Time Limits to File Suit
Washington law sets a strict deadline for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the crash to file your case. This deadline is formally known as the statute of limitations.
If you miss this deadline, you can expect the court to dismiss your case even when the evidence is in your favor. What’s more, these dismissals are with prejudice, meaning that you’ll never be able to pursue a claim for your damages due to this particular accident.
There are also limited exceptions that may extend or shorten the deadline. For example, minors generally have more time to file a lawsuit compared to adults. On the other hand, you could have a short window of time to act when your accident was caused by a government entity. A Spokane motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand when time runs out in your case, and prevent that from occurring.
Recovering Compensation
The consequences of a motorcycle accident can follow you for years. If you can show that another party was to blame for the crash, you could be entitled to financial compensation. Some of the damages in your motorcycle accident case might include the following.
Medical Expenses
You may recover the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. Future medical needs are also considered if your injuries require ongoing treatment.
Lost Income
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages. If you cannot return to the same job or earn at the same level, you may also recover damages for reduced earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
These damages address the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. They might be subjective, but that doesn’t prevent you from recovering compensation after a crash.
Property Damage
You also have the opportunity to recover an award based on the damage to your motorcycle. Depending on the extent of the damage, your settlement could pay to repair the bike or replace it entirely.
