Spokane Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Don’t face the aftermath of a motorcycle accident alone. Contact us for a free consultation, and let our experienced attorneys help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Your recovery matters!
Motorcyclists across Spokane County face constant risks from inattentive drivers, unpredictable weather, and road hazards. Even the most cautious rider can be struck by a distracted motorist or lose control due to unsafe road conditions. Because motorcycles offer little physical protection, injuries are often catastrophic and financially overwhelming.
National Injury Help’s affiliated attorneys understand these challenges and dedicate their practice to helping injured riders recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Our team of experienced Spokane motorcycle accident lawyers investigates every aspect of the collision, identifies responsible parties, and pursues justice for clients who have been unfairly harmed.
Motorcycle crashes rarely result in minor outcomes. Victims face hospitalizations, surgeries, lost income, and ongoing pain. Legal representation ensures that these losses are appropriately recognized and valued. Attorneys coordinate with medical professionals, investigators, and financial experts to calculate full compensation for every element of damage.
At National Injury Help, our team of Spokane motorcycle accident lawyers combines deep legal knowledge with genuine care. By taking on insurance companies and negligent drivers, attorneys give victims the space to focus on healing while they handle every legal detail since the first free consultation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Spokane County
Spokane’s combination of urban streets, scenic mountain routes, and variable weather contributes to a wide range of motorcycle accidents. Attorneys identify the precise cause of each crash to ensure every responsible party is held accountable.
The most frequent cause of serious motorcycle collisions is driver inattention. Many motorists simply fail to look for motorcycles before turning or changing lanes. Crashes at intersections in areas like Spokane Valley or along Division Street often happen when drivers misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or distance. Attorneys use witness statements, dash-camera footage, and traffic light data to demonstrate that the rider was not at fault.
Speeding and reckless driving are additional contributors. The force of these impacts throws riders from their motorcycles, resulting in severe head, neck, and spinal injuries. Attorneys review collision reports and expert analyses to prove the connection between speeding and preventable injury.
Driving under the influence remains a significant factor in Spokane’s most tragic motorcycle crashes. Alcohol and drug impairment reduce reaction time, judgment, and depth perception, placing motorcyclists at even greater risk. Victims injured by intoxicated drivers may pursue additional compensation under Washington’s personal injury and wrongful death laws.
Road and weather conditions also contribute to accidents throughout Spokane County. During winter, ice, snow, and fog make riding hazardous, particularly along elevated areas and bridges. Spokane’s harsh winter conditions from November through March create treacherous road surfaces that persist for months. Summer brings wildlife on rural routes, unexpected gravel on curves, and glare from the sun, all of which increase crash likelihood.
Left-turn violations are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists in Spokane. Drivers making left turns at busy intersections often fail to see oncoming motorcycles or misjudge their speed. These collisions frequently occur at major intersections along Sprague Avenue and Francis Avenue, and throughout downtown Spokane during rush hour.
Mechanical defects and unsafe road design can also play a role. Faulty brakes, tire failures, or inadequate signage can turn a regular ride into a catastrophic event. Attorneys work with engineers and safety experts to determine whether a third party, such as a manufacturer or public agency, bears part of the responsibility.
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, motorcycle riders remain disproportionately represented in fatal crashes statewide, despite making up a small percentage of registered vehicles. These statistics underscore the importance of strict enforcement of traffic laws and heightened awareness among other drivers.
Each motorcycle accident tells a story of negligence that could have been prevented. Attorneys use these stories to advocate not only for their clients but also for greater safety measures across Spokane County.
Popular Riding Routes and Associated Risks
Spokane County offers scenic motorcycle routes that attract riders year-round, but these popular roads also present unique hazards.
Understanding route-specific dangers helps attorneys build comprehensive liability cases and promotes rider awareness.
Spokane’s position near mountains, rivers, and forests makes it a popular destination for motorcyclists seeking scenic rides. However, the same features that make these routes attractive also create safety challenges.
- Riverside State Park Area: The roads through and around Riverside State Park offer beautiful views but feature tight curves, limited visibility, and wildlife crossings. Deer and other animals frequently cross roadways, especially at dawn and dusk. Gravel and debris from unpaved access roads can scatter onto paved surfaces, reducing traction on curves.
