Motorcycle accidents can be scary, especially when you’re the only one involved. Single-vehicle motorcycle accidents happen when the rider loses control of the bike without colliding with another vehicle.
These accidents are common and can be caused by many different things like road conditions, bad weather, or even mechanical problems with the bike. The aftermath can be stressful, with injuries to heal from, damage to the bike, and the challenges of dealing with insurance.
The Bernard Law Group is here to help. Our Seattle single-vehicle motorcycle accident lawyer works hard to assist motorcyclists in these challenging situations. Whether it’s understanding who’s responsible or getting the compensation you deserve, our goal is to make sure you have the support you need.
What is a Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accident?
A single-vehicle motorcycle accident is exactly what it sounds like—an accident in which only the motorcycle is involved without a crash with another vehicle. These accidents might happen when a rider swerves to avoid hitting something, loses control because of bad road conditions, or even due to a mechanical problem with the bike.
Common examples include:
- Skidding out on a slippery road: When the road is wet from rain or covered in ice, it’s easy for your tires to lose grip. If your motorcycle skids, you can lose control and end up crashing.
- Swerving to avoid an animal or obstacle: If something suddenly appears in your path, like an animal crossing the road or debris, you might swerve to avoid hitting it. Swerving too quickly can throw off your balance and cause you to lose control of your bike.
- Losing control because of loose gravel or uneven pavement: Roads with loose gravel or bumps can make it hard to keep your motorcycle steady. If your tires slip on the gravel or hit a rough patch, your bike can wobble or crash.
Even though another vehicle isn’t involved, it doesn’t mean the accident is the rider’s fault. External factors can play a significant role in many cases.
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Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents
Several factors are commonly identified in single-vehicle motorcycle accidents across our state.
Road Hazards
Potholes, uneven pavement, and loose gravel pose significant risks to motorcyclists. While cars can often pass over these obstacles with little impact, motorcycles are much more affected by the condition of the road. A single bump or dip can easily cause a rider to lose control.
Weather Conditions
Rain, ice, and strong winds increase the danger of riding. Wet or icy roads make it easier for motorcycles to skid, while poor visibility from fog or heavy rain can heighten the chances of an accident.
Mechanical Failures
A malfunctioning part, such as brakes or tires, can lead to serious accidents. A tire blowout or brake failure may cause the rider to lose control and crash.
Rider Error
Sometimes, accidents happen because of mistakes made by the rider. Speeding, taking sharp turns too quickly, or riding while tired or distracted can all lead to a crash. Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is another major cause of accidents.
Animals Running Into The Road
Sudden appearances of animals can leave riders with little time to react. Swerving to avoid hitting an animal can cause a loss of control. If someone’s pet is involved, the owner may be liable for the resulting damages.
Injuries Common in Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists have less protection than people in cars, so injuries are often more severe when accidents happen. Some common injuries include:
- Road Rash: When a rider is thrown from the bike and slides on the pavement, it can cause painful scrapes and burns.
- Fractures: Broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, a motorcyclist can suffer a serious head injury in a crash.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding or damage to organs can occur from the impact of the crash.
These injuries can have long-term effects on your health and quality of life, making it essential to get the right legal help from a Seattle single-vehicle motorcycle injury attorney.
Liability in Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents
Several factors can cause a single-vehicle motorcycle accident. The specific factor will influence who is liable for the accident.
When External Factors Are to Blame
Sometimes, it’s not the rider’s fault. For example, the city or municipality might be held responsible if a poorly maintained road, missing signs, or dangerous conditions caused the accident. A Seattle single-vehicle motorcycle wreck lawyer can help determine if external factors contributed to the crash.
Manufacturer Liability
The motorcycle manufacturer could be held liable if a mechanical failure like defective brakes or tires caused the accident. A single-vehicle motorcycle accident attorney in Seattle, WA, can investigate whether a defect played a role in your accident.
Insurance Considerations
Even though no other vehicle is involved, you may still be able to claim compensation through your insurance, such as uninsured motorist coverage or comprehensive policies. A single-vehicle motorcycle accident lawyer near me in Seattle can help you understand these options.
How Our Seattle Single Vehicle Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
At The Bernard Law Group, we understand that these accidents can be overwhelming. Our best single-vehicle motorcycle accident lawyer in Seattle will:
- Investigate the Accident: We’ll examine the scene, talk to witnesses, review road conditions, and look for any mechanical issues that could have caused the crash.
- Collect Evidence: We’ll gather everything needed to build a strong case, from photos to expert testimony.
- Deal with Insurance Companies: Our motorcycle wreck attorney near me in Seattle will handle all communications with insurance companies, ensuring you receive a fair settlement.
Recoverable Damages
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be able to recover compensation for:
Medical Expenses
This means any costs related to your treatment, like hospital visits, surgeries, rehab, and even any future care you might need as you heal. Medical bills can add up quickly, and this compensation helps cover those costs.
Lost Wages
If your injuries keep you from working, you can get compensation for the money you’ve missed out on. If the accident left you with a long-term disability, you might also receive compensation for future wage loss for the income you won’t be able to earn.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond the physical injuries, accidents can cause emotional pain and mess with your quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering is meant to help cover the emotional and physical toll the crash has taken on you.
Property Damage
If your motorcycle or personal items were damaged in the crash, you can be compensated for repairs or replacements.
A top-rated single-vehicle motorcycle accident lawyer in Seattle will ensure you pursue every possible form of compensation.
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Steps to Take After a Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accident
If you’re in a motorcycle crash, it’s important to take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Always get checked out by a doctor, even if you don’t initially feel seriously injured. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
- Document the Scene: Take pictures of the road, any hazards, your bike, and your injuries. This evidence can be vital in proving what caused the accident.
- Report the Accident: If road hazards or mechanical issues are involved, report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
- Contact a Lawyer: It’s important to talk to a no-win, no-fee single-vehicle motorcycle accident lawyer in Seattle as soon as possible to protect your rights and build your case.
Filing a Claim for a Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accident in Seattle
If you’ve been involved in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash, here’s how the claims process works:
- File a Claim: Our compassionate legal team will help you file your claim. We will ensure that all paperwork is completed correctly and submitted on time.
- Investigate the Accident: Our single-vehicle motorcycle accident attorney in Seattle, WA, will investigate your crash in its entirety. We will evaluate road conditions, weather, mechanical failures, and more.
- Negotiation: We’ll contact the insurance companies on your behalf and fight to ensure that you receive the money you deserve for your injuries and damages.
- Pursue Legal Action: If needed, we’ll take things to court and represent you, ensuring your side of the story is heard and you get the best outcome possible.
It’s crucial to act quickly, as there are deadlines for filing claims. Our Seattle single-vehicle motorcycle wreck lawyer will ensure everything is done within the required time frames.
Contact Our Seattle Single Vehicle Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident, you need to act quickly to protect your legal rights. Contact our team at The Bernard Law Group today to speak with the best single-vehicle motorcycle accident lawyer in Seattle.
We offer no-win, no-fee representation, meaning you never have to worry about paying for our services unless we achieve a favorable outcome for your case.
Let our team fight for fair and timely compensation during this challenging time and help you get back on the road to recovery.
