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When a virtually unprotected cyclist collides with a
passenger or commercial vehicle weighing a ton or more, the
operator of the motorcycle bears the brunt of the damage,
and the cyclist is likely to sustain serious, often fatal
injuries. In 2007, 68 people died in motorcycle
accidents on Washington State roads, according to the
Washington State Department of Transportation.
The law firm of Brett & Coats, PLLC concentrates in
personal injury and wrongful death claims in Seattle,
Tacoma, Portland, Spokane and Bellingham and throughout
Washington State. After more than three decades of
legal experience, we’ve seen how easily a motorcyclist can
turn into a fatality on the highway. We know that
motorcyclists are often blamed for most accidents, and the
families of a cyclist killed don’t always understand their
rights following a fatal collision. For a free consultation
about your case, cal 360-714-0900,
1-800-925-1875 or submit a request via our online
form.
The attorneys at Brett & Coats, PLLC have represented
many families in accident-related wrongful death suits, and
we know that numerous causes can contribute to motorcycle
crashes:
- Failure of other drivers to notice a motorcycle -
roughly one-third of motorcycle crashes involving other
vehicles occur when another driver turns into the path
of the motorcycle.
- Alcohol
- Speed
- Unsafe or defective equipment
- Poorly maintained property or roads
The Washington State Police have reported that motorcycle
fatalities increased from 2007 to 2008 and the numbers are
already high for 2009. As a result, police have begun
targeting motorcyclists for driving violations in the
Seattle area. Law enforcement officials cite two new areas
of concern among cyclists involved in accidents:
- Older riders returning to motorcycles without first
taking a safety course or refreshing their driving
skills.
- Motorcycle operators who do not have the proper
endorsements as required by Washington law.
Certainly all motorcyclists should drive safely, obtain a
motorcycle endorsement and take a safety course.
However, even the most responsible motorcycle operators can
lose their lives when other drivers fail to notice them on
the road. If you have lost a loved one due to fatal
motorcycle injuries and you believe another driver, poorly
maintained roads or defective equipment was to blame, the
attorneys at Brett & Coats, PLLC can help protect your
rights and hold the negligent parties responsible for your
loss. Contact our firm today by calling 360-714-0900,
1-800-925-1875 or submit a request via our
online
form.
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