Motorcycle crashes in Washington are a significant concern for personal injury attorney teams across the state. As experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at
Metier Law Firm, we understand that motorcyclists face unique risks—especially considering they are
28 times more likely to die in a crash than car occupants per mile traveled, according to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Below, we’ll examine seven major causes of motorcycle collisions in Washington, offer practical tips for prevention, and share what to do if you’re involved in a wreck.
Why Understanding Motorcycle Crash Causes Matters
In our decades of representing injured riders, we’ve seen firsthand how a single moment of inattention or reckless behavior can result in life-altering injuries. By educating yourself on the leading causes of these crashes, you can reduce your risk and ride with greater confidence. Whether you’re on
I-5 in Seattle, navigating rural highways in King County, or simply commuting around town, knowledge is the first step toward prevention.
What Are The Most Common Types of Motorcycle Crashes in Washington?
Speed kills—especially for motorcyclists. When riders or other vehicles exceed posted speed limits, everyone on the road is in danger. High-speed crashes typically involve:
● Decreased reaction time
● Increased likelihood of losing control
● Greater impact force, leading to severe or fatal injuries
● Reduced effectiveness of protective gear
Temptations to “open up the throttle” on Washington highways are common, but the risks rarely justify the momentary thrill. As
motorcycle accident attorneys, we’ve seen how speed can turn a minor mishap into a catastrophic collision.
Prevention Tip: Always ride within posted speed limits and adjust your speed to road, weather, and traffic conditions. Slowing down even slightly can drastically reduce the risk of severe injuries.
2. Distracted Driving and Riding
Distracted driving isn’t just about texting. In Washington’s busy metro areas, distractions come in many forms:
● Using smartphones or in-helmet systems
● GPS adjustments on the go
● Eating, drinking, or daydreaming
● Stress or emotional distress
Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, a split-second distraction can lead to a devastating impact. Whenever we handle a case as
motorcycle accident lawyers, it’s often clear that simple inattentiveness was the leading factor.
Prevention Tip: Maintain total focus on the road. If you need to adjust tech or check a map, pull off safely first. Keep your distance from drivers who appear distracted—lane positioning and vigilance can save your life.
3. Impaired Riding and Driving
Alcohol and drugs remain a major factor in motorcycle crashes throughout King County and beyond. Nearly one-third of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve an impaired rider. Impairment reduces:
● Reaction time
● Coordination
● Vision
● Judgment
Sadly, we see many preventable tragedies as
personal injury lawyers when impairment is involved—both from riders and from other drivers.
Prevention Tip: Never ride under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain prescription medications. If you notice an impaired driver, keep your distance and report dangerous behavior to local authorities (such as the
Washington State Patrol) when it’s safe to do so.
4. Unsafe Lane Changes and Passing Maneuvers
Lane-change accidents and passing errors are a frequent cause of motorcycle collisions. Drivers often misjudge a motorcyclist’s speed or simply fail to check their blind spots.
Common factors include:
● Drivers not checking mirrors or blind spots before shifting lanes
● Abrupt lane changes without signaling
● Misjudging how quickly a motorcycle is approaching
● Larger vehicles (e.g., trucks, SUVs) obscuring a rider’s presence
Unsafe passing can also lead to head-on collisions, which are among the most fatal crash types. Determining liability in these cases often requires accident reconstruction—a process our motorcycle accident lawyers handle regularly.
Prevention Tip: Ride defensively and position yourself where other drivers can see you. Bright clothing, reflective gear, and prudent lane positioning all increase visibility.
5. Poor Road Conditions and Hazards
Motorcycles are far more vulnerable to potholes, gravel, debris, and other roadway hazards than standard passenger vehicles. Construction zones, oil slicks, and uneven pavement exacerbate the danger.
● Potholes and pavement irregularities
● Loose gravel on rural or unpaved roads
● Inadequate warning signs for construction or road closures
● Fluid spills or slick surfaces in wet weather
When Washington’s road maintenance authorities fail to address these hazards, riders pay the price. A personal injury claim might arise if negligence by government entities or contractors contributed to the crash. You can learn more about reporting hazardous road conditions on the
Washington State Department of Transportation website.
