You trusted other drivers to see you, and they didn’t. Now you’re facing surgeries, bills you can’t pay, and an insurance adjuster who acts like you caused the crash just by being on two wheels.

A Tacoma motorcycle accident lawyer from Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group fights back against the bias and bad faith that injured riders face in Pierce County.

Since 1893, our firm has held negligent drivers accountable across Washington, and we know exactly how insurance companies try to blame motorcyclists for collisions caused by distracted, careless drivers. We handle the legal battle while you focus on healing from road rash, broken bones, and the financial terror that follows a serious crash.

Whether your collision happened on I-5, Pacific Avenue, or Highway 16, our team is ready to take it from here. Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your case.

Table of Contents

Why Hire Our Tacoma Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Jacobs and Jacobs Injury Law Group attorneys

Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group has served the Puget Sound region for over 130 years, building a reputation for aggressive advocacy and results in catastrophic injury cases. We are not a billboard firm that treats clients like case numbers.

We are a family-led practice with deep roots in Pierce County and a track record of holding insurance companies accountable when they try to lowball injured motorcyclists.

  • Historical stability: B.F. Jacobs opened our doors in 1893, and five generations later, we continue to fight for Washington residents who suffer serious injuries. Our longevity reflects our commitment to doing right by our neighbors.
  • Trial-tested experience: Tom Jacobs leads our firm with four decades of litigation experience, and our team of more than 50 professionals knows how to build cases that insurance companies take seriously.
  • Local knowledge: We understand Pierce County roads, the Superior Court system, and the local insurance adjusters who handle motorcycle claims in Tacoma. This familiarity allows us to anticipate defense strategies and counter them effectively.
  • No upfront costs: We accept motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, removing the financial barrier that prevents injured riders from seeking legal help during a medical crisis.
  • Knowledge of Washington motorcycle laws: We know RCW 46.37.530, which governs motorcycle equipment requirements, and RCW 4.16.080, the statute of limitations giving you three years to file a personal injury claim after a collision.

Our firm reduces the burden you carry after a crash. We handle the insurance negotiations, the medical documentation, and the court filings so you can prioritize physical therapy and your family’s stability.

Common Challenges After a Tacoma Motorcycle Crash

A Tacoma motorcycle accident lawyer must address the specific obstacles that injured riders face when pursuing compensation in Pierce County. Insurance companies deploy predictable tactics to minimize payouts, and without legal representation, you may accept far less than your claim is worth.

  • Bias against motorcyclists: Adjusters often assume riders are reckless or contributed to the crash, even when evidence shows a driver turned left without yielding or merged without checking blind spots.
  • Delayed symptom recognition: Adrenaline can mask injuries immediately after impact. By the time you realize the extent of your fractures or internal bleeding, the insurance company may claim you weren’t hurt in the accident.
  • Inadequate insurance coverage: Washington requires only minimal liability coverage, and many at-fault drivers carry policies too small to cover your medical bills, lost income, and permanent disability.
  • Complex liability disputes: Multi-vehicle crashes on I-5 or SR-16 involve multiple insurance carriers, each trying to shift blame to reduce their payout obligations.
  • Pressure to settle quickly: Insurers contact injured riders within days of a crash, offering fast settlements before you understand the full cost of your injuries or the long-term impact on your ability to work.

We counter these tactics by conducting independent investigations, consulting with accident reconstruction specialists, and refusing to settle until we have a complete picture of your medical prognosis and financial losses. Our approach protects you from insurance companies that profit when you accept less than you need to rebuild your life.

Who Qualifies for Legal Representation?

Determining eligibility is the first step in our process. In Washington, you can pursue a motorcycle accident claim if another party’s negligence caused your collision and resulting injuries. We evaluate these factors during your initial consultation to clarify your legal options.

  • Proof of negligent conduct: We must establish that a driver, government entity, or product manufacturer failed to meet their duty of care. This might include a motorist who violated RCW 46.61.100 by failing to yield at an intersection, or a city that allowed a hazardous road condition to persist despite complaints.
  • Clear causation: Your injuries must directly result from the accident, supported by medical records from Tacoma General Hospital, St. Joseph Medical Center, or another facility that treated you immediately after the crash.
  • Documented damages: You must have suffered actual losses, such as emergency room bills, surgical costs, prescription expenses, lost wages from missed work, or property damage to your motorcycle.
  • Timely action: Washington law generally allows three years from the date of the crash to file a claim but starting early preserves evidence and strengthens your case.

Call A Tacoma Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for A Free Consultation

Call Us Today For A Free Case Evaluation.

Schedule A Free Consultation

Types of Motorcycle Accidents We Handle in Tacoma

A Tacoma motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm represents riders injured in all types of collisions caused by driver negligence, hazardous road conditions, or defective motorcycle parts.

  • Left-turn collisions: Drivers turning left across traffic on Sixth Avenue or Pacific Avenue frequently fail to see oncoming motorcycles, causing devastating T-bone impacts at intersections.
  • Lane-splitting incidents: While Washington does not explicitly permit lane splitting, conflicts arise when drivers change lanes without checking mirrors or blind spots on congested routes like I-5 through Tacoma.
  • Rear-end crashes: Following too closely or distracted driving on Highway 16 leads to rear-end collisions that throw riders from their bikes, causing severe trauma.
  • Dooring accidents: Passengers or drivers opening car doors into traffic lanes downtown near the Tacoma Dome or Stadium District create sudden obstacles that motorcyclists cannot avoid.
  • Road hazard crashes: Potholes, gravel, or uneven pavement on city streets or state highways cause riders to lose control, especially during wet weather common in Pierce County.
  • Defective motorcycle parts: Brake failures, tire defects, or other mechanical issues caused by manufacturing errors can lead to crashes even when riders operate their bikes safely.

