How to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident in Spokane, Washington

If you’ve ever taken a motorcycle through the winding roads outside Spokane, you know the ride can feel calm and focused — just you, the curve of the pavement, and the mountains ahead. But even in those peaceful moments, all it takes is one careless driver, a patch of loose gravel, or a missed turn signal for things to go wrong fast. If you’re involved in a Spokane motorcycle accident, the consequences can be immediate and life-changing

Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and complicated insurance claims. Riders in Washington are some of the most vulnerable on the road, and when a crash happens, they’re often the ones blamed, even if they did everything right. That’s why it’s important to understand how to avoid a motorcycle accident before you’re involved in one, and what steps to take if you or a loved one suffers injuries due to someone else’s negligence.

Whether you ride every day or only on weekends, the way you ride and how you prepare can make all the difference. Reducing that risk starts with knowing the most common causes of these crashes, and why Spokane poses unique challenges for motorcyclists.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Common in Spokane

Motorcycle crashes happen every week in Spokane and surrounding areas. Many involve cars turning left in front of oncoming motorcycles, often claiming they “didn’t see” the rider. Others are caused by distracted drivers, dangerous intersections, or poor weather.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Spokane include:

• Drivers failing to yield or running red lights
• Speeding, tailgating, or weaving through traffic
• Distracted driving — texting, eating, or adjusting controls
• Unsafe road conditions, especially after winter
• Drivers making sudden lane changes without using turn signals
• Impaired driving, especially on weekends or holidays

Even when you follow Washington State traffic laws, other drivers don’t always do the same. That’s why motorcycle riders must stay alert to what’s happening around them, and anticipate the mistakes of others. But driver error isn’t the only thing you have to worry about. The roads themselves can present serious hazards, even when traffic is light.

Spokane Roads Present Hidden Hazards

Every part of Spokane comes with different risks. You might ride through city streets, rural roads, and highways like I-90 all in the same day. That increases your exposure to unpredictable drivers and changing road conditions.

Downtown traffic near Division Street or the university district often includes drivers making last-second decisions. Rural areas can bring wildlife into your path, especially at night. Loose gravel, potholes, and black ice after snowstorms also raise the risk of losing control.

Even other vehicles can become hazards when drivers brake suddenly, forget to signal, or drift into your lane. You can do everything right and still find yourself in a serious accident caused by someone else’s negligence.

So how do you lower your risk of a serious motorcycle accident while riding in and around Spokane? These next five tips can help you lower your chances of being involved in a motorcycle crash, and build a stronger personal injury claim if something does go wrong.

1. Increase Visibility to Avoid a Collision

Motorcycle riders often suffer injuries because they aren’t seen, not because they made a mistake. Making yourself visible is one of the most important ways to  avoid a Spokane motorcycle accident.

Keep your headlight on even during the day. Wear high-contrast or reflective gear. Avoid riding in blind spots, especially around large vehicles. Use your turn signals well in advance of a turn or lane change. When slowing down, tap your brakes a few times to flash your brake light and give the driver behind you extra warning.

Insurance companies may argue you contributed to the accident by not being visible, even when the other driver was clearly at fault. This can reduce the amount of compensation you’re offered in a Spokane car accident case, even if the other driver caused the harm. Taking proactive steps makes it harder for them to dispute your claim.

2. Ride Defensively and Assume Drivers Won’t See You

Defensive riding means staying focused and ready to act, not just following the law, but anticipating what other drivers might do wrong. This mindset can help you avoid a motorcycle or auto accident before it happens.

When approaching intersections, assume that drivers may turn in front of you even if you have the right of way. When passing a vehicle, do it quickly and avoid lingering in blind spots. Keep your distance in stop-and-go traffic and watch for signs that someone might cut you off.

Many motorcycle accidents occur because drivers misjudge your speed or fail to yield. If you give yourself space, time, and multiple exit paths, you increase your odds of avoiding a crash.

3. Slow Down on Unfamiliar Roads

It’s tempting to ride at a steady pace no matter where you are, but unfamiliar roads call for extra caution. You never know when a sharp turn, hidden driveway, or sudden stop will catch you off guard. Many motorcycle crashes happen when riders misjudge the road ahead, especially in rural parts of Spokane County or along scenic routes with uneven pavement or limited visibility.

Slowing down gives you more time to react to hazards like potholes, debris, or wildlife. It also helps you avoid overcorrecting if you enter a curve too fast. Even if you’ve taken the same route before, recent weather or roadwork can change the conditions without warning. Adjusting your speed based on where you’re riding isn’t just smart, it lowers your risk of being involved in a motorcycle crash.

4. Don’t Ride When You’re Distracted, Tired, or Stressed

Motorcyclists need full attention on the road at all times. Unlike drivers in enclosed vehicles, you don’t have the luxury of a protective frame around you. If you’re distracted, tired, or emotionally overwhelmed, your ability to respond to traffic changes drops sharply, and that delay can cause a serious crash.

Some riders push through fatigue or emotional stress thinking they’re still in control. But when your focus slips, even for a moment, you might miss a car edging into your lane or fail to notice a driver running a stop sign. Distraction doesn’t always mean using your phone. It can be mental, too. If you’re not alert, you can’t ride defensively, and that increases the risk of a serious or even fatal accident.

