Motorcycle Accident Claims in Washington
The Washington helmet law, whether lane splitting is legal, how fault is shared after a motorcycle crash, and the deadline to sue.
Short answer: Washington requires everyone operating or riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or moped on a state highway, county road or city street to wear a motorcycle helmet meeting federal DOT standards, with the chin strap fastened, regardless of age. Rev. Code Wash. § 46.37.530(1)(c), (3)
| Motorcycle helmet law | Washington requires everyone operating or riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or moped on a state highway, county road or city street to wear a motorcycle helmet meeting federal DOT standards, with the chin strap fastened, regardless of age. Exceptions are antique motor-driven cycles and vehicles with a steering wheel, seat belts and an enclosed seating area certified to federal standards. The section read does not address the effect on damages. |
|---|---|
| Lane splitting | Lane splitting is banned: no person may operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles, and a motorcyclist may not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being passed (except a pedestrian or bicyclist, with at least three feet of clearance). Police officers on duty are exempt; no more than two motorcycles may ride abreast in one lane. |
| Fault rule (comparative negligence) | Pure comparative fault. An injured person's own fault reduces their damages proportionately but does not bar recovery, no matter how large their share of fault. Source: Rev. Code Wash. § 4.22.005 |
| Minimum car insurance | Drivers must carry liability insurance (or another approved form of financial responsibility) of at least $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $10,000 for property damage. |
| Deadline to sue for an injury | Three years for any injury to the person or rights of another not otherwise listed in the limitations statutes. Source: Rev. Code Wash. § 4.16.080(2) |
More Washington personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Washington
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Washington
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Washington
- Car Accident Claims in Washington
- Dog Bite Liability in Washington
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Washington
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Washington
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Washington
- Truck Accident Claims in Washington
- Construction Site Injuries in Washington
- All Washington personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Washington?
Washington requires everyone operating or riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or moped on a state highway, county road or city street to wear a motorcycle helmet meeting federal DOT standards, with the chin strap fastened, regardless of age. Exceptions are antique motor-driven cycles and vehicles with a steering wheel, seat belts and an enclosed seating area certified to federal standards. The section read does not address the effect on damages.
Is lane splitting legal in Washington?
Lane splitting is banned: no person may operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles, and a motorcyclist may not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being passed (except a pedestrian or bicyclist, with at least three feet of clearance). Police officers on duty are exempt; no more than two motorcycles may ride abreast in one lane.
Can you recover damages if you were partly at fault in Washington?
Pure comparative fault. An injured person's own fault reduces their damages proportionately but does not bar recovery, no matter how large their share of fault.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Washington?
Drivers must carry liability insurance (or another approved form of financial responsibility) of at least $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $10,000 for property damage.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Washington?
Three years for any injury to the person or rights of another not otherwise listed in the limitations statutes.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.