Washington motorcyclist hit and injured in crash at red light

For some Washington residents, there is nothing better than riding a motorcycle. People use motorcycles as cheap and fun transportation. However, they do have a dangerous side. When people aren’t careful, motorcycle accidents can easily occur. In the media, motorcyclists are often portrayed as the reason these accidents happen. Motorcycle riders are seen as reckless and dangerous people who have a never ending need to ride quickly and dangerously.

The reality, however, is a lot different than the media leads people to believe. In many cases, motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers who are not taking the time or effort to watch for motorcycles.

Recently in Washington, a motorcyclist was injured after being hit by another car. In this case, the motorcycle was stopped behind a pickup truck at a red light in a left-hand turn lane. According to reports, another pickup truck came speeding up behind the motorcycle and hit the motorcycle. As a result of this collision the motorcyclist was dragged into the pickup it had been behind. That pickup also hit another car.

The driver of the truck that initially hit the motorcycle fled the scene of the accident. Thankfully, the authorities tracked down this driver. He has been charged with vehicular assault and felony hit and run. Police say that they think the man had been driving drunk and that speed was a factor in the accident.

While criminal charges were filed, these charges will do little to help the motorcyclist — who was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. However, a personal injury suit could help injured motorcyclists in this situation.

A personal injury suit can be filed against a negligent driver that causes an accident. Speeding and drunk driving are both signs that a driver has been negligent. These suits can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages and other cost incurred by motorcycle accident victims.

Source: The Bellingham Herald, “Fircrest man jailed in crash,” Steve Maynard, Nov. 24, 2013

Matthew D. Dubin

Matt Dubin has spent more than 20 years honing his skills as one of the top personal injury lawyers in the State of Washington. In his career, Matt has focused on protecting consumers from dangerous household products, medical mistakes, roadway accidents, and many other causes of injury. Matt has recovered nearly $20 million on behalf of his clients.

Education

• University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington – J.D.
• Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – B.A.

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