Owning a motorcycle is a great way to get around Seattle, at least when it’s not raining.
There are also some terrific scenic routes like the Cascade Loop or the Highway 101 Loop around the Olympic Peninsula. If you ride a motorcycle, it is important that you follow all the applicable laws. That is especially true if you get into an accident.
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence system. That means that fault in an accident can be divided among all parties involved in the accident. If you are found not to be in compliance with the state’s motorcycle laws, you could be partially at fault, and that will impact how much you can receive in a claim.
It is also why you need the support of an experienced Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer like you’ll find at the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC.
We’ve helped many victims of a motorcycle accident pursue fair compensation for their damages. We will thoroughly investigate the accident to help establish clear liability. That investigation begins with making sure all the applicable motorcycle laws were followed, starting with the Washington motorcycle helmet law.
Washington Motorcycle Helmet Law
According to Washington law, motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet with a chin strap while in motion. That law also applies to any passenger of the bike. You must also wear goggles or a face shield. Additionally, your motorcycle must be equipped with side mirrors.
What Are Motorcycle Licensing Requirements?
Before you can ride a motorcycle, you must first obtain a driver’s license. You can then add a motorcycle endorsement to your license. Here are the requirements:
- You must be at least 16 years old.
- If you are under 18, you need parental consent and pass a motorcycle safety course.
- You must pass a 2W or 3W skilled driving test to obtain a permit for motorcycle operation that is valid for 180 days.
- After 180 days, you need to retake the 2W or 3W endorsement motorcycle operation and riding skills tests.
That translates to a total of four tests: two for the permit and two for the endorsement on top of your driver’s license.
What Are the Motorcycle Insurance Requirements?
Since 2019, all motorcyclists have been required to have a minimum liability insurance coverage. You must also ride with proof of insurance. Here are the minimums:
- $25,000 for injuries or death to another person
- $50,000 for injuries or death to all other people
- $10,000 for damage to another’s property
If you don’t carry insurance, you have to hold a liability bond of at least $60,000. It is important to remember that those minimums are to cover expenses in an accident that was your fault.
It is recommended that you also carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured Motorist coverage. These can provide you with support for your medical expenses and damages to your bike.
Motorcyclists May Not Drive Under the Influence
The DUI laws for motorcyclists are the same as for car drivers. In Washington, it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. That’s determined by a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) taken within two hours of driving.
If you have a BAC of 0.08 or greater, and/or a TCH concentration of 5.00 or greater, you’re considered legally intoxicated.
Is Lane Splitting Illegal in Washington?
When a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic, it’s referred to as lane splitting.
They do this to move through slower-moving traffic. Lane splitting is illegal in Washington.
If you get into an accident while lane splitting, you might not be able to recover any compensation.
Although motorcyclists can’t lane split, they are allowed to ride two abreast in a single lane.
What Are Motorcycle Passenger Requirements?
You can only have a passenger on your motorcycle if your bike is equipped with another seat.
They must also have access to foot pegs. If the motorcycle has a bucket seat, it must be equipped with a seat belt. Finally, children under the age of 5 are prohibited from being passengers on a motorcycle.
Pursuing a Claim After a Motorcycle Accident
If you get into a collision caused by a car driver’s negligence while riding a motorcycle, you’re entitled to seek restitution for your damages.
At the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC, we’re dedicated to providing guidance and support to our clients to help them make the right decisions about pursuing a claim. Our support includes taking over communication with the insurance company and negotiating for a fair settlement. We can also pursue a claim in civil court when there is a dispute about liability or the settlement amount.
We help our clients achieve the maximum benefits. Our support begins with an initial consultation.
Call to schedule that talk today.
