Legal Question in Personal Injury in Washington

What is our rights in a motorcycle accident in a parking lot?

While driving through a parking lot on a motorcycle with my husband, the throttle stuck, and my husband lost control of the motorcycle. We were the only ones injured, but our motorcycle struck a parked vehicle. We are not required by law to carry insurance on a motorcycle in the state of Washington, therefore did not have insurance coverage. We admittedly are responsible for damages incurred to the other vehicle, but would like to know our rights as far as what we should pay. Do we have any say in who repairs the vehicle? I know in some states the individual with damaged property must supply 3 estimates, but I cannot find any laws regarding this for the state of Washington.


Asked on 7/25/02, 8:42 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sam Hochberg Sam Hochberg & Associates

Re: What is our rights in a motorcycle accident in a parking lot?

First thing to look at in this case is whether anyone(besides you guys) was negligent regarding the throttle. If it was a fairly new bike, it's possible there was a manufacturing defect that caused it to stick, in which case the manufacturer or dealer's insurance might cover the other car's damage. More likely, I suspect, it "just happened" on an older bike, probably from lack of lube. I know -- I've been riding for for over 30 years.

To answer your question, I'm not familiar with any specific law regarding estimates. It's just something that is negotiated, so far as I know. It would surely be appropriate for you to get an estimate from more than one shop, or even from a shop of your own choosing, so you'd feel more comfortable. If it were me, I'd take their car myself to my own shop.

Good luck!

Sam Hochberg

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Answered on 7/26/02, 3:34 am


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