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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

You may still have a claim depending on the circumstances of the accident and who was responsible for maintaining the road or property. Potholes, damaged pavement, utility covers, loose gravel, wet leaves, and other hazards can cause a scooter rider to lose control. Identifying whether the city, a business or homeowner was responsible for the condition is an important part of investigating your claim.

How large of a settlement should I expect?

The total amount you receive for you pedestrian accident depends on the severity of your injuries and recovery time. Pedestrian accidents are both rare and rather serious. Pedestrians are far more vulnerable since they don’t have the benefit of seat belts and air bags to protect them like car accident victims do. Due to these factors, pedestrian accident victims can expect settlements anywhere in the range of 4 to 7 figures. Settlements are based on medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How long will my pedestrian accident case take to resolve?

The short answer is anywhere between 4 months to several years. If your case is clear cut and there are no questions about liability, the at-fault party’s insurance may just settle out of court since they know they lose if a judge or jury gets involved. If your case does go to trial proceedings could be dragged out for years thanks to various legal maneuverings. This is why hiring an attorney is essential for making sure you receive fair compensation for your losses and injuries. Contact The Advocates Law today for a free case evaluation.

How will I pay my medical expenses if the driver who hit me is uninsured?

Unfortunately, you may be out of luck if you’re a pedestrian who was hit by an uninsured motorist. You do have the option of filing a civil lawsuit against the uninsured driver. But oftentimes the reason drivers do not have insurance is because they can not afford it, so they might not have assets to sue over. One option you have to prevent such a nightmare scenario is to get Uninsured Motorist insurance added to your own automobile insurance. This will help you pay your medical bills and cover your lost wages if you are one day struck by an uninsured motorist.

Why should I hire an Advocate to represent me instead of an ordinary pedestrian accident lawyer?

An attorney with the Advocates is not your average pedestrian accident lawyer. What separates the Advocates from other personal injury law firms is our dedication and determination to help our clients make the best recovery possible after they’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident. We take pride in being a voice for our clients in a legal system that too often favors insurance providers over regular people. Our attorneys are experts in Washington State pedestrian accident law and know how to get you maximum compensation for your injuries and losses at the hands of another. Unlike other pedestrian accident attorneys, the Advocates will fight for your case until all other legal options have run out. Where other law firms call it a day if they are unable to negotiate a fair settlement for your claim, the Advocates refuse to give up. We will take your case all the way to a jury to get you the compensation you deserve. Why settle for second best? Call our office today at (206) 452-4200 or chat online right now with a live attorney from our homepage. Your pedestrian accident case deserves an Advocate!

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.

The short answer is anywhere between 4 months to several years. If your case is clear cut and there are no questions about liability, the at-fault party’s insurance may just settle out of court since they know they lose if a judge or jury gets involved. If your case does go to trial proceedings could be dragged out for years thanks to various legal maneuverings. This is why hiring an attorney is essential for making sure you receive fair compensation for your losses and injuries. Contact The Advocates Law today for a free case evaluation.