Motorcycle Accidents in Port Angeles, WA

Between the wilds of the Olympic National Park, the beauty of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the shopping and dining that’s found in downtown, the Port Angeles area offers up the best of both worlds for motorcyclists. It doesn’t get much better than enjoying a scenic ride through the Peninsula that ends with dinner and drinks in Port Angeles.

Still, safety is always in the back of the mind of anyone who rides a motorcycle, and for good reason: it’s estimated that motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to suffer a deadly road accident than other drivers. Before you head out on your next road adventure, it’s a good idea to understand the causes and types of motorcycle accidents, as well as what you should do if you are in an accident.

Motorcycle accidents are, by nature, often much more serious than car accidents. As such, if you are in a motorcycle accident it’s crucial for you to seek out an experienced injury attorney who can help you obtain the support you need to recover. McMenamin & McMenamin, PS in Port Angeles is a firm that is dedicated to helping motorcycle accident victims and their families, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you are injured. Remember: you deserve the care, compassion, and support you need to recover, especially if you suffer from an injury sustained due to someone else’s carelessness.

What are the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcyclists face unique risks when they venture out onto the road, and these risks can contribute to the high rate of motorcycle accidents. Some of these risks include:

Motorcycles have less stability compared to cars. With only two wheels, motorcycles are much more likely to flip, roll, or skid than vehicles with four or more wheels. At high speeds, some motorcyclists might also experience a front wheel wobble. When a motorcyclist is forced to brake or turn quickly, the bike is in danger of losing balance.

A motorcycle’s size makes it less visible. It’s not hard to see an eighteen-wheeler in your rearview mirror; it’s much more difficult to see a two-wheeled motorcycle, especially in weather conditions like rain or fog that already reduce visibility. Because of their small size, it’s also easy for motorcycles to fall into the blindspot of another driver.

Motorcyclists have less protection than others on the road. Most road travelers are surrounded by metal and plastic in the form of their car or truck. Motorcyclists have no such thing; there’s nothing to shield them from contact with the road or another vehicle in the case of an accident. This is why it’s so important for motorcyclists to wear protective clothing and helmets.

Oftentimes, motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent car drivers. Whether it’s because they failed to check their mirrors, use their turn signals, or obey traffic signs, drivers of larger vehicles can be the biggest cause of motorcycle accidents. And unfortunately, motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities.

What are Some of the Most Common Types of Accidents?

Because of the higher risk for accidents associated with riding a motorcycle, bikers are also at a high risk for certain types of injuries. An accident that would be little more than a fender bender for a car can cause serious injury when a motorcycle is involved.

Some of the most common accidents that can cause injury for motorcyclists include:

Cars turning in the path of a motorcycle. Drivers who fail to use their turn signal, or who don’t check their mirrors properly, may turn into the path of a motorcycle. In this case, the driver of the car was negligent by not noticing the motorcycle.

Adverse road conditions. Loose gravel, oil, rain, and ice on road surface can cause a motorcycle to skid.

Cars that change lanes into a motorcycle’s space. Because motorcycles are small enough to fit in other vehicles’ blind spots, it’s easy for motorists to not check their mirrors well enough to see the motorcycle and thus move into a lane occupied by a motorcycle.

Getting hit from behind. Fender benders at stoplights and stop signs are common enough–but when it’s a stopped motorcycle being hit rather than a stopped car, the stakes are much higher. Distracted driving is one of the most common reasons a car may fail to stop and hit a motorcycle from behind.

It is the responsibility of all drivers and riders to be alert and aware of what’s happening around them on the road. Unfortunately, one negligent driver can spell disaster for a motorcyclist. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Port Angeles, contact the attorneys at McMenamin & McMenamin, PS today. We’ll help you navigate the legalities of your accident and ensure that you receive the support you need.

What Do I Do After If I’m in a Motorcycle Accident in Port Angeles?

Motorcycle accidents are all too common, even in Port Angeles, Washington. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, a motorcyclist was in a crash every 4 hours in 2013. Because other drivers are often not looking out for motorcyclists, motorcyclists must be constantly on alert for potential hazards. Still, there’s only so much that can be done in terms of accident prevention.

Once an accident happens, it’s important that you seek medical attention and contact an attorney. Even if you don’t think you were seriously hurt, you should be checked over by a physician to make sure you have no unseen injuries. Your lawyer can then help you navigate the legal process by dealing with insurance companies and helping you file a claim.

Motorcycle accidents often cause serious damage. You may find yourself with burdened with medical bills, bike repair costs, and more. You deserve to receive the support you need to work through this difficult time and get back to living your life. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, make sure you contact McMenamin & McMenamin, PS at our Port Angeles office right away. We’ll help you understand the legalities of your situation and take your next steps towards getting well.