1. Crary, Clark, Domanico & Chuang, P.S.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, moped accidents, motorbike accidents, personal injury, wrongful death claims arising from motorcycle collisions, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Rear-end motorcycle collisions, front-end collisions, T-bone accidents, accidents along Interstate 90 and Highways 395, 95, and 2, wrongful death motorcycle cases, accidents involving spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, head trauma, orthopedic injuries
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence gathering, medical specialist consultation, accident reconstructionist collaboration, expert witness testimony, insurance claim negotiations, settlement negotiations, trial representation, wrongful death claim representation
Background: Robert Crary and James Domanico have over 60 years of combined legal experience handling motorcycle accident cases. The firm has been serving the Spokane area since 1948 and since 1981 for the current partners. Both attorneys are experienced motorcycle riders themselves. Cases handled on contingency fee basis.
Location: Spokane and Spokane Valley, WA
Contact: Contact via website | https://ccdlaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, no fee unless recovery is obtained
2. Sweetser Law Office
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death claims
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions caused by driver negligence, left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions, accidents involving failure to yield, distracted driving motorcycle accidents, drunk driving motorcycle collisions, uninsured motorist claims
Legal Services: Accident scene investigation, Google Earth analysis, traffic collision report review, witness location and interviews, evidence preservation, liability determination, damages calculation, insurance company negotiations, litigation, trial representation
Background: The firm has over 35 years of legal experience. Attorneys at Sweetser Law Office handle motorcycle accident cases throughout the Spokane area. The firm emphasizes thorough preparation, honest communication, and ethical representation.
Location: Spokane, WA
Contact: (509) 444-4444 | https://www.sweetserlawoffice.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement
3. Albrecht Law PLLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injuries resulting from motorcycle collisions
Case Types Handled: Left-turn motorcycle accidents, rear-end collisions, lane change accidents, intersection accidents, accidents caused by failure to yield, drunk driving motorcycle collisions, distracted driving accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, fatal motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Fault determination, evidence gathering, negligence investigation, medical provider coordination, insurance claim handling, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claim representation, litigation, trial representation
Background: The firm serves injured motorcyclists throughout Washington state. Attorneys have relationships with local doctors and medical specialists familiar with motorcycle injuries. The firm works on contingency fee basis.
Location: 5105 E 3rd Ave, Suite 101, Spokane Valley, WA 99212
Contact: (509) 495-1246 | https://albrechtlawfirm.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, no fee unless case is successful
4. Parke Gordon Law
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, bicycle accidents, semi-truck accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car accidents, motorcycle versus truck accidents, intersection accidents, highway accidents, accidents caused by negligent drivers, accidents involving traumatic injuries
Legal Services: Case investigation, evidence collection, witness interviews, police record acquisition, documentation gathering, insurance company negotiations, settlement negotiations, litigation when necessary
Background: The firm has a Spokane office location and has obtained significant results including a $3,000,000 motorcycle accident settlement. Attorneys represent clients injured in various accidents and have experience holding insurance companies accountable.
Location: Spokane, WA
Contact: Contact via website | https://www.parkegordon.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee arrangement
5. Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner PLLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions on I-90, Division Street, and North Spokane Corridor, accidents caused by negligent drivers, intersection accidents, highway accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Case management from start to finish, insurance company communications, attorney communications, collections agency management, evidence gathering, liability investigation, settlement negotiations, trial representation
Background: Attorneys come from diverse backgrounds including former judges, blue-collar workers, advocates, and leaders in the Washington State Association for Justice. The firm has experience handling serious injury cases throughout Washington. Paula, Dave, Matt, and Dean (Retired) are available for consultations.
Location: Spokane, WA
Contact: Contact via website | https://washingtoninjury.com
Consultation: Free case review, contingency fee arrangement
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Washington
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Three years from the date of the motorcycle accident (RCW 4.16.080)
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 damages
Negligence Rules: Washington follows pure comparative negligence. Injured motorcyclists can recover damages even if they are partially at fault, but their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if found 30% at fault, the recovery is reduced by 30%.
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. Alternatively, a combined single limit of $75,000 is acceptable.
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. Exception only for vehicles equipped with steering wheel, seat belts, and enclosed seating area.
Eye Protection Requirements: Mandatory eye protection (glasses, goggles, or face shield) unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield (RCW 46.37.530)
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Illegal in Washington (RCW 46.61.608). Motorcyclists cannot ride between lanes of traffic.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Riders must have a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. Requires completion of knowledge test and skills test. Riders under 18 must complete a Basic Rider Course. Minimum age is 16 years old (or 16 with parental consent).
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. Children under age 5 are strictly prohibited from riding as passengers.
Noise Regulations: Washington has specific noise level limits for motorcycles. Modifications that increase noise beyond legal limits are prohibited.
Handlebar Height: Maximum handlebar height restrictions apply
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 deadline is critical because if you fail to file within this time period, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. Evidence can disappear and witness memories fade over time, so it is advisable to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
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 damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. Unlike Alabama’s contributory negligence rule, you are not completely barred from recovery even if you bear some responsibility for the crash.
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. The helmet must have a hard shell, impact liner, and a secure chin strap. Failure to wear an approved helmet can result in fines and may affect your ability to recover full compensation if you sustain head injuries in an accident.
Q: Is lane splitting legal for motorcycles in Washington?
A: No. Lane splitting (riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic) is illegal in Washington State under RCW 46.61.608. Motorcyclists are entitled to full use of a lane, and other vehicles must respect their space. However, two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in a single lane. Engaging in lane splitting can affect fault determination if an accident occurs.
Q: What should I do if the at-fault driver in my motorcycle accident does not have insurance?
A: If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you carry it on your policy. Washington law requires drivers to be offered UM coverage, but it is not mandatory. If you have UM coverage, your own insurance company will compensate you for damages up to your policy limits. If you do not have UM coverage, you may need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver to recover damages, though collecting from an uninsured individual can be challenging.