Motorcyclists can face a higher risk of a serious or fatal accident on Washington’s roads. In fact, recent data shows a sharp increase in fatal motorcycle accidents.
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, there were 131 fatal motorcycle accidents in 2022 and 138 in 2023, compared with just 92 in 2020 and 89 in 2021. The numbers were generally even lower than those in prior years.
While there is no definite reason for the increase, there are many common causes of motorcycle accidents. Negligent drivers cause many motorcycle accidents.
Types of negligence
Despite the constant warnings and education on the topic, distracted driving continues to be a problem. Using a phone or engaging in other types of distractive behavior poses a serious threat to motorcyclists on the road.
Additionally, sometimes motor vehicle drivers misinterpret the distance between their vehicle and a motorcycle on the road. This can cause the motor vehicle driver to pull out in front of a motorcycle without realizing how fast the motorcycle is going.
This usually results in the motorcyclist having to use emergency brakes, which can cause them to lose control, even throwing them from their bike.
The small size of motorcycles also makes it harder for them to be seen by motor vehicle drivers. Motorcyclists are at risk of being caught in a driver’s blind spot when they are changing lanes or merging.
Common motorcycle accident injuries
If you are in a motorcycle accident, you risk serious injuries such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or broken bones. After an accident, your healing and recovery should be your priority.
When your injuries are caused by a negligent driver, you can recover compensation through a personal injury action based on negligent. This can be challenging while you are focused on recovery, but with help, you could receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, as well as non-economic damages including pain and suffering.