Brian D. Bundy Injured in Adna Motorcycle Accident

Brian D. Bundy motorcycle accident on State Route 6, Adna, Washington

The accident occurred on State Route 6 near Penning Road. Investigators cite speed as a cause.

Brian D. Bundy, 60, of Centralia, was injured in a motorcycle accident on State Route 6 near Adna, Washington, on Wednesday, April 8, according to the State Patrol. Bundy was riding a 2013 BMW F800 motorcycle eastbound near Penning Road at about 10:30 a.m. when it struck a westbound 2023 Ford F-350 pickup truck turning left onto Penning Road. The motorcycle stopped in the westbound ditch. The truck stopped on Penning Road.

Bundy, who was wearing a federally compliant helmet, suffered undisclosed injuries. He was airlifted to MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital for treatment. The driver of the F-350, Kailee A. Masteller, 34, of Centralia, and three child passengers, were uninjured in the collision. All four were wearing seat belts.

The truck sustained reportable damage but was driven from the scene, troopers said. Bundy's motorcycle was considered totaled. WSP investigators listed speed as the cause of a crash. It was unknown whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident.

When motorcycle accidents such as this occur, investigators often focus on driver awareness and road conditions. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "The thing about motorcycle crashes that keeps me up at night is target fixation. Drivers often stare at the bike they're trying to avoid, but they doesn't realize their hands follow their eyes right into the rider."

What do investigators look for at the Adna crash site?

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, even when the rider wears a helmet. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 82,564 motorcyclists were injured in 2023. These injuries can lead to extensive medical care and long-term recovery.

How common are motorcycle accidents on State Route 6?

Washington's comparative fault system

Washington operates under a pure comparative fault system, as outlined in Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 4.22.005. This framework allows an injured party to recover damages even if they are found partially at fault for an accident. The amount of compensation awarded would be reduced proportionally to their assigned percentage of fault. For example, if a claimant is found 20% at fault, their damages would be reduced by 20%.

This system differs from contributory negligence, where any degree of fault on the part of the injured person could bar them from recovering any damages. Under Washington law, injured parties may pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages typically cover quantifiable expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages may include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Washington

In Washington, individuals pursuing a personal injury claim generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit, according to RCW 4.16.080. This period, known as the statute of limitations, is a critical legal deadline. Failure to file a claim within this timeframe can result in the forfeiture of the right to seek compensation through the court system.

Formica noted that documenting the scene of a motorcycle accident is important, as small details can be relevant to a claim. This documentation often includes photographs, witness statements, and official accident reports.

(Accident News features legal analysis from Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, our national legal analysts. All quotes reflect prior interviews and are not case-specific commentary. Contact Bond Legal: please call 866-730-6519, visit www.attorneysfortheinjured.com, or use the submission box found on this page. Analyst licensure varies by state.)