5. Check Weather and Road Conditions Before You Ride

Bad weather increases the chance of a motorcycle accident. Even light rain can make roads slick, especially near intersections where oil builds up. In winter months, Spokane’s roads may have black ice, frost, or leftover gravel from road treatment. If you’re caught off guard, the chances of losing control rise fast even if no other vehicles are involved.

Before heading out, check the local weather forecast and road reports. Avoid riding during heavy storms, and be extra cautious after snowmelt or temperature drops. Knowing what to expect helps you adjust your speed, route, and following distance, and can prevent a solo crash or a dangerous multi-vehicle accident. Insurance companies look at road conditions when evaluating accident claims, and taking preventive steps could also protect your right to seek compensation if someone else’s negligence contributes to your injuries.

Even when you take every safety precaution, you can’t always avoid a crash. If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, what you do immediately after the crash can affect your physical recovery, the strength of your accident claim, and your ability to recover fair compensation.

What to Do at the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident

If you’re involved in a car accident and motorcycle crash, what you do next matters for your safety and for your accident claim. The accident scene is your first and best chance to preserve key evidence.

Start by calling 911 so a police report can be filed. If you’re physically able, gather contact information, license plate numbers, and phone numbers for any witnesses. Take photos of the road, both vehicles, your injuries, and any debris or skid marks.

Even if you think you’re fine, seek medical care right away. Motorcycle accident injuries can show up hours later, and early treatment links those injuries directly to the crash, which is important for your personal injury claim. Unfortunately, even with clear evidence, insurance companies often try to shift blame or minimize payouts, especially when motorcycles are involved.

Insurance Companies May Question Fault

After a motorcycle crash, it’s common for the insurance company to claim you were partially at fault even if the other driver clearly caused the accident. They may say you were speeding, weaving through traffic, or didn’t wear proper gear.

Washington follows a comparative fault rule under RCW 4.22.005. That means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found even partially at fault. For example, if you’re 30% at fault, you only recover 70% of your total damages.

Insurance companies often use this law to lower your payout. That’s why it’s important to have strong evidence, witness statements, medical documentation, and the support of a Spokane motorcycle accident lawyer who understands motorcycle cases and how insurance coverage works in Washington State. Knowing what types of compensation may be available can help you understand the full impact of your accident, and why building a strong personal injury claim matters.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Motorcycle Crash?

Motorcycle crashes often lead to serious injuries, expensive medical care, and extended time off work. Some riders face permanent limitations or long-term rehabilitation. In fatal accident cases, family members may be left dealing with funeral costs, emotional distress, and legal questions about who’s responsible for the harm your family has suffered.

A motorcycle accident claim can include compensation for:

• Medical bills and future treatment
• Property damage to your bike and gear
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death claims (for family members of deceased riders)

The compensation you receive depends on the strength of your evidence, the accuracy of your claim, and how fault is determined. Insurance companies don’t always offer fair compensation without a fight, especially when serious injuries are involved. In some cases, there isn’t another driver to hold responsible, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Can the Road Itself Be to Blame?

Some motorcycle accidents happen without another vehicle involved, but that doesn’t mean no one is responsible. If poor road design, missing signage, or lack of maintenance contributed to your crash, a government agency could be liable.

Claims involving road conditions or product defects (such as tire blowouts or brake failures) fall under different rules. These cases may involve shorter deadlines or special notice requirements, so it’s important to act quickly if you suspect road conditions or a product defect caused harm. Whether you’re pursuing a personal injury claim or a wrongful death lawsuit, Washington law sets strict deadlines for taking legal action.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Washington?

Washington law gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit under RCW 4.16.080. If you’re filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of a family member, the same deadline generally applies.

However, building a strong case takes time. Healthcare providers need to release records, accident scene evidence needs to be preserved, and any other documentation, including police reports and insurance company communications should be reviewed thoroughly.

The longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to recover compensation. Witnesses forget what happened. Records get lost. Insurance companies may question why you didn’t act sooner. That’s why taking action right after the accident is often in your best interests. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by what comes next, you don’t have to make every decision on your own.

When You’re Hurt, You Need Someone Who Listens

The days after a motorcycle crash are often filled with pain, confusion, and pressure from insurance adjusters. If you’re out of work, facing medical bills, and unsure who to trust, you don’t need to go through it alone. You need someone who sees you as more than a claim number.

Whether your motorcycle accident happened in Spokane Valley, downtown Spokane, or somewhere else in Washington, you have legal rights. You don’t have to accept the first offer from the insurance company. And you don’t have to settle for less than you’re eligible for.

At Albrecht Law, our Spokane accident attorneys don’t chase every case. We focus on serious injury cases because we know what’s at stake. Motorcycle accidents often involve complex questions about fault, compensation, and long-term harm, and we bring a legal strategy that matches the seriousness of your situation.

Founding attorney Matt Albrecht authored Washington Insurance Law and Litigation (2023–2024), and he’s trusted to represent clients before the Washington State Supreme Court. That same focus and preparation go into every motorcycle accident case, wrongful death claim, and personal injury case we take.

Call (509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule your consultation today. We will sit down with you to discuss your case free of charge, without any obligation to hire our firm. If you do decide to hire our firm for representation, we’ll start working on your case immediately. We always work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us a cent unless your case is successful.

Albrecht Law PLLC — Our Clients Are More Than Just Cases

Copyright © 2025. Albrecht Law PLLC. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Albrecht Law PLLC
5105 E 3rd Ave Ste 101
Spokane Valley, WA 99212
(509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246
https://albrechtlawfirm.com/