1. Brumley Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions caused by distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, failure to yield, lane change accidents, left-turn accidents, blind spot accidents, intersection accidents, wet road accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Case investigation, evidence gathering, liability determination, accident reconstruction expert consultation, witness statement collection, insurance company negotiations, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation, emotional support throughout the process
Background: The firm provides experienced legal assistance to motorcycle accident victims in Tacoma. Attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts and gather comprehensive evidence including police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. The firm handles complex legal and insurance issues specific to motorcycle accidents.
Location: Tacoma, WA
Contact: Contact via website | https://www.brumleylawfirm.com
Consultation: Free case consultation
2. Washington Law Center
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions causing broken bones, severe back and neck damage, burns, disfigurement, head trauma, spinal cord damage, wrongful death cases
Legal Services: Case investigation, evidence gathering, liability determination, damages calculation, insurance claim handling, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation
Background: The firm has recovered over $100 million for clients by verdict, settlement, injury pension, or judgment. Attorneys regularly update clients on legal developments through a personal injury blog. The firm serves clients throughout Washington including Tacoma.
Location: Tacoma, WA (with multiple Washington locations)
Contact: Contact via website | https://www.washingtonlawcenter.com
Consultation: Free case review, contingency fee arrangement (no payment unless case is won)
3. Sears Injury Law
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions caused by driver negligence, distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, failure to yield, lane change accidents, intersection accidents, highway accidents
Legal Services: Legal rights protection, case investigation, evidence gathering, insurance claim handling, insurance company negotiations, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation
Background: The firm has over 100 years of combined experience among its attorneys. Attorneys provide skilled legal representation for motorcycle accident victims and handle cases on contingency. If clients cannot visit the office due to injuries, attorneys will travel to the client’s location.
Location: Tacoma, WA
Contact: (253) 544-5553 | https://searsinjurylaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation
4. Wiener & Lambka
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, accidents caused by driver negligence, accidents involving severe injuries, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Evidence gathering, insurance company negotiations, medical record interpretation, liability determination, damages calculation, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation
Background: The firm has over 70 years of combined legal experience and has collected over $65 million for clients. Attorneys provide assertive, trustworthy, and experienced legal services. The firm emphasizes professionalism and dedication to client outcomes.
Location: Tacoma, WA
Contact: Contact via website | https://wienerandlambka.com
Consultation: Consultation available
5. Fuller & Fuller Attorneys at Law
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions caused by distracted driving, driver impairment, failure to adjust for visibility conditions, left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, failure to yield accidents, highway accidents
Legal Services: Immediate guidance on insurance coverage and rights, evidence gathering, liability determination, settlement negotiations, settlement offer review, litigation, trial representation
Background: Fuller & Fuller is a family law practice now in its second generation of attorneys. The firm has been serving Tacoma, Olympia, and nearby Washington communities for 48 years. Attorneys respond as soon as possible to client questions and concerns and maintain contact throughout the case process.
Location: Tacoma, WA (also serving Olympia and surrounding areas)
Contact: (800) 570-4878 | https://www.fullerlaw.com
Consultation: Available to discuss case details
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Washington
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Three years from the date of the motorcycle accident
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Three years from the date of death
Fault System: Washington is a fault-based state where the at-fault party is responsible for paying damages
Negligence Rules: Washington follows pure comparative negligence. Injured motorcyclists can recover damages even if partially at fault. Recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury to two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage
Helmet Law: Universal helmet law requiring all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets (RCW 46.37.530). Helmets must have a hard outer shell, padding, and a secured neck or chin strap.
Eye Protection Requirements: Mandatory eye protection (glasses, goggles, or face shield) unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Illegal in Washington. Motorcyclists cannot ride between lanes of traffic.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license required. Requires completion of knowledge and skills tests. Riders under 18 must complete a Basic Rider Course.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: Left and right side mirrors with 200-foot rear view range, functional headlights (must be on at all times), taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
Passenger Requirements: Passengers must be at least 5 years old. Motorcycles must have a dedicated passenger seat and footrests.
Noise Regulations: Washington has specific noise level limits for motorcycles
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Washington?
A: In Washington, you have three years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This three-year deadline is strictly enforced, and if you fail to file within this timeframe, you will lose your right to pursue compensation. It is advisable to consult with an attorney soon after an accident to ensure deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
Q: How does Washington’s comparative negligence rule affect my motorcycle accident claim?
A: Washington follows pure comparative negligence, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 25% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would receive $75,000. This is more favorable than the contributory negligence rules in some states that completely bar recovery if you are even 1% at fault.
Q: Are motorcycle helmets required in Washington State?
A: Yes. Washington has a universal helmet law requiring all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets at all times while riding on public roads. Helmets must have a hard outer shell, padding, and a secured chin strap. Failure to wear an approved helmet can result in traffic citations and may affect your ability to recover full compensation if you sustain head injuries in an accident.
Q: Is lane splitting legal for motorcyclists in Washington?
A: No. Lane splitting (riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic) is illegal in Washington State. Motorcyclists are entitled to full use of a lane, and other vehicles must respect their space. Two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in a single lane, but no more than two abreast. If you are involved in an accident while lane splitting, it could significantly affect fault determination and your ability to recover compensation.
Q: What should I do if the at-fault driver’s insurance company contacts me after a motorcycle accident?
A: It is generally advisable not to provide recorded statements or accept settlement offers from the at-fault driver’s insurance company without first consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize claims, get you to admit fault, or offer quick settlements that are far less than your case is worth. An attorney can handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf and protect your rights throughout the claims process.