Because motorcycles are smaller and lack the protective metal frame of a passenger vehicle, motorcyclists are far more vulnerable to fatal injuries in a collision. Drivers often miss motorcyclists in a blind spot or mirror, and many do not understand that motorcycles maneuver differently than larger vehicles. While riders are often unfairly blamed for accidents, more than 50 percent of motorcycle vs. car collisions are caused by a negligent driver in wrongful death motorcycle accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle riders are consistently overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2024, 6,228 motorcyclists were killed in collisions, which represented 15 percent of all traffic fatalities that year.
If your loved one was killed in a fatal motorcycle accident due to a negligent driver, you do not have to navigate the pain and financial strain alone. Reach out to schedule a free consultation with an experienced, local motorcycle accident attorney who can thoroughly evaluate your case and discuss your legal rights.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Motorcycle Accidents
Drivers often fail to see motorcycles or make unsafe choices that give riders little time to react and avoid a crash. Some of the most common causes of fatal motorcycle accidents caused by other drivers include:
- Failure to yield the right-of-way at intersections
- Unsafe left-hand turns in front of motorcycles
- Distracted driving, including texting or phone use
- Changing lanes without checking blind spots
- Following motorcycles too closely
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Opening car doors into a motorcyclist’s path
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Aggressive driving or road rage behaviors toward motorcyclists
A wrongful death motorcycle accident lawyer can assess the cause of your loved one’s accident, place a value on the claim, and fight for the maximum settlement.
May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
With May generally comes warmer weather and that means more riders on the road. This is a crucial time for drivers to be more alert and prepared to take additional driving precautions to help keep everyone safe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has named May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month to help educate the public about how drivers and riders can share the roads safely.
How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help in a Fatal Motorcycle Accident
When a motorcycle rider is killed by a negligent driver, certain surviving family members may have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. A motorcycle accident attorney can gather evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary, and negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek the maximum compensation available.
A motorcycle accident claim involving wrongful death may cover:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Lost future income and financial support
- Pain and suffering experienced before death
- Property damage to the motorcycle
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
- Funeral and burial costs
Unfortunately, it is common for insurance companies to attempt to shift blame onto motorcyclists, by arguing that they were “reckless” or “speeding.” Working with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is critical to overcoming these manipulative tactics.
An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help!
If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident because of a negligent driver, it is vital to report the accident to the police and to seek prompt medical treatment. Document and preserve the evidence from the accident scene if you can and keep receipts and transcripts from all resulting medical care. You should also notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible but do not provide any information to the at-fault insurance adjuster or accept a settlement without first speaking with a motorcycle accident attorney.
It is not uncommon to receive a motorcycle accident settlement that is five to ten times larger with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Call the caring, tireless, and experienced wrongful death attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