- Highway 2 toward Newport: This scenic route follows the Spokane River through forested areas and offers popular weekend riding. However, the two-lane highway features numerous curves with limited sight distance, logging truck traffic, and rapidly changing seasonal road conditions. Winter ice can persist in shaded areas even after the main roads clear.
- Interstate 90 Corridor: While I-90 provides direct routing east toward Coeur d’Alene or west toward Seattle, the high-speed traffic and heavy semi-truck presence create constant hazards. The stretch through Liberty Lake sees particularly heavy traffic during the summer months as riders head toward Idaho recreation areas.
- Mount Spokane Loop: The winding roads leading to Mount Spokane State Park attract sport bike riders and touring motorcyclists alike. Steep grades, hairpin turns, and elevation changes require skill and attention. Poor weather at higher elevations can surprise riders who started in clear conditions at lower altitudes.
- Centennial Trail Parallel Routes: While the Centennial Trail itself is closed to motorized vehicles, the roads running parallel—including Riverside Avenue and Upriver Drive—see recreational motorcycle traffic. These routes feature frequent intersections, driveways, and pedestrian crossings, creating conflict points.
- North Spokane Corridor (US 395): This newer highway serves as a bypass route but features high speed limits and limited access points. Riders merging onto or exiting from the corridor face fast-moving traffic and must navigate complex interchange designs.
- Liberty Lake and Newman Lake Areas: Rural roads around these lakes offer peaceful riding, but narrow shoulders, limited lighting, and agricultural vehicles create hazards. During summer weekends, increased recreational traffic and boat trailers add unpredictability.
Attorneys familiar with these routes understand the specific hazards each presents. When investigating crashes, they consider route-specific factors such as typical traffic patterns, known wildlife crossings, documented road maintenance issues, and seasonal conditions. This detailed local knowledge strengthens liability arguments and helps establish whether drivers, road authorities, or other parties failed to exercise appropriate care.
Washington Motorcycle Laws and Rider Rights
State laws establish specific safety standards and protect motorcyclists injured through negligence.
A Spokane injury attorney ensures full compliance with these rules while pursuing compensation for injured riders.
Washington State maintains some of the nation’s most comprehensive motorcycle regulations, designed to protect both riders and the general public. Understanding these laws is essential for building a successful injury claim after a crash.
One of the most critical statutes is RCW 46.37.530, which requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets that meet federal safety standards. It also mandates the use of eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield. Attorneys ensure that compliance with this rule is clearly documented to prevent insurers from exploiting minor technicalities to reduce payouts.
Riders must also maintain a valid motorcycle endorsement under RCW 46.20.500, proving they have completed the necessary training and testing to operate safely. When an accident occurs, this documentation helps strengthen the case by demonstrating rider competence.
Washington follows a comparative negligence system, allowing victims to recover damages even if partially at fault. Attorneys work to minimize any assigned fault and present evidence showing that the greater responsibility lies with the other party. For instance, if a driver failed to yield or made an illegal turn, that evidence can offset claims of shared liability.
In most motorcycle injury cases, the filing deadline under RCW 4.16.080 allows three years from the date of the crash to initiate legal action. Attorneys ensure these deadlines are never missed, protecting clients from losing their right to compensation due to procedural oversight.
Insurance companies often attempt to undervalue motorcycle accident claims, citing stereotypes about risky riding. At National Injury Help, our team of Spokane motorcycle accident lawyers challenges these misconceptions through factual evidence, professional witness testimony, and precise case presentation.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) provides resources and data on motorcycle safety, infrastructure, and state crash reports. Attorneys use this information to identify dangerous intersections, poorly maintained roads, and other hazards that contribute to motorcycle accidents in Spokane.
Riders injured by uninsured or underinsured motorists may still be eligible for compensation through their own insurance policies. Attorneys evaluate all available coverage sources and negotiate with insurers to secure the maximum possible recovery.
Through their understanding of both law and local conditions, Spokane attorneys ensure that motorcyclists receive not only fair treatment but also the respect and protection they deserve under state law.
