Washington Motorcycle Law
IN Washington, The Number to CALL if You FALL is 1-877-Biker-LAW
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WASHINGTON*
Washington motorcyclists are protected under Washington motorcycle law that makes negligent drivers responsible and liable to Washington motorcyclists. A biker who is involved in a Washington motorcycle accident may obtain compensation for his or her injuries that were caused by the other driver’s negligence. Damages may include payment for pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, economic loss, no fault benefits, and more. What follows are some of the relevant law involving motorcycles in the State of Washington
If you sustained an injury due to a Washington motorcycle accident and you haven’t contacted a lawyer about your Washington motorcycle accident, the best thing you can do for yourself is contact us NOW. We’ll listen to you and help you understand your options. If you have a case, we’ll help you find the best motorcycle accident injury attorney or law firm in your area. As an attorney who litigates these cases, I belong to many trial lawyer and motorcycle lawyer groups and have gone out of my way to find the best motorcycle attorneys in each state. Even the phone call is free, and there is no obligation. Don’t wait until it’s too late, make a simple call and talk to attorney Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer. 1-877-Biker-Law (1-877-245-3752).
Ø Washington is an at-fault state. This means that the law of negligence governs Washington motorcycle and Washington motor vehicle accidents. The person who is found to be “at fault” for the Washington motorcycle accident can be held accountable for your injuries and damages in your Washington motorcycle accident.
RCWA 46.04.330
46.04.330. Motorcycle
”Motorcycle” means a motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, on which the driver rides astride the motor unit or power train and is designed to be steered with a handle bar, but excluding a farm tractor, a power wheelchair, an electric personal assistive mobility device, and a moped.
The Washington state patrol may approve of and define as a “motorcycle” a motor vehicle that fails to meet these specific criteria, but that is essentially similar in performance and application to motor vehicles that do meet these specific criteria.
Ø Washington Motorcycle Helmet Law: When riding on or operating a Washington motorcycle, you are required by law to wear a helmet.
RCWA 46.37.530
46.37.530. Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, mopeds, electric-assisted bicycles—Helmets, other equipment--Children--Rules
(1) It is unlawful:
(c) For any person to operate or ride upon a motorcycle, motor- driven cycle, or moped on a state highway, county road, or city street unless wearing upon his or her head a motorcycle helmet, except when the vehicle is an antique motor-driven cycle or automobile that is licensed as a motorcycle or when the vehicle is equipped with seat belts and roll bars approved by the state patrol. The motorcycle neck or chin strap must be fastened securely while the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle is in motion. Persons operating electric-assisted bicycles shall comply with all laws and regulations related to the use of bicycle helmets;
(e) For any person to sell or offer for sale a motorcycle helmet that does not meet the requirements established by this section.
(3) For purposes of this section, “motorcycle helmet” means a protective covering for the head consisting of a hard outer shell, padding adjacent to and inside the outer shell, and a neck or chin strap type retention system, with a sticker indicating that the motorcycle helmet meets standards established by the United States Department of Transportation.
Ø Washington Motorcycle Eye Protection Law: When riding on or operating a Washington motorcycle you are required by law to wear eye protection unless the Washington motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.
RCWA 46.37.530
46.37.530. Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, mopeds, electric-assisted bicycles—Helmets, other equipment--Children--Rules
(1) It is unlawful:
(b) For any person to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle which does not have a windshield unless wearing glasses, goggles, or a face shield of a type conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol;
(2) The state patrol may adopt and amend rules, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, concerning standards for glasses, goggles, and face shields.
Ø Washington Minimum Insurance for Motorcycles: If a motorcycle falls under the definition of a Washington motorcycle under RCWA 46.04.330, then motorcycle insurance is not required by law. However, it is never a good idea to have no insurance on your Washington motorcycle.
RCWA 46.30.020
46.30.020. Liability insurance or other financial responsibility required-- Violations--Exceptions
(1)(a) No person may operate a motor vehicle subject to registration under chapter 46.16 RCW in this state unless the person is insured under a motor vehicle liability policy with liability limits of at least the amounts provided in RCW 46.29.090, is self-insured as provided in RCW 46.29.630, is covered by a certificate of deposit in conformance with RCW 46.29.550, or is covered by a liability bond of at least the amounts provided in RCW 46.29.090. Written proof of financial responsibility for motor vehicle operation must be provided on the request of a law enforcement officer in the format specified under RCW 46.30.030.
(3) The provisions of this chapter shall not govern:
(b) The operation of a motorcycle as defined in RCW 46.04.330, a motor-driven cycle as defined in RCW 46.04.332, or a moped as defined in RCW 46.04.304.
Ø Washington Statute of Limitations: If you wish to commence suit due to injuries or damage suffered as a result of your Washington motorcycle accident, you must do so within 3 years from the date of your Washington motorcycle accident.
RCW 4.16.080
Actions limited to three years.
The following actions shall be commenced within three years:
(2) An action for taking, detaining, or injuring personal property, including an action for the specific recovery thereof, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another not hereinafter enumerated;
*There are many exceptions, special definitions and complex issues that cannot be explained in this material. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice. Your legal rights greatly depend on the facts of your accident.
