
A: Yes. In a Washington motorcycle accident the lack of a motorcycle endorsement does not kill your right to make an injury claim. If the other driver caused the accident then you still can make an injury claim.
However, Washington state is a pure contributory negligence state, which may affect your claim. You're probably saying, ahh in English this time. What the legal term contributory negligence means is that if you were partly at fault for causing the accident then your claim will be reduced by that percentage.
When the insurance company finds out you did not have a motorcycle endorsement don't be surprised when they blame you for causing the accident. Or they may try to assign you a much higher percentage of fault than is justified. The best way to deal with this situation is likely going to be hiring an experienced Washington motorcycle accident attorney.
The insurance company in this situation may not deal with you in a fair and reasonable manner because of the fact that you had no endorsement. They use any excuse to get out of paying for damages. The only way to level the playing field often is hiring a lawyer who can go toe to toe with the insurance company adjuster.
If you're injury in a Washington motorcycle accident and you did not have you're motorcycle endorsement, do yourself a favor and call an experienced Washington motorcycle accident attorney for some advice first before walking away from a accident caused by someone else.
Scott McDonald and Associates PLLC
410 Market Street
Kirkland, WA 98033
Phone: 425-822-5700
Fax: 425-828-0871
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