Washington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Washington requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets. This law applies regardless of age or riding experience. While this may feel restrictive to some riders, universal helmet laws have been shown to reduce motorcycle fatalities by 37%.

How Helmet Use Affects Your Claim

Not wearing a helmet in Washington is a violation of law, which could be used against you in court to argue contributory negligence.

Lane splitting is illegal in Washington. If you were lane splitting when your accident occurred, the other party's insurance will likely try to use this against you. However, this doesn't automatically mean you can't recover damages.

Under Washington's comparative fault system, you may still recover damages even if partially at fault, though your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

In Washington, you have 3 years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could permanently bar you from recovering compensation.

Fault System: Pure comparative fault

Washington uses pure comparative fault. You can recover damages even if you're partially at fault—your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. If you're 30% at fault for $500,000 in damages, you'd receive $350,000.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Washington requires minimum auto insurance coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$10,000. Unfortunately, these minimums often don't cover the full extent of serious motorcycle accident injuries. This is why it's important to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.