Legal Help for Victims of Redlight Motorcycle Accidents in Washington
Running a red light in Washington is a common cause of catastrophic motorcycle injuries. The crashes happen in a split second, but the recovery takes years. If another driver ran a light and hit you while you were cycling, Bernard Law Group can help. Our attorneys move quickly to preserve evidence, secure medical records, and demand full compensation from insurers. We’ve recovered over $500 million for injured clients all over Washington, including those who have been victims of high-speed red-lighting collisions.
Redlight bicycle accidents routinely occur at busy intersections like Rainier Avenue S, Aurora Avenue, and near Spokane Valley Mall. They often involve inattentive or aggressive motorists who don’t see the motorcycle before the impact. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be killed in an accident than occupants of cars, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Do not let the insurance company decide what your case is worth. Call 206-752-2233 today for a free case evaluation. The sooner you act, the stronger your claim. Bernard Law Group represents injured bicyclists from Seattle to Spokane and everywhere in between.
Crucial Evidence That Proves Fault in Washington Redlight Motorcycle Cases
Every successful redlight motorcycle injury claim in Washington starts with hard evidence. Police reports help, but they rarely tell the full story. At Bernard Law Group, we move fast to preserve the kind of visual and technical proof that turns denials into high-dollar settlements. Whether your crash happened on SR 20 near Bellingham or in an Everett intersection, our legal team knows exactly where to look and how to use what we find.
Redlight motorcycle accidents often involve disputes about timing, right-of-way, or visibility. That is why we rely on concrete evidence to expose the truth. The more we uncover early, the harder it is for the insurance company to shift blame. Below, we break down the types of evidence we secure and how each one strengthens your Washington redlight motorcycle case.
Video Surveillance Footage From Washington Intersections Can Seal Liability
Traffic cameras, red-light enforcement systems, and nearby business security footage often catch the moment of impact. These recordings show who ran the light, which direction each vehicle moved, and how the crash unfolded in real time.
Unfortunately, this type of evidence is often erased within a matter of days. That is why our attorneys immediately request preservation letters and file subpoenas when necessary. According to the National Association of City Transportation Officials, signalized intersections should be analyzed for design flaws contributing to red-light violations. We use those same tools to investigate what happened and preserve your right to recover damages.
Helmet Camera Footage and Cell Phone Video Add Powerful Visual Context
Motorcycle riders often wear helmet-mounted cameras to document their ride. This footage becomes vital when crashes occur at traffic lights or while approaching intersections. It captures vehicle movements, signal changes, and rider responses in a way that written reports cannot.
Additionally, bystanders often record accidents on smartphones. We canvass the scene, interview witnesses, and collect this footage before it disappears. In cases where fault is contested, video evidence often tips the scales in the rider’s favor and increases case value.
Physical Damage to the Motorcycle Tells a Story of Impact and Negligence
A damaged motorcycle provides more than proof of destruction. The point of impact, angle of intrusion, and damage pattern all offer critical clues about how the crash happened and who caused it.
At Bernard Law Group, we document damage using high-resolution photos, mechanical inspections, and 3D imaging. We then use that information to support the injury claim, demonstrate force, and expose inconsistencies in the other driver’s story. These strategies help prove liability and often counter lowball insurance offers.
Rider Gear and Helmet Condition Show Crash Severity
Helmet fractures, torn jackets, and dented armor all speak to the speed and intensity of the crash. These items also demonstrate how closely the rider followed safety regulations, including Washington’s mandatory helmet law.
We preserve all protective gear as physical evidence. When insurers try to argue your injuries were avoidable or minor, these materials shut those arguments down. If your helmet shows a direct impact to the temple or visor, we use that to support claims of concussion, brain trauma, or vision disruption.
Skid Marks and Debris Fields Help Recreate What Happened on the Road
Crash scenes tell the truth, but only for a short time. Skid marks, fluid pools, bike fragments, and debris fields show how fast vehicles were going, how hard they hit, and where the rider landed.
Our legal team visits the site as soon as possible, especially in serious motorcycle injury cases. We photograph the surface, diagram debris placement, and measure tire marks. Combined with scene mapping, this information helps us create courtroom-ready visual exhibits that align with forensic standards recommended by the Society of Forensic Engineers and Scientists.
Scene Lighting and Signal Visibility Impact Fault Assignments
In low-light conditions or during poor weather, traffic signals and signs may not be clearly visible. That can shift the dynamics of fault if drivers claim they could not see the signal phase or misjudged the right-of-way.
We inspect these scenes for obscured signs, faded road paint, broken lights, or poor sightlines. When necessary, we consult with illumination experts to assess whether city maintenance failures contributed to the crash. These factors often support secondary liability against municipal agencies.
Phone Use and App Activity Data Expose Distracted Drivers in Redlight Crashes
A major percentage of Washington redlight motorcycle crashes involve drivers who were looking at their phones. We subpoena mobile phone records, app logs, and texting history to match usage with crash time.
