treated fairly and fully heard. FAQs How long do I have to file a claim in Washington? You generally have three years, but your case is stronger when evidence is collected early. What if no one witnessed my fall? Many strong cases have no witnesses. Evidence like photos, medical records, and past complaints can still support your claim. Can I file a claim if the injury happened at a friend’s house? Yes. Claims are handled through insurance, not your friend personally. Final Thoughts A property injury can shake your confidence as much as your body. Pain, uncertainty, and pressure from insurance companies create a perfect storm that leaves people second guessing everything. I have seen how overwhelming that feels, and I know how quickly circumstances can spiral if you do not protect yourself early. If something about your accident does not sit right with you, trust that feeling. Ask questions. Gather information. And remember, you do not have to navigate this alone. Your health, your future, and your peace of mind matter far more than rushing into a decision you cannot undo later. If you want a meta title, schema markup, or GBP optimized version, I can create that next.
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