Two men riding a motorcycle in a park-and-ride lot in Kirkland, Wash., were fatally injured in September when the motorcycle accelerated suddenly and struck a curb, according to a news report. At least one of the men was thrown 15-20 feet to a street below and was struck by a vehicle that could not stop in time to avoid the impact.
A witness said the motorcycle driver did not appear to be driving recklessly before the accident.
Washington State Motorcycle Accidents
Given the breathtaking scenery throughout the State of Washington, it is no surprise that motorcycle riding is a popular pastime in the state. Unfortunately, motorcycle riding remains dangerous, despite efforts by public and private organizations to raise awareness of the presence of motorcycles on the highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle riders are 35 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than people in passenger vehicles.
Although motorcycles account for less than five percent of the registered vehicles on the nation’s roadways, they are involved in over ten percent of the accidents each year.
In the State of Washington, there were 69 motorcycle fatalities in 2010 alone; hundreds of other motorcycle accidents involved nonfatal injuries. Motorists too often remain oblivious to the presence of motorcycles that are sharing the roadway.
The accident in Kirkland was not caused by another driver. But more than half of all accidents involving motorcycles are caused at least in part by the failure of other vehicle drivers to notice their presence.
Motorcycle Injuries and Compensation
Any accident can cause serious injuries; however, victims of motorcycle accidents stand an even higher chance of suffering life-threatening injuries given their vulnerable position. Common injuries suffered by motorcyclists involved in accidents include:
- Traumatic head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spine injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
Get a Free Consultation from a Washington State Motorcycle Crash Lawyer
If you have been involved in a Washington State motorcycle accident and you believe that another party was responsible, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Along with compensation for the cost of repairs to your bike, your medical bills and your lost wages, you could also be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering the accident caused you.
To determine whether you have been the victim of a compensable motorcycle accident, you need the assistance of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. The Washington State motorcycle accident attorneys at Mariano Morales Law can help. Contact the team today by calling (509) 853-2222 or by using our online contact form for your free initial consultation.
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