*Law changes constantly. Do not rely on this information. Law is vast and can not be covered in this limited space.
***Law portion of site in progress. Washington motorcycle law regarding Washington motorcycle accidents is being drafted and will be updated soon. Please call our firm for a free consultation to see if you have a case.
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Accident Injury Case
Who Should Seek A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Anyone who has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Washington (WA) should seek the advice of a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer.
Why Should You Contact The Motorcycle Lawyer?
The Motorcycle Lawyer helps motorcycle accident victims find a highly qualified lawyer in their state. Motorcyle accident victims need an edge wherever it exists, and the first place to gain that edge is by finding a lawyer who knows the unique laws in their state.
The Motorcycle Lawyer offers victims of motorcycle accidents this service at no charge to the accident victim seeking justice.
When Should A Motorcycle Accident Victim Seek Help?
It's very important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The Motorcycle Lawyer has reviewed many motorcycle accident cases and through our experience we have found that the sooner we can hear the details of your accident, the more likely you are to win your case. It's too easy to forget important details of the circumstances of your motorcycle accident to risk waiting. Witnesses, victims, medical care providers, and police may not have a clear memory of your motorcycle accident and circumstances weeks or months after.
Contact The Motorcycle Lawyer Without Obligation!
Providing The Motorcycle Lawyer with details of your motorcycle accident is free and does not obligate you to retain a lawyer. Please call us at no cost and speak with Jason A. Waechter, the founding lawyer of The Motorcycle Lawyer at:
1-877-Biker-Law (1-877-245-3752)
Serving every city and town in the State of Washinton:
A
Aberdeen, Acme, Addy, Adna, Aeneas, Airway Heights, Albion, Algona, Allyn, Alma, Almira, Amanda Park, Amboy, Anacortes, Anatone, Anderson Island, Anglin, Appleton, Ardenvoir, Ariel, Arlington, Ashford, Asotin, Auburn, Azwell
B
Bainbridge Island, Bangor NSB, Baring, Barron, Basin City, Battle Ground, Bay Center, Beaux Arts Village, Beaver, Belfair, Bellevue, Bellingham, Belmont, Benge, Benton City, Bethel, Beverly, Bickleton, Bingen, Birch Bay, Black Diamond, Blaine, Blakely Island, Bodie, Bolster, Bonaparte, Bonney Lake, Bossburg, Bothell, Boundary, Bow, Bremerton, Bremerton NS, Brewster, Bridgeport, Brier, Brinnon, Brownstown, Brush Prairie, Buckley, Bucoda, Buena, Burbank, Burien, Burley, Burlington, Burton
C
Camano Island, Camas, Carbonado, Carlsborg, Carlton, Carnation, Carrolls, Carson, Cascade Park, Cashmere, Castle Rock, Cathlamet, Centerville, Centralia, Chancellor, Chattaroy, Chehalis, Chelan, Chelan Falls, Cheney, Chesaw, Chewelah, Chimacum, Chinook, Cinebar, Circle City, Clallam Bay, Clarkston, Clayton, Cle Elum, Clearlake, Clinton, Clover, Clyde Hill, Colbert, Colfax, College Place, Colton, Colville, Conconully, Concrete, Connell, Conway, Copalis Beach, Copalis Crossing, Cosmopolis, Cougar, Coulee City, Coulee Dam, Coupeville, Covington, Cowiche, Creston, Cunningham, Curlew, Curtis, Cusick, Custer
D
Dalkena, Dallesport, Danville, Darrington, Davenport, Dayton, Decatur Island, Deer Harbor, Deer Park, Deming, Des Moines, Disautel, Dixie, Doty, Dryden, Dupont, Duvall
E
East Olympia, East Wenatchee, Easton, Eastsound, Eatonville, Edgewood, Edmonds, Edwall, Elbe, Electric City, Elk, Ellensburg, Elma, Elmer City, Eltopia, Endicott, Entiat, Enumclaw, Ephrata, Epley, Ethel, Evans, Everett, Everett NS, Everson
F
Fairfield, Fall City, Farmington, Federal Way, Ferndale, Ferry, Fife, Fircrest, Ford, Forks, Fort Lewis, Fort Steilacoom, Four Lakes, Fox Island, Freeland, Friday Harbor, Fruitland
G