What to Expect from the Legal Process
Motorcycle accident cases can feel daunting, especially when you’re injured and facing financial stress. Understanding the process helps you stay informed and confident while your attorney manages the details.
- Initial Consultation
Your case begins with a free consultation, during which your attorney reviews what happened, your injuries, and your goals. They’ll explain your rights, outline next steps, and start identifying potential sources of recovery: insurance policies, negligent drivers, or even defective parts. - Evidence Preservation
Critical evidence can vanish fast. Your lawyer sends spoliation letters to the involved parties, demanding that they preserve data such as dashcam footage, surveillance video, or maintenance records. For motorcycle cases, preserving the bike itself is key; it can reveal mechanical issues or impact points during reconstruction. - Investigation and Reconstruction
Your legal team collects police reports, crash diagrams, 911 audio, bodycam footage, witness statements, and photographs. They may bring in accident reconstruction experts to analyze skid marks, debris fields, and vehicle damage to prove liability. Your medical records and employment documentation establish both the physical and financial toll of your injuries. - Liability and Fault Analysis
Your attorney determines how the crash happened and who is responsible. Your lawyer maps these facts against Washington traffic laws to show apparent negligence and build leverage in negotiations. - Filing a Claim
Once liability is clear, your lawyer prepares a demand package that includes medical documentation, wage loss statements, photos, and a detailed damages analysis. This claim is sent to the insurance companies for review and negotiation. - Negotiation and Settlement Discussions
Most cases settle out of court. Your attorney negotiates firmly for full compensation, countering lowball offers and insurance tactics that undervalue pain and suffering or long-term recovery costs. You’ll be kept informed at each stage so you can decide whether to accept or proceed further. - Lawsuit and Litigation (If Needed)
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer files a lawsuit. Filing doesn’t always mean trial. It often pushes insurers to make better offers. But if necessary, your case will proceed through formal litigation. - Discovery Phase
Both sides exchange evidence through depositions, written discovery, and expert disclosures. This stage allows your attorney to uncover every detail about the driver’s conduct, training, phone use, or vehicle maintenance leading up to the crash.
Injuries and Medical Challenges Following a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle riders in Spokane face significantly greater risks of serious injury than occupants of larger vehicles. When a crash occurs, the lack of external protection often leads to catastrophic consequences. Victims may suffer broken bones, internal bleeding, head trauma, or permanent disability.
Among the most common injuries are traumatic brain injuries, even when riders wear helmets, as well as spinal cord damage, fractures, and deep abrasions. These conditions often require emergency care, surgeries, and months of rehabilitation. Local facilities such as Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, MultiCare Deaconess Hospital, and Providence Holy Family Hospital treat many of the region’s motorcycle crash victims, offering trauma care and long-term recovery programs.
Burns and severe road rash are also frequent outcomes of motorcycle collisions. These injuries can lead to infections and scarring that affect both mobility and appearance. Attorneys ensure these medical impacts are reflected in every claim, emphasizing that healing extends beyond physical recovery to include emotional and psychological well-being.
The emotional trauma after a motorcycle crash can be as challenging as the physical pain. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress, particularly if they have witnessed another person’s injury or fatality. Attorneys include mental health treatment costs in every compensation request, ensuring the full human impact of the accident is addressed.
For many Spokane residents, motorcycling represents more than transportation—it’s a lifestyle and community connection. The annual motorcycle season brings group rides, charity events, and social gatherings that are an important part of riders’ identities. Serious injuries that prevent participation in these activities create losses that extend beyond the physical and financial.
When injuries result in long-term disability or a loss of earning potential, attorneys consult vocational experts and economists to calculate lifetime financial losses. These figures help secure settlements that cover both immediate and future needs, protecting victims from financial strain years after the crash.
Through compassionate communication and thorough case preparation, attorneys ensure that every client’s suffering is documented, validated, and adequately compensated. The best Spokane Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Spokane fights for the resources clients need to rebuild their lives and regain independence.
Proving Negligence and Pursuing Compensation
Proving fault in motorcycle accident cases requires precise evidence and a deep understanding of traffic laws. Attorneys begin each case with a thorough investigation, reviewing police reports, scene photographs, and eyewitness accounts. They often collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists to recreate the event and clarify how negligence occurred.
