Despite the reasons people in Yakima say they love to ride a motorcycle – whether it’s affordability, or the feeling of freedom or adventure – motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely than regular motorists to die in a traffic crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, a person’s chances of being injured on a motorcycle are four times more likely than those traveling in an enclosed motor vehicle.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Washington state, it’s important to hire a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney who understands this complex area of personal injury law, and who is not afraid to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.   

Recovering the Maximum Compensation Motorcycle Victims Deserve

Close-up view of a motorcycle engine and exhaust system, showing mechanical parts and metallic surfaces in detail.

Successfully resolving motorcycle accident cases requires an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer like those at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law. After more than 45 years in practice, our skilled personal injury lawyers understand how to work with insurance companies.  That includes getting medical bills and lost wages paid, and knowing how to calculate emotional or physical pain and suffering to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for injuries and losses related to your motorcycle accident claim.

Your Motorcycle Crash Needs a Results-Driven Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one are involved in a serious motorcycle crash with a negligent party or at-fault driver, it is important that you contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law as soon as possible following your accident to see if you’re entitled to financial compensation. We’ll provide a free case review of your potential personal injury lawsuit and offer legal advice at no charge during your first visit with us. Remember, at Abeyta Nelson, our experienced personal injury attorneys never charge any legal fees unless we win your case. A serious motorcycle collision requires an experienced Yakima motorcycle accident lawyer. Call us today for a free consultation.

Common Causes of a Motorcycle Accident 

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable and less protected than other types of motorists. Common causes of motorcycle accidents occur because:

  1. Other drivers simply did not see the motorcyclist as they changed lanes or entered an intersection.
  2. Motorcyclists are smaller, and therefore less visible on the road.
  3. A car attempts to make a left turn into an intersection, but fails to yield to the biker’s right of way.
  4. Unsafe road conditions such as icy roadways, potholes or road debris make travel dangerous.

What You Shouldn’t Do After a Motorcycle Crash

A person rides a motorcycle around a curve on a paved road with a metal guardrail and green foliage in the background.

What you shouldn’t do after a motorcycle collision is perhaps more important than what you should do after an accident.

  1. Don’t assume that either of the insurance companies (yours or the at-fault party’s) will have your best interests in mind.
  2. Don’t sign a settlement document or provide a recorded statement to an insurance company agent at the scene of the accident.
  3. Don’t assume the police report will include accurate information. Law enforcement or medical professionals called to the scene may not always get the details right, so ensure your injuries and property damage are noted in the official police report taken at the scene.
  4. Don’t forget to take photos with your own phone or camera to document the scene.

The Life Impact of a Serious Motorcycle Crash

Due to the relatively small size of motorcycles and lack of protection they offer compared to other motor vehicles, motorcycle accident victims may suffer huge medical expenses caused by devastating injuries including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones or amputations. Injured riders may also experience serious “road rash,” a type of skin injury or friction burn caused by scraping on the road’s surface. When a motorcyclist is involved in a motorcycle accident in Washington state, serious injuries – sometimes fatal injuries – can occur.

Injuries That Appear Minor but Become Severe

A motorcyclist injured at the scene may walk away with what seem at the time to be minor bumps or scrapes visible on the body. He or she may report feeling fine shortly following the crash, but after the adrenaline of the incident wears off, pain may arise. Internal damage to the muscles, tendons, bones or organs, as well as traumatic brain injuries are common after the blunt force which typically occurs after motorcycle crashes.  Even if you feel your post-accident motorcycle accident injuries are mild, get a medical evaluation just to be sure.       

Safeguarding Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

Close-up of a person’s hand gripping the handlebar of a motorcycle, with a blurred beach and sunset in the background.

If you’ve had a motorcycle accident in Yakima, immediately contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer like those at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law. Simply put, hiring a skilled and qualified attorney safeguards your rights. Quick action can help an attorney gather important and timely evidence, increase the chances of getting thorough witness testimony, and ensure accident victims get treated right away so injuries don’t get worse. Waiting to contact a qualified attorney will only complicate and prolong your case and add stress to the process.

When To Consult a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Yakima

As with all motor vehicle accidents, it’s best to act quickly after a motorcycle collision. Immediately after an accident, the first priority should always be the health of anyone involved in motorcycle crashes, whether it’s a single vehicle or multi-vehicle collision.  A quick visual assessment at the scene will determine obvious injuries, such as scrapes, cuts or bruises, but many injuries will only be detected after undergoing a thorough medical evaluation.  Further testing at a hospital or medical clinic may reveal broken bones, internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries.

Often, more serious injuries require immediate and ongoing treatment which respond best to immediate treatment, and get worse if the injuries are neglected.  Always call 911 after an accident, ensure that a police report is written to document the accident, and all injured parties’ insurance companies as soon as possible. If your insurance company isn’t acting quickly enough or offers you a financial settlement that doesn’t cover your medical bills, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law today.