With the weather getting warmer and the days growing longer, outdoor activities are on many people’s minds. For those of us who enjoy motorized adventures on two wheels, spring is the time to dust off our motorcycles and get ready to hit the open road. To ensure your days of riding are safe and enjoyable, it’s important to familiarize yourself with Washington’s motorcycle safety rules and regulations—and to know why they’re so important.
Washington Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Thousands of people are injured or killed while riding motorcycles in the United States every year. The National Safety Council reports that motorcycles account for only .7% of all miles traveled on U.S. roads, but see 3.5% of all serious motor vehicle accident injuries. Things are no better in Washington. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, 139 people died in motorcycle accidents in 2023. Twenty-five of these fatalities occurred in Thurston or Pierce Counties.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Most motorcycle accidents are not fatal, but many are serious. Motorcyclists simply lack the same protections as the drivers of larger vehicles, allowing for direct bodily impact during a crash. This can result in:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Soft tissue injury
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Internal injuries
Do You Need Help? Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured or a loved one has died in a motorcycle accident in Tacoma, Olympia, or anywhere else in Washington, Fuller & Fuller is here to help. Call us at 800-570-4878 to schedule a FREE consultation and learn more.
Motorcycle Safety In Washington: The Rules of the Road
In Washington, motorcyclists are required to abide by general traffic laws. There are also several regulations specific to two- and three-wheeled vehicles. Key Washington motorcycle riding laws include:
- Special Endorsement. To legally operate a motorcycle in Washington, you need a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. This endorsement ensures you have passed both written and on-cycle skill tests (see RCW 46.20.500).
- Following Traffic Signals and Speed Limits. Just like the drivers of cars, trucks, and SUVs, motorcycles must obey posted speed limits and follow all traffic signs and signals. This includes making full stops at stop signs and red lights, acknowledging right of way, and driving appropriately in construction zones (see RCW 46.61.400).
- Lane Splitting. While some states tolerate or even legalize lane splitting (driving
- between lanes of traffic, often along the line between lanes), the practice is currently illegal in Washington (see RCW 46.61.608). This is based on multiple safety studies that have found lane splitting significantly increases the risk of serious or fatal motorcycle accident injuries.
Determining the cause of your motorcycle accident is an important step in establishing your right to seek compensation. An accident and injury law specialist, motorcycle accident lawyer Marya Fuller can investigate your crash, identify its causes, and help you determine how to proceed.
Washington Motorcycle Safety Requirements: Outfitting Your Bike
In addition to how you operate your motorcycle, Washington has laws regarding vehicle lighting and other equipment. These include:
- Headlights. Motorcycles must be equipped with a functioning headlight. In Washington, riders are required to have it turned on at all times.
- Mirrors. At least one rearview mirror is mandatory on motorcycles. Having mirrors on both sides is highly recommended.
- Braking Systems. Motorcycles must have both a front wheel and a back wheel braking system.
For optimal safety, it is always a good idea to conduct a T-CLOCS inspection of your motorcycle before you ride.
Motorcycle Safety In Washington: Protective Gear
Riding in street clothes may seem tempting on a nice, sunny day. But nothing can ruin a great ride faster than a serious injury. In Washington State, motorcycle laws require all riders to wear:
- A DOT-Approved Helmet. Motorcyclists in Washington are required to wear a helmet that meets or exceeds the standards established by the Washington State Patrol.
- Eye Protection. If your motorcycle does not have a wind screen and your helmet does not have built-in face protection, you will need to wear goggles or glasses to protect your eyes.
Additional safety gear, such as jackets, gloves, and footwear, is not mandated by Washington motorcycle safety laws. They can, however, make a significant difference when you are involved in an accident. Thick, abrasion-resistant jackets, leather gloves, and sturdy boots can shield you from road rash and more severe injuries when a crash occurs.
May Is Motorcycle Awareness Month
Late Spring is when many people in Washington start to bring their bikes out of hibernation. This makes it a great month for Motorcycle Awareness. A campaign with roots dating back to the 1980s, the goals of Motorcycle Awareness Month include:
- Educating riders on safe practices and new technologies
- Urging motorists to take a second look for motorcyclists in blind spots
- Promoting thorough, ongoing training for both new and experienced riders
Motorcycle riders have a responsibility to operate safe vehicles, obey the rules of the road, and wear appropriate gear. Driving defensively is encouraged as well. Some of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents are the actions of other drivers, making it important that riders exercise additional caution when maneuvering around larger vehicles.
Injured In a Motorcycle Accident in Tacoma or Olympia?
No matter how prepared or cautious you are, accidents still happen. When they do, the medical bills, insurance hurdles, and possibility of long-term effects on your daily life can be overwhelming. This is where a motorcycle accident lawyer becomes indispensable.
Insurance companies often move quickly to protect their own interests. They may offer settlements that don’t come close to covering your actual losses. An attorney can help by:
- Investigating your claim
- Identifying all liable parties
- Calculating current and future damages
- Negotiating for fair compensation
- Taking your case to trial (when necessary)
For over 50 years, the Fuller family has helped people who have suffered serious injuries caused by the carelessness of others. Our personal connection with clients is one of the reasons Fuller & Fuller has enjoyed multiple generations of success. We pride ourselves on:
- Experience and Commitment. Attorney Marya Fuller has more than three decades of personal injury experience. A specialist in accident and injury law, she has the background and knowledge to help victims of serious injury get fair and full compensation.
- Client-Focused Advocacy. We’re proud of how we guide injury victims through the challenges of seeking compensation. We treat our clients like family every step of the way.
- Accessibility. We offer FREE initial consultations and do not charge an hourly fee. Instead, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we only get paid after we have secured a recovery on your behalf.
Over five decades in practice have made us intimately familiar with motorcycle law and the Washington court system. If you need help, we’re here to listen to your experiences, discuss your options, and help you decide how to proceed.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Olympia or Tacoma for FREE
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in Olympia, Tacoma, or elsewhere in Washington? Contact Fuller & Fuller online or call us today to schedule your complimentary case review and let us help you seek the justice you deserve.
