Tacoma Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Fierce Advocacy for Injured Riders in Tacoma and Pierce County
Motorcycle riders in Tacoma face a unique combination of risks. Between dense urban traffic, I-5 congestion, unpredictable weather, and drivers who simply fail to look for motorcycles, riders are placed in danger every day through no fault of their own. And when a crash happens, the injuries are often severe and far more serious than those suffered in most car collisions. Yet instead of compassion or fairness, riders are often met with blame, skepticism, and an insurance system that assumes they must have caused their own accident.
At Gustad Law Group, we know the truth: most motorcycle accidents are caused by inattentive, distracted, or negligent drivers, not by the riders who suffer the consequences. We also know the stigma motorcyclists face and how insurance companies, opposing attorneys, and sometimes even police reports unfairly paint riders as reckless or “asking for it” simply for choosing a motorcycle as their mode of transportation. Tacoma motorcycle accident lawyer John-Paul Gustad and his team fight back against this bias every day. With care, compassion, and relentless advocacy, we stand up for injured riders and make sure their voices are heard.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Tacoma
Motorcycles are small, fast-moving, and easy to overlook, not because riders are doing anything wrong, but because many drivers fail to take the basic precautions needed to share the road responsibly. In Tacoma, common causes of motorcycle crashes include drivers making left turns across oncoming motorcycles, especially at intersections along Pacific Avenue, 6th Avenue, and S 38th Street. These left-turn collisions are among the most dangerous crashes a rider can experience and frequently happen when the rider has the right of way.
Highway motorcycle crashes also occur at alarming rates. On I-5 and Highway 16, unsignaled lane changes are a constant source of danger. A driver who fails to check blind spots can move into a rider’s lane with no warning, forcing the motorcyclist into a violent evasive maneuver or causing a direct collision. Many of these crashes happen in heavy traffic, where rapid lane shifting and driver impatience increase the risk dramatically.
Urban areas create additional hazards. Dooring accidents—where a parked driver swings their car door open into the travel lane without looking—are common on Tacoma’s busier commercial corridors. Sudden stops, drivers rapidly switching lanes, and delivery vehicles blocking visibility all contribute to a dangerous environment for motorcyclists navigating city streets.
Weather plays a role as well. Rain, fog, and slick pavement reduce visibility and increase stopping distances. But while the weather may complicate riding conditions, it rarely excuses a driver’s negligence. Too many drivers drive too fast for the conditions, follow motorcycles too closely, or brake abruptly due to distraction, leaving riders vulnerable to catastrophic harm.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous
The physical vulnerabilities of motorcyclists cannot be overstated. Even with proper gear, a helmet, and defensive riding techniques, a motorcyclist has no seat belt, no airbag, and no steel frame to absorb impact. When a crash occurs, the rider takes the full force of the collision, often being thrown, crushed, or run over by the vehicle behind them.
This level of exposure leads to devastating injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), even with a helmet
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Multiple fractures, particularly to the legs and pelvis
- Road rash, burns, and severe lacerations
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
These injuries frequently require emergency surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and long-term medical support. Riders often cannot work during recovery, and in the worst cases, they may suffer permanent disabilities that forever change the course of their lives. The seriousness of these injuries underscores the importance of strong, experienced legal representation, especially when insurance companies attempt to minimize the harm or deny responsibility.
Bias Against Motorcyclists and How Gustad Law Group Fights It
Insurance companies are notorious for treating motorcyclists differently from other crash victims. Adjusters routinely blame the rider, claim the rider was speeding, or argue that the motorcyclist “could have avoided the collision” even when the evidence overwhelmingly shows the opposite. Statements are twisted, photos are misinterpreted, and the rider is treated with suspicion instead of fairness.
Law enforcement reports are not always accurate, either. Officers responding to chaotic scenes sometimes rely too heavily on a driver’s narrative, especially when the rider is incapacitated and unable to explain what happened. This can lead to incomplete or misleading crash reports that insurers then use to deny or devalue a claim.
