Cycling is popular among Seattle residents. In Washington, cyclists have equal rights to automobile drivers. Sadly, not all motorists respect those rights, and some are reluctant to share the road with bicyclists.
When cyclists are involved in a vehicle accident, they can suffer severe injuries. Some cyclists do not survive such a collision. Others are left with permanent disabilities and the need for long-term medical care.
At Seattle Injury Law, our bicycle accident attorneys know how to protect the rights of injured cyclists and help them recover the compensation they are owed. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a Seattle bicycle accident, we can help you. Call (800) 928-5486 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.
What Sets Seattle Injury Law Apart?
Choosing the right law firm can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At our law firm, our Seattle accident attorneys combine decades of experience with a client-first approach to deliver exceptional results for injured bicyclists.
- Our Seattle bicycle accident attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience protecting the rights of injury victims.
- We are committed to providing excellent service and achieving the best results for our clients.
- Our legal team has recovered over $300 million in client compensation.
- We pay all upfront costs of pursuing your claim, and you pay nothing until we recover your compensation.
Leading Causes of Seattle Bicycle Accidents
Understanding what led to your bicycle accident is a critical first step in pursuing compensation. Many crashes are caused by driver negligence, road hazards, or equipment failures. Some of the most common causes include:
- Aggressive driving – Many motorists resist sharing the road with cyclists and may drive aggressively, such as crowding cyclists when passing, abruptly changing lanes, or following closely behind cyclists.
- Speeding – When motorists exceed the speed limit, it takes much longer to slow down or stop when encountering a cyclist.
- Distracted driving – When motorists look away from the road or have their minds elsewhere, they may not see a cyclist in time to safely react. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident involving a distracted driver, contact our Seattle distracted driving accident attorneys to help guide you through the legal process.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – Anytime a motorist drinks or takes a mind-altering substance, they risk their own lives and the lives of anyone else on the road with them.
- Drowsy or fatigued driving – Research has shown that driving when sleep deprived or tired can be almost as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.
- Dooring – Drivers often forget to check their mirrors for approaching cyclists before opening the door of a parked vehicle, causing the cyclist to crash into the door.
- Dangerous road conditions – When a road is defectively designed or negligently maintained, its condition can contribute to tragic accidents.
- Equipment failure – A vehicle or bicycle’s parts or equipment may fail during operation, causing an accident. Equipment failure may occur due to a product defect or negligent maintenance/repair work.
- Malfunctioning or missing traffic signals – If a traffic sign is missing or a traffic signal malfunctions, it can be a recipe for disaster. This situation could happen due to a manufacturing defect or negligent maintenance.
Determining the cause of your bicycle accident is essential to the success of your claim. At Seattle Injury Law, our seasoned Seattle bicycle accident attorneys scrutinize the details of every accident to help determine all possible causes and liable parties.
Common Injuries In Seattle Cycling Accidents
Because they have so little protection in a crash with a motor vehicle, cyclists often suffer catastrophic injuries. Cyclist injuries may include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, organ damage, and broken bones.
Other common injuries include road rash, neck and back injuries, dental and facial injuries, and emotional traumas.
Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, you should have a medical evaluation after a bicycle accident. Some devastating injuries are not immediately apparent. Seeking medical attention promptly can protect your health and your right to recover compensation for your damages.
Damages Available To Seattle Bicycle Accident Injury Victims
The damages available to bicycle accident victims vary depending on numerous factors, including the severity of their injuries. In a successful Seattle bicycle accident claim, victims may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other costs incurred due to your accident and injuries. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and other intangible losses.
The Seattle bicycle accident attorneys at our law firm often work with medical and economic experts to ensure that all our clients’ current and future damages are established and accurately valued.
Filing Deadline For Filing a Seattle Bicycle Accident Claim
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the deadline for filing a claim to recover compensation for damages. Most Washington personal injury claims, including bicycle accident claims, have a statute of limitations of three years from the accident or incident that caused your injury.
However, there are exceptions to the three-year filing deadline, which could shorten or lengthen the time you have to file your claim. For example, in injuries involving minors, you have until three years after reaching the age of eighteen to file. On the other hand, claims involving a government entity generally have a much shorter filing deadline.
You must consult an experienced Seattle bicycle accident injury lawyer to determine the filing deadline for your claim. You should act quickly not only to ensure you don’t miss your filing deadline, but also to preserve valuable evidence before it is lost, destroyed, or compromised.
Why You Need a Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered severe injuries or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident caused by another party, you deserve to be compensated for your damages. However, insurance companies will do their best to deny liability and devalue your claim.
An experienced Seattle bicycle accident lawyer will know how to investigate your accident to determine causation and liability. Your lawyer can conduct discovery to identify and collect evidence to build your strongest case. They can help ensure your current and future damages are included and accurately valued when determining a fair settlement of your claim.
Your lawyer can negotiate to reach a fair settlement of your claim as quickly as possible. If a fair settlement is not reached, they can take your case to trial to protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
Our Seattle bicycle accident lawyers have a proven record of recovering maximum client compensation, and we want to help you get the justice you deserve. Call (800) 928-5486 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim. We will listen to you, answer your questions, and explain your rights. If we represent you, we will fight tirelessly to recover full compensation for your damages.