call today for your free evaluation
call today for your free evaluation
A proven record of verdicts and settlements
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, persons who drive motorcycles are 28 times more likely to die in a collision than car drivers. Riders are at far higher risk of suffering catastrophic or fatal injuries than any other vehicle operator. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver in Vancouver, Clark County, or anywhere in Washington, call Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC to evaluate the facts of your case. Our mission is to secure compensation and justice for the injured and we have an extensive record of success, both in and out of court.
To immediately access the resources at any point on this page, click the corresponding link below.
Why Choose Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?
Washington Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Laws Motorcycle Riders Should Know
Who is Liable for a Motorcycle Crash?
Damages You Can Recover After a Crash
Motorcycle Accident Claim Information
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Why Do You Need an Attorney?
Call Our Lawyer
Our accident lawyers are available to provide legal representation to victims in motorcycle accident cases. We offer a powerful level of knowledge and experience:
In Washington, 15.1 percent of road accident fatalities are motorcyclists, according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Associates. Every year, families are devastated by the sudden loss of a loved one who has been fatally injured while riding. Motorcyclists who survive an accident are often seriously injured, with many facing a lifetime of challenges due to impairments. Motorcycle riders should be aware of the statistics in Washington and throughout the U.S. can help spread awareness of this serious problem.
At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, you are not just another statistic. We care about what happens to you after a serious motorcycle accident. We keep track of the most recent data and information to better support our motorcycle accident clients. Our lawyers understand the most common types and causes of motorcycle crashes in Washington and can help you fight for justice.
While motorcycle accidents can occur due to an error by the rider, in many cases, the cause of the accident lies with another vehicle operator who drove in a reckless or negligent manner, including:
In some cases, a motorcycle part or system such as brakes or tires has failed, affecting the ability of the motorcyclist to control the vehicle. In others, streets, roads or highways may not have been safe, and a city, county, or state entity may be named in a lawsuit.
At Paulson Coletti, “liberty and justice for all” is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. With a high success rate both in and out of the courtroom, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.
A motorcycle rider breaking traffic laws is a main cause of serious motorcycle accidents in Vancouver, WA. Broken laws such as speed limits, passenger rules, and wearing a helmet could worsen personal injuries or lead to a preventable death. It is important to recognize and obey all applicable motorcycle laws in Washington. Following the rules can keep you out of legal trouble and help you prevent an accident.
To operate a two-wheel or three-wheel motorcycle in the state of Washington, you must have the correct motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. This will take special training and testing.
Every motorcyclist and passenger must wear an approved helmet to legally ride in the state. Approved helmets have Department of Transportation (DOT) stickers on the rear exterior. Helmets must fit snugly and not have any defects. Unless your motorcycle has a windshield, you must wear eye protection as well.
Your motorcycle must have certain equipment. You must maintain this equipment accordingly. Your bike should have mirrors on both sides, a windshield (unless you are wearing eye protection), a horn, a muffler, handlebars no higher than 30 inches above your seat, and head and tail lamps.
A motorcycle is a motor vehicle in the eyes of the law, and therefore must obey all the same rules. Motorcyclists must stop at stop signs and traffic lights, yield the right-of-way when applicable, and cannot share a lane with a motor vehicle. It is illegal in Washington to lane split, or to ride between two lanes of traffic.
Breaking a motorcycle law could put you and your passengers at risk. Weaving between lanes of traffic and speeding, for example, could cause you to lose control and crash. Following the rules keeps you predictable and visible to other drivers. This can greatly increase your safety and decrease the odds of a motorist colliding with you. Finally, obeying the law could keep you from absorbing liability in an accident – protecting your legal rights.
In cases of negligent driving conduct by another party, the driver must be held accountable for the injuries and other damages suffered by the motorcyclist. In cases in which a motorcycle part or system failed, the motorcycle manufacturer, parts manufacturer, or retailer may be named in a lawsuit brought to seek compensatory damages. The process of filing a claim or lawsuit should be initiated as early as possible after the accident. Eyewitnesses must be interviewed, the accident scene reviewed, video or other evidence collected, and the vehicles involved fully inspected. At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we have access to experts to perform these critical tasks.
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
The damages pursued in a motorcycle accident injury case will include:
If a motorcycle crash causes fatal injuries, you may be able to file a Vancouver wrongful death claim for a lost loved one.