Prevention Tip: Continuously scan the road and slow down where hazards are likely (e.g., near construction zones or after heavy rain). If you notice a dangerous stretch of road, report it to local authorities to help protect fellow riders.
6. Right-of-Way Violations at Intersections
Intersections are especially hazardous for motorcyclists. The majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes happen here, often because drivers don’t see or properly judge the distance of an oncoming bike.
Common scenarios:
● Left-turning vehicles cutting off oncoming motorcycles
● Drivers entering from side streets without yielding
● Red-light runners
● Misjudging a motorcycle’s speed and pulling out prematurely
Even though “I didn’t see the motorcycle” is never an acceptable legal defense, our
motorcycle accident lawyer team hears it far too often. Intersection collisions can be severe and often result in long-term medical complications.
Prevention Tip: Approach intersections with heightened caution. Slow down, make eye contact with drivers if possible, and be prepared to brake or swerve defensively—even when you have the right of way.
7. Dooring Accidents in Urban Areas
In cities like Seattle, “dooring” poses a serious threat. This happens when someone in a parked vehicle opens their door directly into a motorcyclist’s path.
● Occurs suddenly and often without warning
● Gives the rider almost no reaction time
● Can force the motorcyclist into another lane or even oncoming traffic
In these cases, the occupant who opened the door is typically at fault under Washington law. However, you (or your attorney) may have to prove negligence by demonstrating that the occupant failed to check for approaching traffic. Check local ordinances or the
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) for details on dooring laws.
Prevention Tip: Leave enough space between yourself and parked cars, especially in narrow urban corridors. Watch for brake lights, interior movement, and occupants who may be about to exit.
Injured in a motorcycle crash? At Metier Law Firm, our
motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to help you pursue maximum compensation. Call us at (866) 377-3800 for a free consultation or visit
www.metierlaw.com for more information.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Collision in Washington
Despite your best efforts, an accident can still happen. Here’s how to protect your health and your legal rights:
Prioritize Medical Attention
Call 911 immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Internal or head injuries aren’t always apparent right away.
Document Everything
Use your phone to photograph damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from all witnesses.
Be Cautious with Insurance Companies
Avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice. Insurers prioritize minimizing their payouts, not your best interests.
Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A skilled lawyer will investigate your case, identify all liable parties, and fight for the compensation you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: As soon as possible. Prompt legal counsel helps preserve evidence, witness testimony, and ensures your case is filed within Washington’s statute of limitations. You can read more about these deadlines in the
RCW Title 4.
Q: Is lane splitting legal in Washington?
A: At the time of this writing, lane splitting is not fully legal in Washington. Always check current state laws and regulations—such as the
Revised Code of Washington—for up-to-date information.
Q: Can I get compensation even if I was partially at fault?
A: Yes. Washington follows a
comparative negligence model, meaning you can still recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Why Metier Law Firm Is Different
At Metier Law Firm, we’ve represented many injured motorcyclists throughout Seattle, King County, and all across Washington. As
personal injury lawyers dedicated to rider safety and justice, we understand how vulnerable bikers are on the roads—and how insurance companies sometimes exploit anti-motorcycle biases. We offer:
Free, No-Obligation Consultations
We’ll evaluate your case and explain your options.
Contingency Fee Basis
You don’t pay unless we win.
Decades of Motorcycle Case Experience
Our founding partner Tom Metier became a lawyer because he was once an injured rider himself and he knew early on that he wanted to help and be of service to people who were hurt in motorcycle crashes. Over the years, Metier Law Firm has built a strong reputation of fighting for the rights of motorcycle injury victims with a client first approach. We know how to stand up to insurance companies, how to effectively prove fault and have been doing it for decades.
Take Action Now to Protect Your Rights
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident—whether on a busy Seattle street or a rural Washington highway—don’t wait to secure legal help. Call our
motorcycle accident attorneys at (866) 377-3800 or visit
www.metierlaw.com to schedule a free consultation. We’ll fight for the full compensation you deserve, so you can focus on your recovery.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney regarding your individual situation.
