Do I Need a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident?

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accidents often result in some of the most serious injuries on Washington’s roads. Riders face higher risks of catastrophic harm, longer recovery times, and costly medical bills. In the aftermath of a crash, many injured motorcyclists wonder whether they really need a lawyer, or if they can simply handle the insurance claim themselves.

The truth is that while you are not legally required to hire an attorney, doing so can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Insurance companies rarely play fair, and without legal representation, you risk settling for far less than you deserve.

This article explains why hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is important, the risks of going it alone, and how experienced attorneys at Washington Law Center can protect your rights.

 

Understanding the Complexity of Motorcycle Accident Claims

Motorcycle accident cases often involve unique challenges compared to car accidents.

• Liability Disputes: Drivers and insurers often argue that the motorcyclist was speeding, weaving, or “came out of nowhere.”
• Severity of Injuries: Motorcyclists suffer disproportionately high rates of severe and fatal injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), riders are about 28 times more likely than car occupants to die in a crash. 
• Insurance Tactics: Adjusters may downplay medical bills, suggest you were partially at fault, challenge lost wage claims, or pressure you into a quick settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known.

Motorcycle accident claims are rarely straightforward. An attorney ensures that your case is handled with the care it deserves. 

 

The Benefits of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Attorney 

An experienced personal injury lawyer can shift you from a position of vulnerability to one of strength. Here’s how: 

• Investigating the Crash
  Attorneys work with accident reconstruction specialists, review police reports, and interview witnesses to establish fault.
• Building the Medical Evidence
  A lawyer presents your medical records in a way that supports your claim, including future treatment needs.
• Calculating Full Damages
  Compensation may include not only medical bills but also lost income, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.
• Negotiating With Insurance Companies
  Lawyers know the tactics adjusters use and can effectively counter them. 
• Litigating if Necessary
  If insurers refuse a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit and present your case in court.

Without a lawyer, you face a system designed to reduce what you are paid. With a lawyer, you have an advocate committed to maximizing your recovery. 

 

Key Times to Seek Legal Representation 

While every injured rider can benefit from legal guidance, hiring an attorney is particularly critical when:

• You sustained serious injuries (fractures, sprains, head trauma, spinal cord injuries).
• The crash resulted in long-term injuries or wrongful death. 
• You were hit by a commercial vehicle or government-owned vehicle. 
• Fault is disputed or multiple vehicles are involved.
• The at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. 
• You are unsure who is paying, or who is going to pay, for your medical treatment. 

 

What Happens If I Don’t Hire a Lawyer?

Without representation, you may:

• Miss deadlines.
  • Washington generally allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit [RCW 4.16.080]
• Settle for a fraction of what your claim is worth.
• Overlook compensation for long-term needs, such as rehabilitation, therapy, or lost earning capacity.

Saving money by not hiring a lawyer can cost you far more in the long run. 

 

Washington Law Center is Here to Help 

You are not required to hire a lawyer after a motorcycle crash, but for most injured riders doing so is the difference between struggling with bills and obtaining the justice and financial support needed to move forward. 

At Washington Law Center, we represent motorcycle accident victims across Tacoma, Lakewood, Tukwila, and throughout Washington State. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges riders face and have a proven track record of holding negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable.

We offer free case reviews, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Call Washington Law Center today to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Protect your rights, safeguard your recovery, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.