Key pieces of evidence include vehicle damage, debris patterns, and skid marks, which can reveal excessive speed or failure to yield. Black box data from commercial vehicles and surveillance footage from nearby businesses may also provide crucial insight into the moments before impact. Attorneys move quickly to preserve this evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
Medical records form the foundation of every injury claim. Attorneys coordinate with doctors and therapists to ensure all physical and psychological effects are accurately recorded. They use these documents to prove the direct connection between the crash and ongoing symptoms, supporting claims for both economic and non-economic damages.
Insurance negotiations play a significant role in the recovery process. Adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts by questioning the severity of injuries or suggesting the motorcyclist was partially at fault. A Spokane Motorcycle Accident Lawyer attorney counters these tactics through clear evidence and legal arguments grounded in state law.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?
Understanding what to expect helps reduce anxiety about the legal process and allows you to make informed decisions about your case. After an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses: These represent the most immediate and often substantial category of damages in motorcycle accident cases. They include emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgical procedures, rehabilitation services, prescription medications, and ongoing medical care.
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity: This includes time off during recovery, reduced capacity upon return to work, and, in severe cases, complete inability to return to your previous career. For Everett’s aerospace workers, maritime professionals, and skilled trades workers, long-term earning capacity losses can represent the most significant component of damages.
Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from your injuries. These non-economic damages can be substantial in motorcycle accident cases due to the severity of injuries and long-term impact on victims’ lives.
Property damage: This includes repair or replacement costs for your motorcycle, safety gear, and other personal property damaged in the accident. High-end motorcycles and specialized safety equipment can represent significant financial losses that should be fully compensated.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Washington is a fault-based state, but drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection coverage that provides benefits for medical expenses and lost wages up to policy limits, regardless of who caused the accident. However, Washington law allows motorcyclists to reject PIP coverage in writing, and many do to reduce premium costs. If you rejected PIP coverage or your benefits are exhausted, you may pursue full compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Everett
Motorcycle crashes are sudden, chaotic, and often life-changing. What you do in the minutes and days afterward can make a massive difference for your recovery and your case. Protecting your health and your legal rights starts with a few critical steps.
- Ensure Safety and Prevent Further Harm
If you’re able, move out of traffic. If you’re seriously hurt, stay still and wait for medical help. - Call 911 Immediately
Always report the crash. Call 911 and request both police and medical assistance. Even if the collision seems “minor,” an official report documents what happened and can be crucial later for insurance and legal purposes. Ask for the report number before leaving the scene. - Get Medical Attention, Even If You Feel Fine
Go to the nearest urgent care for a complete evaluation. Keep every medical record and receipt: these become essential evidence of both the physical and financial impact of your injuries. - Document the Scene Thoroughly
If you can safely do so, take detailed photos and videos: your bike, the other vehicle(s), license plates, skid marks, debris, the road surface, traffic lights, and any visible injuries. Note the exact location, time, and weather conditions. Get the names and contact details of all drivers, passengers, and witnesses. If you were wearing a helmet, protective gear, or had a GoPro-style camera, preserve that evidence too. It can be extremely useful in proving how the crash occurred. - Don’t Admit Fault or Speculate
After a crash, it’s natural to feel disoriented or apologetic, but even small comments can be used against you later. Stick to the facts. - Notify Your Insurance Company Carefully
Contact your insurer promptly to report the crash, but keep your description factual and brief. Avoid recorded statements or speculation until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. - Consult a Local Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The sooner you reach out, the better your chance of a strong, well-documented case.
Choose National Injury Help
National Injury Help has earned a reputation for protecting the rights of injured people across Washington and throughout the United States. Its affiliated attorneys bring both national reach and local knowledge to every case, ensuring Spokane clients receive representation that understands the realities of their community.
Attorneys handle each case with care and transparency, offering straightforward communication and frequent updates. They recognize that behind every file is a person whose life has been disrupted, and they treat each client with respect and compassion.
Clients can contact National Injury Help for a free meeting. Call 1 (866) 932-4817 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. During this meeting, a Spokane injury attorney reviews the case details, explains available options, and outlines a clear strategy for moving forward.