At Walthew Law Firm, our Seattle bicycle accident attorneys provide personalized, results-focused legal guidance and support to bicycle accident victims. We hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable to ensure you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve. If you or your loved one was hurt in a bicycle accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Seattle bicycle accident lawyers to discuss your options.
Most Common Causes of Seattle Bicycle Accidents
Bike accidents happen inside and outside of designated bike lanes and for a wide range of reasons, including:
- Distracted driving. Every driver is expected to operate their motor vehicle safely. However, when the driver is texting, talking on the phone, or eating, they may take their attention off the road.
- Red light or stop sign violations. Bike riders must follow the rules of the road. But when the driver of a motor vehicle ignores red lights or stop signs, cyclists and pedestrians alike are at risk.
- Buzzing. Buzzing is a type of road rage. It happens when a driver intentionally drives close to a bike rider, often speeding or honking to intimidate them, even when the bicyclist is in a designated bike lane. It leaves little room for the bike rider to maneuver, which can lead to a serious accident.
- Tailgating. Another type of road rage that happens when a driver follows a bike too closely from behind. Similar to buzzing, it leaves the rider few options to move out of the way.
- Poor road conditions. While weather can be a major factor in bike accidents, potholes, uneven roadways, and debris can also contribute to crashes.
- Unsafe turns. Some accidents happen when drivers turn in front of a cyclist’s path, even when the cyclist has the right of way. It can happen when the driver is driving aggressively or not paying attention to the road.
- Dooring. Sometimes the danger comes from a parked car. When someone fails to see a bicyclist in the road and opens their door, the bike rider may hit the door, leading to serious or even catastrophic injuries.
- Bicycle defects. Faulty bike components, like issues with the brakes, tires, or chains, can lead to a loss of control. In Washington State, a bicycle manufacturer or bicycle parts manufacturer may be held strictly liable for injuries caused by a product defect.
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Bike Accidents Often Result in Serious Injuries
Bicyclists are vulnerable to serious injury from a bike crash. Even when you’re wearing a properly fitted helmet and riding in the bike lane, you’re still exposed to danger from oncoming and surrounding traffic.
Some of the most common injuries sustained include:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Road rash
- Broken bones, particularly rider’s arm
- Traumatic brain injuries, even when wearing a bike helmet
- Concussions
- Loss of limb
- Spinal cord injuries
Why Injured Cyclists in Seattle Trust Walthew Law Firm
For over 90 years, Walthew Law Firm has advocated for injury victims and their families in Seattle and throughout Western Washington. We always put the rights and well-being of our clients first, using our vast experience to provide personalized legal representation and advocacy that ensures your bike accident claim gets the attention and legal guidance it deserves.
Bike crash claims can be exceptionally complicated, but our experienced Seattle bicycle accident attorneys are on your side, protecting your rights and fighting for the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Walthew Law Firm is the premier law firm for bike accident victims, and our Seattle bicycle accident attorneys will:
- Listen to your story, analyze your case, and answer your questions
- Investigate your cycling accident and recover the evidence that supports your case
- Handle the insurance claim paperwork and represent you in settlement talks
- Develop a personalized strategy to help you maximize your financial compensation
Recovering the Maximum Compensation After a Bike Injury in Seattle, WA
Every bike accident case has a unique set of facts and circumstances, but insurance companies don’t always see it that way. They may offer you less compensation than your actual damages or pressure you to settle too soon. Our Seattle bicycle accident lawyers fight aggressively for clients to help you recover damages for:
- Bicycle repairs or bicycle replacement
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative care
- Chronic or long-term care
- Lost wages and diminished earning power
- Pain and suffering & emotional distress
- Physical disability or psychological impairment
- Wrongful death claim
Who Is Liable in a Seattle Bicycle Accident Case?
Determining liability (who is responsible for your crash and bicycle accident injuries) can be complex and depends on multiple factors, but liability may belong to:
- Motor vehicle drivers. They have a duty and responsibility to share the road and drive carefully when they encounter bike riders.
- Government agencies. If the road is under construction or being repaired, the government (or its contractors) must ensure the road is safe for all vehicles.
- Third parties. If your bicycle accident involves multiple parties, like a pedestrian crossing the street or another cyclist, they may also be liable for your accident and injuries.
It’s important to note that Washington law allows you to recover damages even if you’re partly at fault for the bicycle accident, under RCW § 4.22.005. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your “share” of the bicycle accident. For example, if you suffer $20,000 in damages and are found at fault for 25% of it, you can only recover for $15,000 (75%).
Contact Walthew Law Firm Today
At Walthew Law Firm, our Seattle bike accident attorneys are aggressive advocates for justice. We have the professional experience you can trust to handle your Seattle bicycle accident claim, so you don’t have to take on the insurance company alone.
Every one of our Seattle bicycle accident lawyers works on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees for our clients. We only get paid when you get paid.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. It’s always free and carries no obligations. With offices in Seattle and Everett, WA, we handle bicycle accident injury claims in King County and throughout the region.
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