A motorcycle wreck can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost income. Unlike cars and trucks, motorcycles have little protection during a collision. Even when you wear a helmet and other safety gear, a negligent driver can cause life-changing injuries in a matter of seconds.
At Siegfried & Jensen, our compassionate personal injury lawyers in Bellingham can help you pursue your right to compensation. We have helped over 35,000 clients recover more than $1.2 billion. Let our motorcycle accident lawyer in Bellingham review your legal options and help protect your rights.
How a Motorcycle Crash Attorney in Bellingham Can Help
Motorcycle accident claims are often challenging and have higher financial stakes due to the severity of injuries. Insurance companies frequently dispute fault. Siegfried & Jensen understands the difficulties accident victims face, which can significantly impact the success of your claim.
A motorcycle crash lawyer in Bellingham can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Gather police reports and witness statements
- Collect medical records and medical source statements
- Gather any footage of the accident through dashcams or surveillance cameras
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Negotiate with insurance companies and/or at-fault parties on your behalf
If a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached, our motorcycle wreck lawyer in Bellingham can represent your best interests at trial. Our attorneys have extensive experience with motorcycle crashes and a long track record of success.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Bellingham, call (801) 266-0999
Common Injuries in Bellingham Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle wrecks frequently result in catastrophic injuries to riders and passengers. Motorcyclists are often thrown from their bikes when hit by a car or truck, causing them to hit the pavement. Without the protection of a vehicle, a motorcycle rider’s body is left to absorb the full impact of the collision.
Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones and/or fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Road rash and nerve damage
- Facial injuries or disfigurement
- Loss of limb or amputation
- Burns
Many motorcycle accident victims require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term care. Some injuries may permanently affect your ability to work, participate in activities you enjoy, or live independently. A motorcycle wreck attorney in Bellingham can help you pursue compensation that reflects both your current and future losses.
Bellingham Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
Negligent Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Bellingham
Many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers fail to recognize or respect their presence on the road. Despite their legal right to share the roadway, motorcyclists are often overlooked by distracted drivers or careless and reckless motorists. When a driver fails to exercise reasonable caution, the consequences for riders can be devastating.
Some of the most common forms of negligence involve the following:
- Failure to Check Blind Spots: Many drivers rely too heavily on mirrors and fail to perform a proper shoulder check before changing lanes or merging. Motorcycles can easily remain hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot, particularly when traffic is heavy.
- Left–Turn Accidents: Drivers frequently make left-hand turns across the path of an oncoming motorcycle. These collisions often occur at intersections and can result in severe or fatal injuries due to the direct impact.
- Failure to Yield the Right of Way: Many crashes are due to drivers failing to yield while entering traffic, merging onto roadways, leaving parking lots, or proceeding through intersections. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible compared to vehicles, an inattentive driver may overlook them entirely.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, adjusting navigation systems, eating, or otherwise distracted may fail to notice a nearby motorcycle. Even a momentary distraction can prevent a driver from recognizing changing traffic conditions.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who change lanes without checking their blind spots can move directly into a motorcycle’s path. These crashes are particularly common on highways and busy multi-lane roads.
- Following Too Closely: Tailgating is especially dangerous when a motorcycle is involved. If traffic suddenly slows, a following driver may not have enough time to stop before striking the motorcycle from behind.
- Speeding: Excessive speed can reduce a driver’s reaction time and may increase the stopping distance needed. Speeding increases the force of impact, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
- Driving Under the Influence: Drunk drivers have diminished judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced awareness of their surroundings. This makes it more likely that they will overlook motorcycles and may engage in riskier driving behaviors like speeding or weaving on the road.
- Opening Vehicle Doors Into Traffic: Drivers and passengers sometimes open vehicle doors without looking for approaching motorcycles. Dooring accidents are particularly common in urban areas and near on-street parking.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Drivers who ignore traffic signals and stop signs place everyone on the road at risk, including motorcyclists. Intersection crashes caused by traffic violations often occur at higher speeds and may result in side-impact or head-on collisions.
Determining the cause of a motorcycle accident is critical to your case. A motorcycle accident attorney in Bellingham can investigate the unique details of your wreck and work to gather all relevant evidence to establish negligence.
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Potential Damages in a Motorcycle Crash in Bellingham
A Bellingham motorcycle accident lawyer can go over your injuries and losses, including how your daily life has been impacted, whether or not there is permanent damage, and what financial losses you have incurred as a direct result of the accident. The damages you can sue for after an accident in Washington may include:
- Past and future medical expenses related to the accident
- Lost wages if you are unable to work
- Loss of future income
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In fatal motorcycle accidents, the surviving family members may also have the right to pursue wrongful death damages under Washington law (RCW 4.20.010). These claims may involve burial and/or funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and possible loss of future support. Speak with a Bellingham motorcycle accident attorney to learn more.
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Why Choose Siegfried & Jensen for Your Motorcycle Accident Case
After a serious motorcycle accident, you deserve justice. At Siegfried & Jensen, our motorcycle accident lawyer in Bellingham can hold the responsible party accountable for your losses. We will work tirelessly to secure a fair settlement.
Our legal team can explain your options, help you understand your rights, and go over the value of your claim. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss the circumstances of your case.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form