Motorcycle accident
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Tacoma, Washington
The firms in this guide
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
Helmet and Eye Protection Rules, Lane Position and City Claims for Tacoma Motorcycle Crashes
A Tacoma motorcycle crash claim can turn on Washington’s equipment rules for riders, including helmets, eye protection and a ban on carrying young children. Washington also sets how motorcycles share a lane with other traffic and what a rider must do before suing a city or county.
Helmets for Rider and Passenger
Under RCW 46.37.530(1)(c), it is unlawful to operate or ride on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or moped on a state highway, county road or city street without a motorcycle helmet, with the strap fastened while moving. Under (3), a motorcycle helmet has a hard outer shell, inside padding and a neck or chin strap, with the manufacturer’s certification under 49 CFR 571.218 that it meets U.S. Department of Transportation standards.
Eye Protection and Children
Under RCW 46.37.530(1)(b), a rider on a motorcycle, moped or motor-driven cycle without a windshield must wear glasses, goggles or a face shield of a type conforming to state patrol rules. Under (1)(d), no one may carry a child under the age of five on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.
Sharing a Lane
Under RCW 46.61.608, a motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a lane, a rider may not pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken except when passing a pedestrian or bicyclist at a safe distance of at least three feet, and motorcycles may not ride more than two abreast in a single lane.
A Claim Against a City or County
Under RCW 4.96.020(2) and (4), a claim against a local governmental entity must be presented to its appointed agent within the period for starting the action, and no suit may begin until 60 calendar days after presentment, with the limitation period tolled during those 60 days.
Tacoma Motorcycle Accident Questions
Is lane splitting legal in Washington?
No. Under RCW 46.61.608(3), no person may operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles; under (5), the bar does not apply to police officers performing official duties.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under RCW 4.22.005, contributory fault reduces compensatory damages in proportion but does not bar recovery. For example, imagine $72,000 in damages and 15 percent of the fault on the rider: the recovery would be $61,200.
Who can bring a wrongful death claim after a fatal crash?
The personal representative, under RCW 4.20.010, for the beneficiaries RCW 4.20.020 lists: the spouse, state registered domestic partner and children, including stepchildren, or, if there are none, the parents or siblings.