Navigating a Motorcycle Accident—Insight from a Motorcycle Attorney Yakima Riders Trust
A motorcycle accident can happen in a heartbeat—but the aftermath often unfolds with lingering physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you’re involved in a crash, Bill Pickett, senior trial attorney and partner at Larson Griffee Pickett, says the steps you take immediately afterwards can make all the difference.
“First and foremost, make sure everyone is safe,” says Bill, a seasoned personal injury attorney that Yakima riders often rely on. “If there’s any hint of injury—pain, dizziness, loss of consciousness—call 9-1-1 right away. Prompt medical attention not only protects your well-being but also establishes an important record for your injury attorney if legal action becomes necessary.”
Bill says the second step is to preserve the scene.
“Document everything—take photos of damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, weather, and your protective gear. Those images can be critical for your motorcycle attorney’s case later.” Visual evidence helps reconstruct the event and supports your claim for fair compensation.
Bill advises to exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved and to stay polite—but to avoid saying anything like “sorry” that might imply fault. “Stick to the facts when talking to the other party and responding to police questions,” advises Bill. “Even a casual ‘I’m sorry’ can be interpreted as admitting fault by insurance companies,” the veteran personal injury attorney warns.
Bill says motorcycle collisions often involve complex dynamics and having an attorney who specializes in personal injury is important for getting the compensation and care you deserve.
“At Larson Griffee Pickett, our personal injury team brings in accident reconstruction specialists, reviews police reports, collects traffic footage, and talks to witnesses,” Bill explains. “That’s the kind of thorough investigation your motorcycle attorney should undertake to accurately determine fault.”
Bill also advises to document any pain, injury, or care you receive.
“Your injuries—and future health needs—must be fully documented,” Bill stresses. “We work with medical professionals to capture details of injured areas, projected recovery timelines, and ongoing care expenses.” Bill says this evidence is vital when seeking compensation for medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation, and emotional distress.
When it comes to seeking that compensation Bill warns not to go it alone.
“Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts,” says Bill. “Our personal injury team in Yakima aggressively negotiates to secure fair settlements for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering,” says Pickett. He emphasizes that if negotiations stall, he isn’t afraid to take the case to court.
Bill says it’s important is to reach out to a personal injury attorney as soon as you can for the best possible outcome.
“Don’t wait,” Bill urges. “Early legal involvement gives your case the strongest start—from securing evidence to managing deadlines and countering insurance tactics.” Having a skilled personal injury attorney in Yakima and on your side ensures you don’t face the aftermath alone.
“We treat every motorcycle accident case seriously—working from start to finish to make sure our clients get what they deserve,” says Bill. “Residents of the Yakima Valley deserve a dedicated motorcycle attorney who understands the impact these injuries can have on lives and families.”