Gustad Law Group is deeply familiar with these challenges. John-Paul Gustad and his team know how to dismantle biased arguments, highlight the truth of what really happened, and present the strongest possible case for their clients. They work with accident reconstruction experts, interview witnesses, obtain traffic camera or dash-cam footage, and coordinate with medical professionals to prove both liability and the full extent of the rider’s injuries.
Above all, Gustad Law Group treats injured riders as human beings, not case numbers. The firm believes in compassionate guidance, clear communication, and steadfast support during every step of the journey. When the system doesn’t believe you or doesn’t care about you, we do.
Common Motorcycle Accident Scenarios in Tacoma
Motorcycle crashes happen in countless ways, but some patterns appear again and again in Tacoma and throughout Pierce County. Some of the types of accidents riders face most often include:
- Left-turn collisions at intersections: A driver turns across the rider’s path, misjudging speed or failing to see the motorcycle altogether.
- Unsignaled or unsafe lane changes on highways: A car merges directly into the rider’s lane on I-5 or Highway 16, often trapping or sideswiping the motorcycle.
- Dooring accidents on city streets: A driver opens their door without checking mirrors, striking the rider or forcing them to collide with traffic.
- Rear-end collisions: Distracted drivers following too closely hit motorcycles from behind, often ejecting the rider.
- Failure to yield: Drivers pulling out from side streets, parking lots, or driveways into a rider’s path.
- Speeding or aggressive driving: Tailgating, cutting off motorcycles, or racing through intersections creates extreme risk for riders who have no margin for error.
Each scenario presents its own legal and factual challenges, and each requires an attorney who understands motorcycle dynamics, rider visibility issues, and the subtle details that prove fault.
A motorcycle accident affects every aspect of your life, including your health, your mobility, your job, your relationships, and your financial stability. Riders often face months or years of recovery, and without a strong legal advocate, insurance companies will push low offers that barely cover basic expenses.
Gustad Law Group pursues full and fair compensation for:
- Medical bills, surgeries, and future care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Property damage, including your motorcycle and gear
- Long-term disability or loss of quality of life
Insurance companies may claim your injuries aren’t as serious as you say or argue that you were partially at fault. Washington is a comparative negligence state, and insurers often try to increase your percentage of fault to reduce what they have to pay. We push back aggressively against these tactics and will not let insurers distort the truth.
How Gustad Law Group Builds a Strong Motorcycle Injury Claim
Every motorcycle crash deserves a careful, methodical investigation. Gustad Law Group begins by gathering all available evidence, including police reports, witness interviews, crash-site measurements, photographs, medical records, and repair estimates. When necessary, we work with reconstruction specialists to analyze the angles, speeds, braking distances, and vehicle movements that led to the collision.
We also work closely with your medical providers to ensure your injuries are documented accurately and completely. Insurance companies often dispute the severity of motorcycle injuries or claim they were “pre-existing.” By presenting comprehensive medical evidence, expert opinions, and proof of how your life has been affected, we build a compelling case for full compensation.
Our firm also handles communication with insurance companies so you don’t have to. Riders should never speak with insurers alone; they will use anything you say against you. We take over all negotiations and, when necessary, prepare your case for trial to secure the justice you deserve.
FAQ: Tacoma Motorcycle Accident Claims
What if the police report says I’m at fault?
Police reports are not final determinations of liability. They are often incomplete or based on limited information. We can challenge errors and present evidence that explains what really happened.
What if I weren’t wearing a helmet?
You can still pursue compensation. Not wearing a helmet may affect the value of some claims, but it does not bar recovery.
The driver says they didn’t see me. Does that matter?
No. Drivers have a legal duty to look for motorcycles. “I didn’t see them” is not a defense to negligent driving.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Tacoma, you need a law firm that believes in you, supports you, and fights for you. Gustad Law Group combines compassion for clients with aggressive advocacy against insurance companies that refuse to take responsibility.
Call today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice, accountability, and a full financial recovery.