Under RCW 46.61.672, Washington prohibits all handheld phone use while driving. Violating that statute can establish negligence per se. We pursue these records aggressively and often uncover hidden phone activity that insurers or defense attorneys fail to disclose. End Distracted Driving outlines the full impact of mobile device use behind the wheel, and our firm applies those facts directly to your case.
Vehicle Black Box Data Reveals Speed and Braking Behavior
Many modern vehicles log detailed crash data, including brake force, throttle use, and pre-impact speed. We retrieve this data to show whether the at-fault driver accelerated into the intersection or failed to stop at the red light.
This information often contradicts driver testimony and confirms what the rider experienced. Black box data is a key reason to act quickly. Delayed cases risk lost access to this data, especially after the vehicle is repaired or scrapped.
Washington Intersections Where Redlight Motorcycle Crashes Happen Most Often
Redlight motorcycle accidents in Washington almost always occur at intersections drivers use every day. The risk is highest where traffic congestion meets driver inattention. Riders traveling through city arteries or highway interchanges often suffer devastating injuries when someone blows through a signal or fails to yield. Bernard Law Group has seen this firsthand. Our attorneys have handled motorcycle injury claims at some of the most dangerous intersections in the state.
From King County to Spokane Valley, these collisions follow repeat patterns. Riders get cut off by left-turning vehicles. Drivers run stale yellow lights. Some even speed through on red while distracted by GPS or social media apps. Below are the specific locations where these crashes happen again and again.
Seattle Redlight Motorcycle Collisions Happen Across Rainier Valley and Northgate
Seattle riders face intersection threats daily, especially along Rainier Avenue South, Aurora Avenue North, and Denny Way. These corridors mix heavy vehicle traffic with inconsistent signal timing and limited visibility. Riders are often hit while lawfully entering the intersection on a green light or stale yellow.
Rainier Valley leads the city in reported injury crashes involving motorcycles. According to Seattle Department of Transportation, intersections like Rainier and Henderson or Aurora and 85th consistently appear in the city’s Vision Zero safety analysis.
Left Turns at Busy Signals Endanger Seattle Riders
A large number of redlight motorcycle collisions in Seattle happen when drivers turn left across the rider’s path. These crashes occur at intersections like 23rd and Madison or near the Northgate Transit Center. Signal phases often confuse drivers who misjudge distance or simply fail to yield.
We regularly investigate these crashes by pulling footage, analyzing timing logs, and interviewing local business owners near the intersection. These steps expose the full story and strengthen rider claims.
Spokane Intersections Like Division Street and Sprague Create High Crash Risks
Motorcyclists in Spokane encounter different dangers than in Seattle. Broad intersections and fast traffic flow contribute to redlight violations. Locations such as Division and Mission or Sprague and Fancher are known sites of serious motorcycle impacts.
When crashes happen near shopping centers or state highways, the driver often accelerates to beat the signal. Unfortunately, that puts riders at direct risk. According to Spokane Regional Transportation Council, these intersections rank among the county’s top crash zones.
Signal Confusion and Speeding Create Dangerous Mix in Spokane Valley
Spokane Valley’s mix of frontage roads and arterial signals makes for confusing approaches. Redlight motorcycle crashes often occur when drivers misunderstand permissive green arrows or speed through lights turning red. Sprague Avenue between Argonne and Sullivan sees frequent bike collisions.
Our legal team has recovered compensation for riders hit at these intersections. We know how to get camera footage, analyze road design, and prove that rider visibility was ignored.
Tacoma Redlight Motorcycle Accidents Cluster Near SR 16 and Pacific Avenue
Motorcycle injury claims in Tacoma often stem from left-turn crashes and redlight violations on multilane roads. Intersections like Pacific Avenue and South 72nd or Sprague and Center see repeated incidents due to poor driver decisions at traffic lights.
Many riders hit in Tacoma are commuting to or from jobs along SR 16 or I-5. These commuters get caught in gridlock, and impatient drivers try to beat the lights.
High-Speed Routes and Intersection Density Create Daily Crash Hazards
Tacoma’s downtown grid has another problem. Intersections are close together, giving riders little space to react. At locations like South Tacoma Way or East 38th Street, riders often approach stale signals while drivers attempt late turns. These timing errors cause high-force impacts at the intersection.
We review city records, crash reports, and municipal maintenance logs to build your redlight motorcycle injury claim. Our firm uses those findings to demand full compensation.
Highways and State Routes See Constant Motorcycle Intersection Collisions
Redlight crashes don’t only happen on city streets. In rural Washington and suburban zones, many riders are hit on state highways like SR 20, SR 167, and Highway 2. These intersections often involve drivers who fail to yield or run flashing red signals.
High-speed corridors like SR 18 near Auburn and SR 522 near Bothell have limited signal control and high approach speeds. Motorcyclists entering or exiting these roads suffer some of the most serious injuries we handle. According to the Federal Highway Administration, uncontrolled intersections on state routes are among the most dangerous environments for motorcyclists.
