Kent Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Short answer: If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash in Kent, Washington, you generally have three years to file a claim, and insurance companies often try to blame the rider. A Kent motorcycle accident lawyer from Brumley Law Firm can protect your evidence, deal with the insurers, and fight for the full value of your injuries. Call (833) 832-2727 for a free case review.

Brumley Law Firm has resolved more than 300 cases in the last 12 months across Washington State. Our Kent office is at 216 W Gowe St, Suite 200, Kent, WA 98032.

Why Choose Brumley Law Firm for Your Kent Motorcycle Accident Case?

A motorcycle crash is not like a regular car accident. Riders have no metal frame around them, so injuries tend to be more serious, and insurers often start the claim with assumptions about riders instead of the facts.

When you hire our Kent motorcycle accident attorneys, you get:

  • A team that builds the case from evidence. Meet our attorneys and see what our clients say about working with us.
  • Evidence-first work. We look at what actually happened, not at stereotypes about motorcyclists.
  • Help with the insurance company. We handle the calls, the paperwork and the pressure so you can focus on recovery.
  • A free case review. You can talk to us about your situation before deciding what to do next.
  • No fee unless we win. Our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency basis, so you do not pay attorney fees upfront.

We represent riders across Kent and the Kent Valley, including crashes on I-5, SR 167, SR 516, Meeker Street and the local roads where drivers and riders share space every day. Our Kent personal injury lawyers handle motorcycle claims alongside every other type of injury case.

Why Are Motorcycle Crashes in Kent So Dangerous?

Kent sits at the meeting point of several busy corridors. I-5 runs along its western side. SR 167 crosses the Kent Valley. Heavy truck traffic moves through the warehouse and industrial areas all day. Drivers merge, exit and change lanes in tight spaces, and a motorcycle takes up far less room in a mirror than a car does.

Many of these crashes look like ordinary Kent car accidents with one big difference: the rider is far more exposed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges drivers to watch carefully for motorcycles, avoid distractions and give riders enough space.

For a closer look at how merging and lane changes affect riders here, read our guide to motorcycle crash risks near Kent’s I-5 and SR 167.

Common causes of motorcycle crashes include:

  • Drivers who do not see the rider. Left turns across a rider’s path and lane changes into an occupied lane are some of the most common causes.
  • Distracted driving. A driver looking at a phone can miss a motorcycle entirely.
  • Following too closely or sudden stops. These can lead to rear-end collisions. A rider has less room to react.
  • Speeding or impaired driving. Both raise the risk and the severity of a crash.
  • Road hazards. Gravel, potholes, wet pavement and poorly maintained lanes affect a two-wheeled vehicle much more than a car.
  • Large trucks. Trucks have big blind spots and long stopping distances.

Statewide numbers show why this matters. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reports that from 2021 through 2025, motorcyclists made up about 3% of crashes but 16% of traffic deaths in Washington. Other vulnerable road users face similar visibility problems, which is why we also handle Kent bicycle accident and Kent pedestrian accident claims.

How a Kent Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You

After a crash, a lot happens at once. You may be dealing with medical care, missed work, a damaged bike and calls from adjusters. Here is how our team helps.

We protect the evidence. Video, witness details and scene conditions can disappear fast. We move early to preserve police reports, traffic and business camera footage, photographs and vehicle data.

We work out what really happened. Fault is often disputed in motorcycle cases. We look at lane position, speeds, sightlines, signals and driver actions before anyone decides who caused the crash.

We document your full losses. That includes medical care now and in the future, lost income, reduced earning ability, property damage, and the pain and disruption the crash has caused. Our guide on how pain and suffering is calculated explains one part of this.

We deal with the insurance company. Adjusters are trained to limit what they pay. We handle communication and negotiation, and we are ready to take the case further if a fair settlement is not offered.

Common Injuries in Kent Motorcycle Accidents

Riders often suffer injuries that need long treatment and recovery, including:

  • Road rash and deep skin injuries
  • Broken bones, including legs, arms, ribs and collarbones
  • Traumatic brain injuries, even when a helmet is worn
  • Spinal cord injuries that can cause lasting paralysis
  • Internal injuries and organ damage
  • Amputations and serious limb injuries

Some of these injuries do not show up right away. Get checked by a doctor even if you feel fine, and follow your treatment plan. Medical records are also the best proof of how the crash affected you.

