Injury Attorneys Serving Motorcycle Crash Victims throughout Washington State
Whenever Hollywood has chosen to represent the free spirit or rebel, it has often perched the lead actor on a motorcycle. Whether it’s Peter Fonda, on the famous “Captain America” chopper in “Easy Rider,” Sylvester Stallone (a.k.a. Rambo) on a Yamaha XT 250 in “First Blood,” or Angelina Jolie, on her Triumph Street Triple R in “Salt,” there is certainly something wild and exhilarating about riding on a 1-Kicker. Unfortunately, there are few things in life deadlier than crashing a motorcycle. While each crash is unique, accident experts have identified the four most common cases of motorcycle accidents.
Speeding and Alcohol Use
When it comes to single vehicle motorcycle accidents, almost one-half involve two dominant factors occurring together: Speed and alcohol use. It goes without saying that since the bike driver has so little protection, these sorts of accidents almost always result in serious injury or death. As many emergency room physicians will attest, when a drunk biker does a “low slide” at 70 mph, the outcome isn’t pretty.
Left-Hand Turns
More than 40 percent of all motorcycle accidents occur when the driver of an auto or the driver of the motorcycle is making a left-hand turn. Usually, it is the turning car that strikes the motorcycle. The auto driver’s most common excuse: “I didn’t see him.” Again, because the bike offers so little protection, serious physical injury to the motorcycle driver is common.
Head-On Collisions
While these sorts of accidents are not as common as others, accidents in which the motorcycle strikes another vehicle head-on account for more than half of all motorcycle accident fatalities. As is the case with left turns at intersections, typically it is the car that strikes the biker. Indeed, national statistics indicate that three out of every four head-on crashes involving a motorcycle are caused by the car hitting the bike.
Blind Spot Collisions
Lack of visibility is the motorcyclist’s worst enemy. Just as many multi-car accidents are caused when one driver fails to see another vehicle in his or her “blind spot,” many motorcycle crashes arise from the same sorts of circumstances. Another sort of blind spot accident can occur when a motorcycle driver travels past parked cars. It is all too common for an auto driver to open the door of a parked vehicle without warning. Careful bikers assume those in cars can’t or don’t see them.
Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a family member have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you owe it to yourself to consult with experienced, knowledgeable legal counsel to understand your rights. Depending upon the circumstances – and each accident is different – you may be able to recover some or all of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Bear in mind that the time to file a claim or institute a lawsuit is limited.
Blado Kiger Bolan, P.S.: Experienced Accident Attorneys
Blado Kiger Bolan, P.S. has more than 30 years of combined experience providing clients with quality legal services throughout the Pacific Northwest. We have represented many persons who have sustained injuries in automobile and motorcycle accidents. While most cases are settled short of trial, our experienced accident and injury attorneys also have the skills and tenacity required to take your case as far as is necessary. We handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. That means our personal injury lawyers represent you without charging a legal fee unless we recover compensation for you. We are one of the most highly respected law firms in the greater Puget Sound Area. Call us at 253-272-2997 or contact us on the web today.