Galvin, Gardiner, Garfield, George, Gifford, Gig Harbor, Gilbert, Glacier, Gleed, Glenoma, Glenwood, Gold Bar, Golden, Goldendale, Gorst, Graham, Grand Coulee, Grandview, Granger, Granite Falls, Grapeview, Grayland, Grays Harbor, Greenacres, Greenbank, Greenwater
H
Hamilton, Hansville, Harrah, Harrington, Harstine Island, Hartline, Hatton, Havillah, Hazel Dell, Heisson, Herron Island, Hobart, Hoodsport, Hooper, Hoquiam, Humptulips, Hunts Point, Husum
I
Ilwaco, Inchelium, Indianola, Ione, Issaquah, Ives
J
Joyce
K
Kahlotus, Kalama, Kapowsin, Keller, Kelso, Kenmore, Kennewick, Kent, Kettle Falls, Keyport, Kingston, Kipling, Kirkland, Kittitas, Klickitat, Knobhill
L
La Center, La Conner, La Crosse, La Grande, La Push, Lacey, Lake Chelan, Lake Forest Park, Lake Stevens, Lakebay, Lakewood, Lakewood Center Lamont, Langley, Latah, Laurier, Leadpoint, Leavenworth, Lebam, Liberty, Lilliwaup, Lind, Littlerock, Long Beach, Long Beach, Long Beach Peninsula, Longmire, Longview, Loomis, Loon Lake, Loop Loop, Lopez Island, Lowden, Lummi Island, Lyle, Lyman, Lynden, Lynnwood
M
Mabton, Malaga, Malden, Malo, Malone, Malott, Manchester, Mansfield, Manson, Maple Falls, Maple Valley, Marblemount, Marcus, Marlin, Marshall, Maryhill, Marysville, Matlock, Mattawa, Mazama, McCleary, McKenna, Mead, Medical Lake, Medina, Menlo, Mercer Island, Mesa, Metaline, Metaline Falls, Methow, Mica, Mill Creek, Milton, Mineral, Mission, Moclips, Mohler, Molson, Monitor, Monroe, Monse, Montesano, Morton, Moses Lake, Mossyrock, Mount Vernon, Mountlake Terrace, Moxee, Mukilteo
N
Naches, Nahcotta, Napavine, Naselle, Neah Bay, Neilton, Nespelem, Newcastle, Newman Lake, Newport, Nighthawk, Nine Mile Falls, Nooksack, Nordland, Normandy Park, North Bend, North Bonneville, Northport
O
Oak Harbor, Oakbrook, Oakesdale, Oakville, Ocean Park, Ocean Shores, Odessa, Okanogan, Olalla, Old Blewett, Olema, Olga, Olympia, Omak, Onalaska, Orcas Islands, Orchards, Orient, Orondo, Oroville, Orting, Othello, Otis Orchards, Outlook, Oysterville
P
Pacific, Pacific Beach, Packwood, Palisades, Palouse, Paradise Inn, Parker, Parkland, Pasco, Pateros, Paterson, Pe Ell, Peshastin, Plain, Plymouth, Point Roberts, Pomeroy, Port Angeles, Port Gamble, Port Hadlock, Port Ludlow, Port Orchard, Port Townsend, Poulsbo, Prescott, Preston, Prosser, Pullman, Puyallup
Q
Quilcene, Quinault, Quincy
R
Rainier, Randle, Ravensdale, Raymond, Reardan, Redmond, Redondo, Renton, Republic, Retsil, Rice, Richland, Ridgefield, Ritzville, Riverside, Robinson, Roche Harbor, Rochester, Rock Island, Rockford, Rockport, Rollingbay, Ronald, Roosevelt, Rosalia, Rosburg, Roslyn, Roy, Royal City, Ruby, Russellville, Ryderwood
S
Saint John, Salkum, Salmon La Sac, Sammamish, San Juan Island, Satsop, Seabeck, Seahurst, SeaTac, Seattle, Seattle USCG, Seaview, Sedro-Woolley, Sekiu, Selah, Sequim, Shaw Island, Shelton, Sheridan, Shoreline, Silvana, Silver, Silver Creek, Silverdale, Skamokawa, Skykomish, Smokey Point, Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Pass, Soap Lake, South Bend, South Cle Elum, South Colby, South Park Village, South Prairie, Southworth, Spanaway, Spangle, Spokane, Sprague, Springdale, Squaw Creek, Stanwood, Starbuck, Startup, Stehekin, Steilacoom, Steptoe, Stevenson, Stratford, Sultan, Sumas, Sumner, Sunnyside, Suquamish, Swansea
T
Tacoma, Taholah, Tahuya, Tekoa, Tenino, Thorp, Tieton, Tillicum, Tokeland, Toledo, Tonasket, Toppenish, Toroda, Touchet, Toutle, Tracyton, Trout Lake, Tukwila, Tumtum, Tumwater, Twisp
U
Underwood, Union, Union Gap, Uniontown, University Place, Usk
V
Vader, Valley, Valleyford, Vancouver, Vantage, Vashon Island, Vaughn, Veradale, Virginia City
W
Waitsburg, Waldron, Walla Walla, Wallula, Wapato, Warden, Washougal, Washtucna, Waterville, Wauconda, Wauna, Waverly, Wehesville, Wellpinit, Wenatchee, West Hills, West Richland, West Seattle, Westport, Whidbey Island NAS, White Pass, White Salmon, White Swan, Wide Hollow, Wilbur, Wilkeson, Wilson Creek, Winlock, Winthrop, Wishram, Woodinville, Woodland
Y
Yacolt, Yakima, Yarrow Point, Yelm
Z
Zillah
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Washington Motorcycle Accident Victims
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