Filing a Lawsuit for a Spinal Cord Injury from Motorcycle Accident

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Because of the nature of a motorcycle and its design, motorcycle riders are typically at risk for more severe injury types than are passengers in motor vehicles.

With no car frame to support the motorcyclist from a direct impact, a rider involved in a motorcycle accident may sustain extreme injuries.

Of these, the spinal cord injury from motorcycle accident is often the most devastating, as it can lead to complete loss of function of limbs, and is not correctable.

Damages Caused by a Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries are classified as either complete or incomplete injury types. In the former, the ability of the spinal cord to relay messages to the brain is entirely lost, resulting in permanent paralysis from the location of the injury downward. In an incomplete spinal cord injury, some function of the area below the injury point is still retained, although the function is still significantly impaired.

A person who suffered a spinal cord injury will often lose the ability to perform work, particularly if the industry in which previously employed requires physical labor. What’s more, he or she often incurs high medical costs and requires long-term aid.

Loss of the ability to perform activities prior to the injury and loss of enjoyment of life are also considered damages. Physical, financial, and emotional losses are all recoverable in a lawsuit.

Proving Fault in a Lawsuit

To recover damages from a lawsuit, an injured motorcyclist will have to prove the negligence of the at-fault party against whom the claim is being filed.

Negligence is the act of doing something outside of what’s reasonably safe behavior, and can be proven by demonstrating that the defendant was acting illegally.

  • Speeding
  • Driving while under the influence
  • Performing illegal maneuvers (lane changes, turns)
  • Using a cell phone

Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit

When filing a lawsuit against a person who caused a motorcycle accident leading to a spinal cord injury, taking note of the state’s statute of limitations is important. In Washington, all personal injury lawsuits for damages must be filed within three years’ time after the accident occurs.

Take Action Today

To take action to file your claim and start the path of recovering compensation today, reach out to a motorcycle accident personal injury attorney. Give Max Meyers Law PLLC a call to set up your free case consultation: 425-399-7000.

Max Meyers
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Max is a Kirkland personal injury attorney handling cases in Seattle, King County & surrounding in WA State.