If a loved one died in a motorcycle crash, our Kent wrongful death attorneys can explain what your family may be able to claim.

Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Claims for Compensation

Bias Against Motorcyclists

Some insurers and even some jurors assume that riders are reckless. That assumption can lead to quick blame and low offers, even when the other driver caused the crash. Our job is to put the focus on the evidence: what the driver did, what the rider did, and what the scene shows.

Washington Lane Use Rules

Under RCW 46.61.608, a motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a lane, and riders may not pass between lanes or rows of vehicles. Where the rider was in the lane can matter when drivers tell different stories about how a crash happened.

Helmet Laws

Washington requires motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet under RCW 46.37.530. If a rider was not wearing one, the insurance company may argue that it made the injuries worse, especially in head injury cases. That can affect the damages in a claim, but it does not automatically end it. A lawyer can explain how it may apply to your facts.

Shared Fault Under Washington Law

Washington follows pure comparative fault under RCW 4.22.005. If you are found partly at fault, your compensation is reduced by your share of the blame, but you can still recover the rest. This is why arguing over even a small percentage of fault can change the value of a claim.

Assessing Injuries and Damages

Motorcycle injuries can have long-term effects that are not clear in the first weeks. Settling too early can leave you paying future medical costs yourself. We work with your medical providers and, when needed, other professionals to understand the full cost of your injuries before any settlement is discussed.

Do You Need a Kent Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Not always. If the crash was minor, nobody was hurt, and the insurer is paying for repairs without a dispute, you may not need a lawyer.

You should talk to one if:

What If the Insurance Company Already Offered Money?

Do not sign anything yet. Early offers usually come before your medical treatment is finished, and accepting one normally ends your claim for good. If your injuries turn out to be worse, you cannot go back and ask for more.

Before you respond to any offer, ask:

  1. Does it cover all my medical bills, including future care?
  2. Does it include the income I have lost and may lose?
  3. Does it account for pain, suffering and long-term effects?
  4. Does it cover my motorcycle and gear?
  5. What rights am I giving up by signing?

If you cannot answer those questions with confidence, call us first. We can review the offer at no cost.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Kent

  1. Get medical attention. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor soon.
  2. Report the crash. Make sure police are called and ask for the report number.
  3. Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, your bike, your gear, skid marks, road conditions and your injuries.
  4. Collect witness details. Get names and phone numbers, and note nearby cameras.
  5. Keep your gear and bike as they are. Your helmet and clothing may be important evidence. Do not repair or replace anything before it has been documented.
  6. Be careful with statements. Give the facts you know and do not guess. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer before you understand your rights.
  7. Keep records. Save medical bills, repair estimates, pay stubs and every letter from an insurer.
  8. Watch the deadline. Most Washington personal injury claims must be filed within three years under RCW 4.16.080. Some claims, such as those against a government agency, can have shorter notice rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my Kent motorcycle accident case worth?

It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost income, how fault is assigned and the available insurance. No honest lawyer can promise a number before reviewing the facts.

Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Under Washington’s comparative fault rule, your compensation is reduced by your share of fault. You are not automatically barred from recovery.

Does not wearing a helmet ruin my claim?

No, but the insurer may use it to argue that your injuries were worse because of it. It can affect the damages, particularly for head injuries. A lawyer can explain how it applies to your case.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Washington?

Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years under RCW 4.16.080. Exceptions and other deadlines may apply, so confirm the time limit for your situation.

How much does it cost to hire a Kent motorcycle accident lawyer?

Your first consultation is free. Our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

What if the driver who hit me left the scene?

You may still have options, including your own uninsured motorist coverage. Report the crash to police as soon as you can and contact a lawyer to review your policy.

Contact Our Kent Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today

A motorcycle crash can leave you with medical bills, lost income and hard questions about who is to blame. You do not have to face the insurance company alone. Brumley Law Firm offers a free case review, and we are available 24/7.

kent motorcycle accident attorney

Call (833) 832-2727 or request a free consultation.

Want to learn more first? Browse the guides on our blog.

Kent Office: 216 W Gowe St, Suite 200, Kent, WA 98032 | (866) 377-8108