If you or someone in your family loves to ride a motorcycle, you will know that living in the Pacific Northwest provides ample opportunity for some of the most spectacular scenery in which to enjoy the great outdoors. From glorious mountains to the Pacific Ocean coastline to rural farmlands and more, the region is a biker's dream indeed. Unfortunately, riders must always be aware of the risks they face when sharing the road with other vehicles. 

Records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that Washington State has seen a growing number of bikers killed in accidents in recent years. Looking at the 10 years spanning from 2009 to 2018, the state recorded its fewest motorcyclist fatalities in 2014 when it still lost 69 riders in crashes. In the following two years, biker fatalities increased first to 75 and then to 81. In both 2017 and 2018, 80 motorcyclists lost their lives on Washington State roads and highways. 

Between 2014 and 2018, it was riders in their 60s or older who accounted for the most fatalities. In those five years, 85 riders in this age group died in crashes. In the same time period, 74 riders in their 20s, 72 riders in their 30s, 71 riders in their 50s and 70 riders in their 40s were killed. 

If you would like to learn more about how to get the help you deserve after you or a loved one has been involved in an accident while riding a motorcycle, please feel free to visit the biker's assistance and compensation page of our Washington State motor vehicle accident and personal injury website.