If your crash involved any of these scenarios, contact our firm to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer Tacoma residents trust for results.

Compensation Available for Motorcycle Crash Victims

The financial impact of a serious motorcycle accident extends far beyond initial medical bills. We pursue a recovery that accounts for the full scope of your losses, both economic and non-economic, to help you rebuild stability after a collision that was not your fault.

  • Past and future medical expenses: We recover costs for emergency transport, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any ongoing care required for permanent injuries or disabilities.
  • Lost wages and benefits: If your injuries prevented you from working, we calculate the income you lost during recovery and seek full compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance carrier.
  • Diminished earning capacity: Severe injuries may prevent you from returning to your previous career in construction, manufacturing, or other physical trades common in Tacoma. We work with economists to determine the lifetime value of this lost earning potential.
  • Pain and suffering: These damages account for the physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma caused by the crash and your injuries.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: Motorcycle accidents can prevent victims from participating in hobbies, recreational activities, and daily experiences they once enjoyed.
  • Property damage: We seek compensation for repairs to your motorcycle or its replacement value if the bike was totaled in the collision.
  • Loss of consortium: In cases involving catastrophic injuries, a spouse may pursue compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy caused by the crash.

Where Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Tacoma

Motorcycle crashes often occur at high-traffic intersections, freeway merges, and commercial corridors where driver error and congestion create dangerous conditions for riders.

I-5 Through Tacoma

Interstate 5 is one of the busiest corridors in Washington, connecting Tacoma to Seattle, Olympia, and Portland. Heavy truck traffic, aggressive lane changes, and high speeds create serious risks for motorcyclists, particularly near the I-5 and SR-16 interchange where merging traffic from multiple directions converges.

Pacific Avenue and South Tacoma Way

This commercial corridor runs through the heart of Tacoma, with multiple intersections, turning vehicles, and pedestrians crossing at unmarked locations. Drivers distracted by storefronts or GPS devices frequently fail to check for motorcycles before turning or changing lanes.

SR-16 Corridor

State Route 16 connects Tacoma to Gig Harbor and the Kitsap Peninsula, carrying commuters and recreational traffic across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Sudden lane changes, tailgating, and aggressive merging near the Pearl Street exit create collision risks for riders.

Sixth Avenue

This east-west route through downtown Tacoma and the Stadium District sees heavy traffic during commute hours, with drivers turning left at multiple intersections without yielding to oncoming motorcycles.

Ruston Way Waterfront

This scenic route attracts motorcyclists, but parked cars, pedestrians, and drivers pulling out from restaurants or parking lots create hazards for riders enjoying views of Commencement Bay.

Motorcycle accidents can occur anywhere, but high-traffic intersections, freeway on-ramps, and commercial areas present the greatest risks. When a collision occurs in these locations due to driver negligence or hazardous conditions, a Tacoma motorcycle accident lawyer investigates the crash and holds the responsible party accountable.

The motorcycle lies on the sidewalk after a accident

Injured? Get the Compensation You Deserve!

Our experienced injury attorneys fight for your maximum compensation—so you can focus on healing. No fees unless we win!

Schedule A Free Consultation

Local Tacoma Motorcycle Accident FAQ

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

Under RCW 4.16.080, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. However, starting early preserves evidence, secures witness statements, and strengthens your case before memories fade or physical evidence disappears.

What if the driver who hit me does not have insurance?

Washington requires drivers to carry liability insurance, but some operate vehicles illegally without coverage. If an uninsured driver caused your crash, you may file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage. A Tacoma motorcycle accident lawyer reviews your policy to identify all available sources of recovery.

Can I still recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet?

Washington law requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets under RCW 46.37.530. However, failing to wear a helmet does not automatically bar recovery. The insurance company may argue that your injuries would have been less severe with a helmet, potentially reducing your settlement, but you can still pursue compensation if another driver’s negligence caused the crash.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault, you can still recover 80 percent of your total damages.

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

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs and we only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation. This arrangement allows injured riders to access legal representation without financial stress during a medical crisis.

What if the crash involved a commercial truck or government vehicle?

Claims involving commercial trucks or government entities require additional steps and shorter deadlines. If a Tacoma city vehicle or Metro bus was involved, you may need to file a notice of claim within specific time limits. Our team also serves as a Puyallup truck accident lawyer and understands the complex regulations governing these cases.

Contact a Tacoma Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Photo of Tom Jacobs
Tom Jacobs – Tacoma
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

At Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group, we provide the steady, experienced legal support you need to hold negligent drivers accountable. Our firm has served Washington since 1893, and our commitment to our neighbors in Pierce County remains our top priority.

We take pride in our ability to remove the legal burden from your shoulders, giving you the space to focus on physical therapy and your family’s stability. A single moment of another driver’s carelessness should not define your future or destroy your financial security.

Call our office or contact us online to schedule your consultation with a Tacoma motorcycle accident lawyer. Let us take it from here.

Jacobs and Jacobs Injury Law Group – Tacoma Office

Address: 1201 Pacific Ave #600,

Tacoma, WA 98402

Ph: (253) 845-0577