Washington Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

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 Murphy concentrates in personal injury and wrongful death claims in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Vancouver, and throughout Washington State.  After nearly four 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, call 360-714-0900, 1-800-925-1875 or submit a request via our online form.

The Washington wrongful death attorneys at Brett Murphy 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 or drug use;
• 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 Washington wrongful death attorneys at Brett Murphy 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.