The split-second before impact changes everything. One moment you’re leaning into a curve on Highway 101, the next you’re sliding across asphalt because a driver was texting instead of checking their mirrors.
Now you’re staring at medical bills that dwarf your bike’s value, dealing with an insurance adjuster who acts like you’re invisible, and wondering how you’ll pay rent when your injuries won’t let you work.
An Olympia motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm cuts through this chaos. Since 1893, we’ve held careless drivers accountable for the collisions they cause—and we know how to make insurance companies pay what they actually owe, not the lowball number they hope you’ll accept out of desperation.
You shouldn’t be filling out forms or arguing with adjusters when you need to focus on physical therapy and keeping your household together. We handle the bureaucratic nightmare: the paperwork, the phone calls, the negotiations that insurance companies use to wear down injured riders.
You’ve already gone through enough—the road rash, the broken bones, the surgeon’s bills, the fear that this accident will financially ruin you. We take it from here.
Our 130 years serving Thurston County and the Puget Sound area mean we know exactly how local insurance companies operate and which tactics they’ll use to minimize your claim. When you work with an experienced personal injury lawyer, you gain the advantage of local insight backed by generations of advocacy.
We’re ready. Call us today.
Why Choose Jacobs & Jacobs for an Olympia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Families in Olympia look for a legal team that possesses deep roots and a history of results. Our firm began serving the Puget Sound region in 1893, and we continue that mission today through the leadership of Tom Jacobs.
Tom uses his 40 years of experience to guide our advocacy and protect your rights. We employ more than 50 members who work together to seek a fair resolution for your claim.
- Our satellite office in Olympia serves the residents of Thurston County with personal attention.
- We possess a 130 year legacy of service that gives us the strength to confront insurance companies.
- Our staff speaks English and Spanish, making our help accessible to everyone.
- We only receive payment if we successfully recover money for your claim.
Our firm maintains the resources of a large team while keeping the compassionate approach of a family business. We lift the legal burden from your shoulders so you can spend your time with your family. Our history in the local legal community allows us to provide the steady guidance you need after a crash.
We have lived and worked in this region since 1893, which gives us a unique knowledge of the local landscape. Call our office today to talk about your situation and learn how we help.
Proving Liability in Motorcycle Crashes
Drivers often fail to see motorcycles on busy roads like Interstate 5 or near the state capitol. This failure constitutes negligence when it leads to a collision. Negligence happens when a person fails to use the care that a reasonable person would use in the same situation.
We investigate the facts of the crash to prove who carries the legal responsibility for your injuries. Our team gathers police reports, witness statements, and photos of the scene to build a strong argument for accountability.
Establishing liability serves as the foundation of your recovery. We look for evidence that the other driver was distracted, speeding, or failing to yield the right of way. This work allows us to show the insurance company exactly how the incident occurred.
- Negligence: We show that the other party failed to follow traffic safety rules.
- Evidence: We secure photos and statements while they remain fresh and available.
- Accountability: We hold the responsible driver and their insurance provider responsible for the harm they caused.
We handle the paperwork and the investigations while you focus on your medical treatment. Our firm possesses the experience needed to manage every detail of your claim. Call our office today to talk about your case.
How Pure Comparative Fault Impacts Your Claim
Washington uses a system called pure comparative fault to determine the money a person receives after an accident. This law allows for a recovery even if the rider shared some of the blame for the crash.
The court or insurance company assigns a percentage of fault to everyone involved. They then reduce the final recovery by that percentage. RCW 4.22.005 outlines this system for personal injury cases in our state.
Insurance companies often attempt to shift an unfair share of blame onto riders to protect their profits. They might claim you were speeding or lane splitting when you were not. We fight these tactics with facts and documentation.
- Fault Assessment: Courts assign a specific percentage of responsibility to each party.
- Recovery Reduction: Your final amount reflects the share of blame assigned to the other driver.
- Legal Protection: We use evidence to protect you from unfair claims of fault.
Our firm makes sure the facts remain clear during negotiations. We have managed these challenges for families across the Puget Sound for over 130 years. Accountability remains our primary focus throughout the entire legal process. Call our office today to talk about your case.
Documenting Serious Injuries and Claim Value
Motorcycle accidents often cause serious physical harm that requires long-term care. We discuss injuries like traumatic brain injury only to explain how they impact the value of your claim.
A traumatic brain injury happens when a sudden jolt to the head disrupts brain function. Documentation of these injuries provides the proof necessary to show the insurance company why you need a fair settlement.
Catastrophic injuries, such as severe burns or road rash, also require careful documentation. We use hospital reports and specialist notes to show the extent of the harm. These records allow us to calculate the full cost of your medical treatment.
- Medical Records: These files show the surgeries and treatments you received.
- Specialist Reports: Documentation from doctors explains the care you will need in the future.
- Claim Value: Detailed records help us seek a settlement that covers every part of your recovery.