A motorcycle accident civil claim could help you and your family obtain financial compensation for all your related losses – economic and noneconomic. To have a viable claim, however, you must follow all applicable rules and requirements for filing. In the State of Washington, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, you have three years from the date of death to file. Missing your deadline typically means the courts will refuse to hear your case, so be quick in contacting a WA motorcycle accident attorney.
Once your motorcycle accident lawyer has filed your claim, you may enter into settlement negotiations if the insurance company accepts the case. Your attorney can take over this process for you, negotiating on your behalf for the best possible outcome. If negotiations do not work, your lawyer can take your case to court. A personal injury trial may take longer to resolve, but it could result in greater compensation for you and your loved ones.
To secure compensation through a personal injury trial, you and your attorney will need to fulfill the burden of proof. Your lawyer will need to demonstrate evidence that the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached this duty, and caused your motorcycle accident. Your lawyer will then need to show that the crash caused you real, compensable damages. Hiring a lawyer is one of the best things you can do after a motorcycle accident in Vancouver, WA.
A motorcycle accident can cause serious and painful injuries. In the aftermath of a crash, you may not know what to do first. The steps you take in the first hours and days after your accident could affect your future. It is important to know what to do and where to turn for trustworthy advice in your time of need.
Following these steps can help build your case. If you can obtain contact information from witnesses, photographs of the crash scene, and a police report, you have already begun the foundation of a personal injury claim. By not accepting an initial settlement offer, you can ensure you get fair compensation for your damages with an attorney’s assistance. Call a lawyer as soon as possible after a wreck for personalized counsel.
It is often assumed that a motorcycle accident is the fault of the motorcyclist, but this is far from true. To successfully bring a lawsuit against another party after such an accident, it is imperative that you are represented by an experienced trial lawyer who can take your case to civil court for resolution when necessary. At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we have a reputation for excellence in our legal work in personal injury law in Vancouver.
No Fees Unless We Win
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident or a loved one has experienced a wrongful death, contact us immediately for legal advice. The motorcycle accident attorneys at our law firm have seen firsthand how motorcycle crashes can permanently change lives.
Contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation.
At Paulson Coletti, a local firm based in Oregon, justice is our mission. As experienced trial attorneys, we fight for injury victims across Oregon and Washington, holding negligent parties accountable. With a proven track record in and out of the courtroom, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We take a client-centered approach, focusing on cases we believe in and delivering results that matter. No fees unless we win-because justice should never come with financial risk.
Client Reviews
John and Lisa were extremely helpful with my family as we navigated damages sustained in a tragic car accident. They were very knowledgeable throughout the entire process. Their communication and empathy to our situation was greatly appreciated.
I can’t imagine working our way through the tragedy without them by our side. I would highly recommend Paulson and Coletti!
Working with John was an excellent experience from start to finish. He fought long and hard to secure a fair and just settlement in our case, and his dedication never wavered. John and his staff were consistently considerate, helpful, and communicative throughout the entire process, always taking the time to answer our questions and keep us informed. Given the complicated and sensitive nature of our case, I’m truly grateful we had John in our corner. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, we achieved a better outcome than we could have hoped for.
I had an excellent experience working with Jane and her team on my accident case. From start to finish, their team was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about getting the best possible outcome for me.
I highly recommend Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys to anyone who needs legal representation. They made a stressful situation much easier to navigate, and I’m extremely grateful for everything they did for me.
I recently engaged John Coletti to represent me in a challenging legal matter, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From our initial consultation, it was evident that John possessed an exceptional depth of knowledge, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to his clients. He took the time to thoroughly understand the nuances of our case, explaining complex legal concepts in clear, accessible terms while always keeping me informed and involved throughout the process.
John not only delivered outstanding results but also provided compassionate support during what could have been an overwhelming stressful time.
If you’re seeking an attorney who combines professionalism, integrity, and proven success, look no further than John Coletti.
My family is profoundly grateful for his representation.
View More Reviews on Google Maps.
This page has been written, edited, and fact-checked by our team of legal writers in accordance with our editorial guidelines. It has been approved by partners Jane Paulson and John Coletti—respected trial attorneys with decades of experience representing personal injury victims.
385 First Street, Ste 217 Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Get directions
(503) 226-6361 