Limited Visibility and Poor Lighting Add to the Crash Risk
Many rural or semi-urban intersections in Washington lack proper lighting or updated signage. Riders turning across traffic or merging into busy lanes are especially vulnerable during dusk or early morning hours. These visibility failures often go undocumented unless a legal team investigates right away.
Our attorneys document signal phasing, light pole placement, and recent traffic complaints. When municipalities fail to maintain safe intersections, we include them in the claim.
How Redlight Violations Cause Motorcycle Wrecks Across Washington
When drivers ignore traffic signals in Washington, motorcycle riders pay the price. Intersections are where redlight crashes most often occur, and motorcyclists rarely walk away unharmed. These collisions usually involve high speeds, sudden turns, or aggressive driving behavior that leaves riders no time to react. At Bernard Law Group, we have built redlight motorcycle cases across Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane where one decision by a careless driver changed a rider’s life.
Each crash has its own facts. Still, nearly every redlight motorcycle wreck begins with a violation of Washington traffic laws that exist to prevent this kind of impact. Below we outline the most common causes, explain why they are deadly, and show how we prove them in a claim. If you were hit by someone who ran a red in Washington, we are ready to act.
Running a Redlight at Speed Creates Violent Motorcycle Crashes
Drivers who speed through a redlight cause some of the most brutal collisions on Washington roads. At full speed, their vehicles strike motorcycles directly or from the side, throwing the rider to the pavement or into cross traffic. These crashes almost always lead to hospitalization, surgery, and long-term recovery.
Our legal team proves redlight violations using surveillance footage, timing data, and eyewitness accounts. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, riders face much higher fatality rates in signalized intersections when compared to other types of traffic crashes. We use that data to back our demand for full damages and show how this violation impacted your life.
Intersection Layout Often Encourages Signal Running
Some redlight crashes occur because intersections are designed poorly. A fading signal lens, unclear lane lines, or a missing yellow light countdown can cause confusion. Drivers then misjudge the light phase and blow through a red, often without even realizing it until impact. Our firm investigates these intersections to see whether city negligence contributed to the crash.
We check local signal timing charts, pull public records requests, and inspect lighting and signage. This evidence becomes critical when we need to show more than just one driver’s mistake. In certain cases, we have brought claims against both the driver and the municipality that failed to maintain the traffic signal.
Left Turn Accidents Across Washington Hit Riders in the Path of Travel
One of the most common ways redlight motorcycle wrecks happen is when a car turns left across the rider’s lane. These accidents happen at intersections statewide, including Rainier Avenue, Pacific Highway, and Sprague Avenue. The rider has the green light, but the turning driver misjudges speed or simply does not look for a motorcycle.
Our team reconstructs the collision with angle data, helmet cam footage, and black box reports. These left-turn crashes are often preventable. But too many drivers believe they can make the turn before the light changes and cut off an oncoming rider in the process. This creates a t-bone crash at full speed, often with catastrophic results.
Washington Law Holds Turning Drivers Liable for Right of Way Violations
Under RCW 46.61.185, any driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic. That includes motorcycles approaching with the right of way at a green light. In redlight wreck cases, we use this law to establish fault and push back on claims that the rider was speeding or unseen.
The law is clear. If the rider had the light and was proceeding through the intersection, the turning driver holds responsibility. Our firm has used this approach successfully across multiple counties to secure full compensation for our clients.
Stale Yellow Misjudgments Often Lead to Redlight Motorcycle Wrecks
Drivers who try to beat a yellow light often cause collisions with oncoming motorcycles. They misjudge the time it takes to cross or underestimate how close the rider is. When the light turns red mid-turn or mid-lane change, the impact is immediate. These incidents are common in high-volume corridors and state routes with mixed signal patterns.
Bernard Law Group proves these violations using traffic signal records and vehicle movement data. We frequently uncover that the light had turned red before the driver entered the intersection. By combining this with witness interviews, we show the insurance company exactly who violated the law and when.
Confusion Around Protected Arrows and Flashing Yellows Contributes to Wrecks
Modern signal designs sometimes include flashing yellow arrows or unprotected lefts. These phases confuse many drivers, especially in suburban and rural intersections. Riders often proceed on green through the intersection, only to be cut off by a car that wrongly assumes it has the right of way.
We retrieve the city’s signal phase data and match it to the time of the crash. In many cases, the other driver simply did not understand the meaning of the signal, which does not excuse the result. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, intersection confusion remains one of the leading contributors to motorcycle fatalities.
Talk to a Washington Redlight Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you were hit in a redlight motorcycle crash in Washington, do not wait to get help. Every day that passes makes it harder to prove what happened. Surveillance footage gets erased. Witnesses forget. Insurers build their defense before you even file a claim. At Bernard Law Group, we act fast and build strong redlight motorcycle cases from day one.
Our legal team has recovered over $500 million for injured riders, drivers, and pedestrians across the state. We handle redlight motorcycle injury claims in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and every city in between. You never pay out of pocket. There are no fees unless we win your case. We take on insurance companies while you focus on healing.
Call 206-752-2233 now for a free consultation or contact us online today.
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