Frequently Asked Questions

Not wearing protective gear does not automatically determine who caused a motorcycle accident. Helmet use and other protective equipment may be considered when evaluating certain injuries or questions of fault, but they do not by themselves excuse another person’s negligence.

Another driver’s claim that you were speeding does not automatically make you responsible for the accident. If both parties contributed to a crash, Washington’s comparative fault rules may assign each person a percentage of responsibility, which can affect the amount of compensation available. 

Road hazards can create serious risks for motorcyclists. Potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, steel plates, or other dangerous conditions can cause a rider to lose traction or control. You may have a claim depending on who was responsible for maintaining the road or property and whether the condition contributed to the crash.

A motorcycle doesn’t have to make contact with another vehicle for that driver to potentially be responsible for your crash. If another driver’s actions suddenly created a dangerous situation and you had to brake, swerve, or take evasive action, those actions may have contributed to your accident. 

If your motorcycle was damaged or totaled in an accident caused by someone else, the cost of getting around while your bike is being repaired or replaced may be part of your claim. Depending on the circumstances, this can include reasonable transportation expenses such as a rental vehicle, rideshare services, or other transportation you need to maintain your normal routine. Some insurance policies may also provide coverage for a replacement vehicle or transportation expenses, so check your policy to see what you’re covered for.

Pedestrian accidents aren’t limited to collisions with cars and trucks. A bicycle, e-bike, or electric scooter can also injure someone walking. You may still have a claim depending on how the accident happened and who was responsible. 

You may still have legal options after a pedestrian hit-and-run. If possible, try to remember or document anything you can about the vehicle, including its make, model, color, license plate, or the direction it was traveling. Witnesses, nearby security cameras, dashcam footage, and other evidence may also help identify the vehicle or establish what happened.

Being distracted or wearing headphones does not automatically mean you are responsible for the accident. If both the pedestrian and another person contributed to the crash, Washington’s comparative fault rules may assign each party a percentage of responsibility. Your compensation can then be affected by your share of fault.

Yes, you may still have a pedestrian accident claim even if the accident happened somewhere other than a public street. Pedestrians can be injured in driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, bike lanes, shared-use paths, or other private or public areas.

These factors can affect how a scooter accident claim is evaluated, but they don’t automatically mean you can’t recover compensation. Not wearing a helmet, carrying a passenger, or riding under the influence may be considered when determining fault or the extent of your injuries. However, each accident is different, and these factors don’t automatically excuse another person’s negligence or determine who was responsible for the crash.

A vehicle does not necessarily have to hit your scooter for the driver to be responsible for your injuries. A driver who cuts you off, turns into your path, passes too closely, or otherwise forces you to lose control may have contributed to the accident.

A malfunctioning rental scooter may raise questions about maintenance, defective components, or other issues that contributed to the accident. Problems with brakes, tires, throttles, batteries, or other equipment may be relevant when determining what caused the crash. Depending on the circumstances, the rental company, manufacturer, or another party could potentially share responsibility.