Yakima Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles are small, built for speed and offer no protection to the rider in an accident.  For these reasons, motorcycle accident victims frequently suffer huge medical expenses caused by devastating injuries.  These may include 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 an accident, catastrophic injuries – and sometimes fatal injuries – can occur.

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, 1 in 5 motorcycle accidents result in serious injury or death, and in Washington state, an average of 75 riders die each year.  Some motorcycle accidents are caused by drugs or alcohol impairment, speeding, or a combination of these factors.  Being unlicensed and untrained, or not wearing a helmet or protective gear may also play a part in the number and severity of motorcycle accidents.  In other cases, a car or truck may be at-fault for making an improper lane change or turn, not checking traffic before opening their car door, or failing to yield.  A skilled attorney will be able to analyze the facts of the case and determine fault after a motorcycle accident.

If you or a loved one are involved in a motorcycle accident, immediately assess the accident scene and call for emergency help so that those injured receive medical attention. Prompt, appropriate medical care for those involved in a motorcycle crash can often mean the difference between life or death. If possible, take photos of the collision scene and damaged vehicles, exchange insurance information and phone numbers with the other party, and be sure a police report is filed after first responders arrive at the accident scene.

It is very important to have your injuries checked after a motorcycle accident, even if you feel you only sustained minor scrapes or bruises during the crash. It is quite common for people to walk away from an accident, thinking their pain or stiffness will go away, only to have those issues increase in severity as time goes on. The sooner you receive a medical checkup after an accident, the sooner you’ll understand the extent of your injuries, resulting in faster healing time.

The state of Washington places time limits on how long a person has to file a motorcycle accident claim. This time limit is referred to as a statute of limitations, which in Washington state is three years from the date the motorcycle accident occurred. If the accident victim does not file a lawsuit within the three-year time frame, it is assumed that he or she has forfeited their right to file a claim.

Motorcycle accident injury settlements vary widely depending on the nature and severity of injuries, the extent of losses and other circumstances specific to each case. If the driver of another vehicle is found to be at-fault in a motorcycle accident, that driver’s insurance is responsible for paying for the rider’s damages, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages and future expenses, as well as pain and suffering. An experienced motorcycle accident injury attorney, like those at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law, can review your case and provide guidance about what to expect from a financial perspective.

Hiring an experienced attorney like those at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law can make all the difference in successfully recovering from a motorcycle crash. Motorcycle attorneys look at the big picture after an accident, communicating with insurance companies, medical doctors, witnesses, and insurance company representatives involved in your case. They look at the accident scene, gather evidence, review police reports, and determine who is at fault in the accident. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney will negotiate on your behalf, acting as your advocate when it’s time to settle the case, or in some instances, go to court.

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will ask a lot of questions during an initial consultation with a potential client. The attorney will want to know what happened before, during and after the accident, who was involved, and who was at fault. In addition, an attorney will ask in detail about the extent of your injuries, ongoing medical treatment and expenses you’ve incurred as a result of the accident. Any paperwork, including police reports, copies of medical records, or notes you’ve taken during doctor’s visits should be shared with the attorney as these documents can be very helpful in building a strong case.

If you’ve had a motorcycle accident in Yakima, immediately contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney like those at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law. Simply put, hiring a skilled and qualified attorney protects 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.

Successfully resolving motorcycle accident personal injury cases require an experienced motorcycle injury lawyer like those at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law. After more than 40 years in practice and over 100 years combined attorney experience, our skilled personal injury law firm understands how to work with insurance companies. We know how to get clients’ medical bills and lost wages paid, and how to calculate emotional or physical pain and suffering to fairly compensate our clients for their injuries and losses. Call Abeyta Nelson today for a free, no-obligation case consultation.