Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Vancouver, WA: Protecting Injured Riders and Their Rights
The responsible motorcyclist can become involved in a serious motorcycle accident through no fault of their own. When a motorcycle is struck from behind by a car, or involved in an accident where the motorcyclist is not at fault, the injured motorcyclist will need the services of a motorcycle accident attorney in Vancouver, WA to get the compensation that they deserve for their injuries and the expenses that they have incurred as a result of the accident.
At Mcaleer Law, we represent motorcyclists in Vancouver, Clark County and throughout Southwest Washington who have been injured in motorcycle accidents. Our attorneys have many years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and are very familiar with the special problems that motorcyclists face. We are committed to protecting the rights of our clients.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different
When a motorcycle is involved in an accident the rider typically suffers serious injury. Even slow speed accidents can result in very serious injury to the motorcycle rider as they have very little protection from harm in contrast to most other vehicles on the road.
Common factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include:
- Drivers failing to yield the right of way
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Driving under the influence
- Poor road maintenance
- Defective motorcycle parts
Determining the cause of your accident is very important when filing an injury claim.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The damage done to a motorcycle rider in an accident can be extreme and result in extreme medical treatment.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Internal injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Facial injuries
- Permanent disability
Victims of motorcycle accidents suffer severe physical injury in motorcycle collisions and may require extensive periods of physical rehabilitation or ongoing medical treatment. Such serious injuries in motorcycle accidents are frequently permanent in nature.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
The actions that you take after the motorcycle accident can affect your health and your case.
If possible:
- Call emergency services immediately.
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to law enforcement.
- Document the damage to your motorcycle and any other damaged items at the scene of the accident.
- Obtain contact information from witnesses.
- Preserve medical records and repair estimates.
- Do not discuss fault with the insurance companies of the other parties involved in your accident until you have spoken with a motorcycle accident attorney.
Prompt action helps preserve valuable evidence.
How Liability Is Determined
In order to receive compensation for motorcycle injuries, a person must prove that another’s actions or omissions (negligence) caused the motorcycle accident.
Evidence commonly used includes:
- Police reports
- Traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Accident scene photographs
- Medical records
- Expert accident reconstruction
- Vehicle damage analysis
An investigation into your motorcycle accident will help determine who was at fault for your injuries and provide the necessary evidence to support your claim for compensation.
Compensation Available After a Motorcycle Accident
If your injuries have been caused by another person you are able to claim for any losses that you have incurred and claim compensation that you are entitled to.
Potential damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The value to each claim depends upon the specific facts and extent of injury to the parties involved.
Challenges Motorcycle Riders Often Face
Unfortunately, motorcycle riders are often blamed for their involvement in accidents as motorcycle riders are often perceived negatively by others.
An experienced attorney works to:
- Challenge unfair bias
- Present objective evidence
- Investigate every aspect of the accident
- Protect your legal rights
- Negotiate with insurance companies to obtain highest possible settlement for your injuries.
A strong legal team is going to fight for your rights and see that your case is decided based on the true facts of your case, not by motorcycle stereotypes.
Why You Should Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
There are many insurance companies who will try to pay out as little as possible for a claim and attempt to put fault for the accident on the motorcycle rider.
A motorcycle accident attorney can:
- Investigate the crash
- Preserve important evidence
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Represent you in court if litigation becomes necessary
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can take the pressure off of you so that you can focus on your recovery while your attorney deals with all of the other issues of your case.
Why Choose Mcaleer Law?
Mcaleer Law knows that a serious motorcycle accident can bring serious physical injuries, serious emotional trauma, and serious financial losses to a motorcycle rider and his or her family. We have experience handling all types of serious injury cases and will work hard to make sure that you receive the highest possible compensation for your injuries and your other losses.
Clients choose our firm because we provide:
- Thorough accident investigations
- Individualized legal strategies
- Skilled insurance negotiations
- Experienced courtroom representation
- Responsive client communication
We will work hard to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Vancouver, WA
Don’t let important evidence disappear and time run out on your opportunity to file a personal injury claim. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in Vancouver, WA.
At Mcaleer Law we are dedicated to providing the best possible representation to seriously injured motorcyclists. We are here to serve your needs and protect your rights. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a highly qualified Vancouver motorcycle accident attorney. We will provide you with an honest assessment of your case, explain your options, and do everything we can to get you the results you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is there to file a motorcycle accident claim in Washington?
The amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuits in Washington vary depending on several factors, including whether you were injured in a motorcycle accident, whether you were injured on government property or as a result of a defective product. It is always in your best interest to contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible to go over the details of your case.
What if the other driver says I caused the accident?
The liability for your motorcycle accident can be determined from the evidence available for review. The motorcycle accident investigation that is conducted as part of your claim will gather information and circumstances relevant to your case. In some motorcycle accidents, the insurance company will place the blame for the accident on the motorcycle rider. The motorcycle accident attorney at McAleer Law can help to determine liability for your motorcycle accident.
Can I recover compensation if I suffered serious injuries?
Recover for your current and past medical bills, your loss of income, and your pain and suffering. Additionally, you may be entitled to other damages as well.
Is the first offer of settlement from the at-fault party’s insurance company enough to cover all of your expenses and damages related to your
Insurance companies, even those who appear to be acting in good faith, do not typically take into account the long term effects of serious injury when extending an initial settlement offer. It is wise to have a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney review the offer prior to its acceptance.