What's just as unfortunate is that insurance companies are often unsympathetic to injured bikers. The old stereotype of bikers as irresponsible thrill seekers is alive and well, even though most bikers are actually safe and responsible operators. They may argue that you assumed the risk of injury when you got on your bike, or that you were responsible for the accident.
If you've been hurt in a motorcycle accident in the Spokane area, you need an experienced attorney to represent you. You need Richard E. Lewis, P.S.
We handle cases involving all of the following injuries:
How did your accident happen?
Attorney Richard E. Lewis has a deep well of experience representing injured motorcyclists in Spokane and throughout eastern Washington. We're happy to share some of the knowledge we've gathered over the years. Take a look at our motorcycle safety tips as well as our motorcycle accident FAQ.
After a crash, you'll likely be dealing with the insurance company for the motorist who hit you, and that can be difficult. The insurer may argue that you caused the accident or that you were responsible for your injuries. We can help you fight back. Attorney Lewis has a long track record of standing up to the insurance companies and winning favorable settlements and verdicts for his clients - and the insurance companies know it.
We're here to handle the legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on getting better. Get started today. Contact us to schedule your free consultation. Call 509-413-1278.
Road Rash
Road rash is a commonly used term for a type of skin injury that results when a biker is thrown off a motorcycle and his or her skin makes contact with the road. Wearing leather or denim clothing can help protect against road rash, but in many cases, it's not enough. These injuries are often minor but can be severe, depending on the speed of the crash and the type of road surface.
Complications can follow after a road rash injury, such as infection if dirt or gravel enters the wound. Severe road rash injuries may require surgery or skin grafts. That's why you need an experienced attorney to help you recover financial compensation to pay for those procedures. We may be able to secure funds to pay for reconstructive surgery that will minimize scarring and long-term damage.
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Biker's Arm
When motorcyclists are thrown off their bikes in a crash, human instinct is to draw the arms around or in front of the body in order to lessen the impact. Unfortunately, landing on the arm can result in serious and even permanent nerve damage. It's not uncommon for motorcyclists to lose some or all function in the injured arm.
An arm injury can have long-term implications for your life and career. Many jobs become more difficult or impossible with only one arm, and caring for loved ones may also be a challenge. If you've hurt your arm in a motorcycle accident, attorney Richard E. Lewis can help you fight for the compensation you need to make those lifestyle changes and recover any lost income.
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Brain Injuries
Injuries to the brain are unfortunately common in motorcycle crashes when riders land on their heads. While helmets can help prevent brain injuries, they're not always enough to stop the high impact of a motorcycle crash. Some crashes result in "open head" injuries in which the skull is actually cracked or punctured, but even a concussion can have long-term effects.
Brain injuries can cause truly debilitating damage that will affect your life and career for a long time. Often, the financial cost of such an injury is in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, between lost wages, medical treatment, physical therapy and long-term care. Contact Richard E. Lewis to get the compensation you need to cover those costs.
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Neck and Back Injuries
In many motorcycle crashes, the sheer force involved leads to injury to the neck, back or spine. These injuries can be life-threatening and cause permanent disability if the victim survives. Spinal cord injuries commonly lead to full or partial paralysis, and other injuries such as herniated disks can limit your mobility and independence. Chronic pain is also often a result of back injuries.
After a motorcycle accident resulting in a neck or back injury, you may be unable to work. You may need extensive physical therapy and other medical treatment. Your lifestyle may have to radically change, and you may need to make modifications to your home or vehicle. You need a tough-minded attorney like Richard E. Lewis who can help you fight for compensation to pay for those changes.
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Leg Injuries
Leg injuries suffered in motorcycle crashes range from minor sprains to broken bones. A serious leg injury can limit your mobility for a long time, and even a more minor injury may make it difficult to work or meet other personal responsibilities. Everyday tasks can suddenly become painful chores.
You need a highly skilled advocate on your side to keep moving forward after a leg injury. We'll build you a case to fight for the compensation you need to make up for your limited mobility and other debilitating effects.
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Head Injuries
The head is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body in a motorcycle crash, even if you're wearing a helmet. Concussions are quite common, as are injuries to the nose or face that may require reconstructive surgery. Any injury to the head can be fatal or have severe and painful effects for the rest of the victim's life.
If you hurt your head in a motorcycle accident, it's critical that you get medical attention right away. Then, contact Richard E. Lewis. You will get an attorney who knows exactly what you and your family are going through. You will feel confident knowing you have a compassionate lawyer representing you. We'll work hard to get you financial compensation to help deal with the effects of your injury.
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Car Turned in Front of Motorcycle
The majority of motorcycle accidents happen when cars fail to appropriately yield to an oncoming motorcycle – which is, after all, another vehicle. Many motorists may claim that they didn’t see your bike, but that’s no excuse. All drivers have a responsibility to pay attention and operate their vehicles safely at intersections.
Intersection accidents in Spokane cause serious injuries, and to get compensation you deserve, you need to stand up to the insurance companies. You need Richard E. Lewis on your side. We know how to negotiate effectively with them. And if they refuse to cooperate, we’re prepared to take them to court if necessary.
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Rear-Ended Motorcycle
Cars often follow motorcyclists too closely and end up causing rear-end accidents when the biker needs to change speed or position in the lane. Motorists don’t understand that they need to leave additional space when driving behind a motorcycle. That’s because motorcycles frequently need to adjust their speed for conditions and can stop on a dime in comparison to a larger vehicle.
These types of motorcycle accidents may seem straightforward, but getting compensation can be surprisingly challenging. That's why you need a veteran Spokane attorney to make your case. Contact Richard E. Lewis today.
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Forced Off Road
Not every motorcycle accident involves physical contact. Sometimes, motorists who don't appropriately share the road end up forcing motorcyclists off the roadway. These crashes can be difficult to investigate and litigate, but an experienced attorney can help. By reviewing the accident scene and tracking down witnesses, we can help you find the “phantom vehicle” and pursue the compensation you need, or help you file an uninsured motorist claim if we can’t find the responsible driver.
Don’t try to go it alone after a no-contact motorcycle accident. If you were injured, you need an experienced Spokane attorney to investigate. Contact Richard E. Lewis today. We thoroughly understand Washington’s legal system and have a strong track record of success.
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Hit By Distracted Driver
Motorists who text and drive, eat behind the wheel or otherwise engage in distracting behavior often end up hitting motorcyclists. These accidents can cause devastating injuries. Distracted driving is an increasingly serious problem on our roads, and bikers are among the most vulnerable.
When a motorist claims he didn’t see your motorcycle, that’s no excuse. Drivers have a responsibility to pay attention to the road at all times, and they have the option of pulling over to send a text or take care of whatever else they need to do. Hold the distracted driver who hurt you accountable. Get a Spokane attorney who knows how to win on your side.
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