What is the motorcycle accident claims process in Washington?

Free Case Evaluation

What is the motorcycle accident claims process in Washington?

If you were in a motorcycle accident in Washington, your first step in the claims process is to contact your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible. Be careful of what you say during this conversation. Your insurance company may record your phone call and use any admission of fault against you during the claims process.

Provide as much factual information as possible, including the accident report number and the name, badge number, and branch of law enforcement of any responding officers. Also provide the names, contact information, and insurance information for the other drivers.

If your insurance company asks about the extent of your injuries or the amount of damage to your motorcycle, do not speculate. Tell them you will share this information when you know the full extent of each.

The motorcycle accident attorneys at Max Meyers Law can help you obtain documentation of your medical and repair costs to present to your insurance company. We can also protect your interests during the claims process to be sure you receive a fair settlement.

What is the motorcycle accident claims process in Washington.

How is liability determined after a motorcycle crash?

If the other driver was completely at fault for your crash, your insurance company will negotiate with the other driver's insurance company to pay for your damages.

The insurance company may only offer to cover out-of-pocket expenses like medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. Our lawyers can help you negotiate a settlement that covers these expenses and includes compensation for your pain and suffering.

If the other driver was at fault but uninsured, you can still get compensation for your damages through your own uninsured motorist coverage. If your uninsured motorist coverage has low policy limits, we can take action against the uninsured driver for additional compensation.

What if I was at fault for my accident?

If you were completely at fault in the accident, your insurance will cover your damages and will pay compensation to the other driver. If your insurance limits are too low to pay all the damages of the other driver, he can sue you for the difference.

If you and the other driver were both partly at fault in the accident, you can make claims against each other. Washington is a pure comparative fault state, so the amount of your negligence will reduce the amount of money you recover.

If it is unclear who was at fault, both sides will investigate the accident. Our lawyers will investigate the accident and collect the evidence like the accident report, eyewitness reports, expert testimony, or security camera footage to prove what happened.

How do I calculate my damages?

We will need to calculate the value of any property damage, injuries, and other recoverable damages you sustained. We can obtain documentation to prove expenses like:

  • Medical bills detailing the treatment of your injuries;
  • Estimations of future medical care costs like prescription drugs, rehabilitation, ongoing care, or costs associated with a disability;
  • The cost to repair or replace your motorcycle; and
  • Lost wages and lost earning potential.

Disfigurement, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship are difficult concepts to negotiate with an insurance company. We will fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve for these damages.

What is the negotiation process like?

We will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. We will present our calculation of your damages and work with them to establish a fair settlement.

During the negotiation process, you have the final say in accepting a settlement. We can advise you on when to accept an offer from your insurance company.

How can I receive my settlement?

Once we reach an agreement with the insurance company, they will present the terms of the agreement and a waiver for review.

The waiver is a document in which you agree never to file another claim for this accident. This is why it is essential that you do not settle until you know how your crash will affect your health and your ability to work.

After you sign these documents, we will file them with your insurance company so you can receive your settlement and begin your recovery.

How can I get help with the motorcycle accident claims process?

At Max Meyers Law, we will fight hard to protect your rights after a motorcycle crash. We will meet with you and evaluate your claim. Call us today at 425-399-7000 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

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