We handle the process of requesting and organizing these medical files. This work allows you to stay focused on your physical therapy without worrying about hospital paperwork. We focus on how these injuries change the legal value of your case. Call our office today to talk about your situation.
The Washington Statute of Limitations
Washington law sets a strict time limit for filing a motorcycle accident claim. RCW 4.16.080 generally gives you three years from the date of the crash to take legal action.
Missing this three year limit means the court will likely dismiss your case.
Building a strong case requires us to act quickly while evidence still exists. Video footage from nearby businesses or fresh witness memories disappear over time. We start the work early to make sure we preserve every detail for your claim.
- The Three-Year Limit: Laws require you to file your case within three years of the incident.
- Evidence Preservation: We secure photos and statements before they are lost or destroyed.
- Legal Deadlines: Our team manages all the filings to keep your case moving forward.
Our firm tracks all these important dates for you. We manage the timelines so you do not have to worry about legal calendars. Call us as soon as you can so we can begin the investigation and protect your rights.
Actions You Can Take From Home
Simple actions at home help our team as we build your claim. You can keep a folder for all the paperwork you receive after the crash. This includes medical bills, repair estimates, and letters from insurance companies. We suggest you avoid speaking with insurance adjusters from the other party before you talk to us.
- Keep all bills related to the medical care you receive.
- Save a record of any property damage estimates for your motorcycle.
- Call our office if you receive a letter or a phone call from an insurance company.
We offer mobile appointments where our team comes to your home if traveling to our offices feels difficult. We provide the support you need in a way that respects your situation. Our goal is to make this process easier for you. We are ready to help whenever you feel prepared to talk. Call our office today to talk about your case.
Our 130 Year History in the Puget Sound
Jacobs & Jacobs has remained a steady presence in the Puget Sound area since 1893. We serve families in Olympia, Kent, and Puyallup with compassion and strength.
Our history of serving Washington since 1893 shows our dedication to treating our neighbors with respect. We are members of the local community who care about the people here.
- Our satellite office in Olympia provides a local base for Thurston County families.
- A team of over 50 members makes sure we have the resources to manage your claim.
- Primary offices in Kent and Puyallup support our work across the region.
We provide honest and hopeful guidance throughout the legal process. Our team is ready to listen to your story and help you find a path forward. We possess the experience needed to hold major companies and insurance providers accountable. Call our office today to talk about your situation.
Injured? Get the Compensation You Deserve!
Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim. Our experienced injury attorneys fight for your maximum compensation—so you can focus on healing. No fees unless we win!
Schedule A Free ConsultationFAQs
Can I still seek recovery if I was not wearing a helmet?
The insurance company might argue that your choice contributed to your injuries. We gather evidence to show that the other driver caused the crash regardless of your gear. Call our office today to talk about your case.
What happens if the accident involved a hit-and-run driver?
You can often seek a recovery through your own insurance policy if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Washington law requires insurance companies to offer this coverage to protect you in these situations. We review your policy to help you find every available source of support. Call our office today to talk about your situation.
Does the law protect me if a driver caused me to crash without hitting me?
Yes, the law allows you to seek a recovery for a no-contact accident if another driver’s reckless actions forced you off the road. We look for witnesses or camera footage to prove that the other driver was responsible for the crash. Proving these cases requires prompt investigation and strong evidence. Call our office today to talk about your case.
Will the insurance company pay for my motorcycle gear and helmet?
Most personal injury claims include property damage, which covers your motorcycle and your riding gear. We help you document the value of your helmet, jacket, and other protective equipment, especially when compliance with helmet laws becomes an issue insurers try to raise. Keeping receipts or photos of your gear helps us prove these losses to the insurance company. Call our office today to talk about your claim.
How long does a motorcycle accident claim typically take to finish?
Every case remains unique and depends on the complexity of your medical recovery. We typically wait until you reach a stable point in your treatment so we can determine the total cost of your care.
We work to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible while protecting your right to a fair settlement. Call our office today to talk about your case.
What types of financial recovery can I seek after a motorcycle accident?
You may seek two main types of damages after a crash: economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages cover verifiable, out-of-pocket costs, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage to your motorcycle and gear.
- Non-economic damages cover intangible losses like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress.
Our team gathers the necessary documentation, including hospital records and future treatment plans, to calculate both your current losses and the future financial impact of your injuries.
Can your firm help if the accident resulted in a fatality?
Yes. If a person’s negligence causes a fatal motorcycle accident, certain surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. This action allows the estate and family to recover damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, and the emotional and financial support the deceased provided.
We handle wrongful death cases with compassion and dedicate ourselves to securing justice and financial stability for the families we serve.
We Will Take It From Here
Your recovery requires a legal team that provides strength and capable assistance. We manage the legal details and the investigations so you can focus on your health.
Contact our office today to discuss your case and learn how we can provide the advocacy you need. We have the history and the resources to help you seek accountability.
Let us take it from here.