- Meet Our Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorneys
- Primary Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
- 2024 Bicycle Accident Statistics in Seattle
- What Are the Common Causes of Seattle Bicycle Accidents?
- What Are the Most Typical Bicycle Accident Injuries in Seattle?
- What Are the Damages Recoverable in a Seattle Bicycle Accident?
- What Is My Seattle Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
- Our Case Settlements
- How Do You Prove Negligence in a Seattle Bicycle Accident?
- Why Should You Choose the Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group to Handle Your Bike Crash Claim?
- Cycling Laws in Seattle WA
- Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims in Seattle
- Contact a Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today!
- Get a FREE case evaluation today
- Frequently Asked Questions
Seattle, with its active outdoor culture, growing cycling infrastructure, and scenic landscapes, seems like a true haven for bike riders. Moreover, the city is labeled as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the county. However, at the same time, growing congestion, distracted drivers, dense urban areas, and other factors pose a palpable threat to cyclists in the city.
Even a seemingly insignificant bike accident can become a source of serious physical, emotional, and financial strain. This is particularly true if you are unaware of your legal rights and allow the at-fault party to assign blame. Yet, there’s always a way out. An experienced lawyer specializing in Seattle bicycle accidents can help you establish liability, defend your rights, and recover the compensation you deserve!
Meet Our Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group is dedicated to protecting injured victims’ rights while promoting safer roads by holding negligent drivers accountable, advocating for better infrastructure, and raising awareness. Over the years in the field, our team has successfully handled some of the most complicated bike accident claims, including but not limited to denied insurance coverage, disputed liability, and unpromising hit-and-run instances.
Our Seattle lawyers specializing in bicycle accidents are hardwired for justice and have zero tolerance for negligence and lowball offers. We know how to hold an aggressive driver, a local municipality, or a fellow rider accountable!
Primary Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
The first moments after a bike accident are often the most critical ones. The more rational and precise the steps you take, the easier it will be to obtain a rightful settlement. We recommend the following actions:
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Seek medical attention
The rush of adrenaline can mask some serious health injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding. That is why it is so important to call 911 and let the medics inspect you for any signs of hidden injuries right after the incident. If they give you instructions, you must strictly adhere to them. More detailed and precise medical records make fair compensation easier.
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Report the accident
It is best to report a bike crash immediately, no matter how minor it seems. You can’t assess the full scope of your losses at the scene. Besides, an official police report can serve as solid proof in your future claim.
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Seek legal representation
You should contact a reliable Seattle bicycle accident lawyer and seek their advice on the matter. Many law firms offer free case reviews that will help you understand your position and legal options better.
2024 Bicycle Accident Statistics in Seattle
Washington is the safest state in the USA, according to a recent survey from the League of American Bicyclists. The amount of means and effort the local authorities put into overall road safety and corresponding traffic laws seems to be paying off. However, the number of cyclists’ deaths and serious injuries across the state and in Seattle in particular remains concerning.
According to recent data, over 500 cyclists are injured annually in Seattle. That is an almost 50% spike compared to pre-pandemic years. Which factors contribute to such a concerning situation in the city? Check this most complete bicycle accident statistics list out to minimize your chances of getting injured in a cycling incident:
- 78% of serious injuries are a result of a bicycle collision with a motor vehicle.
- 1 in 3 accident victims wasn’t wearing a protective helmet at the time of the incident.
- Almost 75% of all bike accidents happen during the weekdays.
- The period from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. seems to be the most dangerous for cyclists.
- 70% of injured bicyclists are males.
- Almost 35% of bike crashes happen because of driving under the influence.
- Aurora Avenue North is the deadliest in the city. Around 20% of traffic fatalities take place there.
What Are the Common Causes of Seattle Bicycle Accidents?
A catastrophic accident can happen due to various reasons. However, in Seattle, most personal injury lawyers point out the following causes:
- Dooring accidents: 5% of all bicycle accidents in the city happen because of suddenly opened car doors. Over 40% of all dooring incidents take place in the curb lane.
- Distracted drivers: Although the Washington state law forbids any use of electronic devices while driving, many motor vehicle operators disregard the regulation. So much so that almost 11% of traffic incidents in King County happen because of distracted motorists.
- Failure to yield: All drivers owe a right of way to cyclists. However, not every vehicle operator is aware of such a regulation. Falsely assuming that cyclists are bound to yield to cars, such drivers contribute to around 20% of accidents.
- Road conditions: There are still gaps in the dedicated cycling infrastructure in Seattle. The lack of well-equipped bike lanes, extensive mileage of shared lanes, inconsistent signage, and other road hazards often lead to traumatic collisions.
- Road rage: Aggressive drivers are the reason why over 65% of traffic accidents happen across the country, and Seattle isn’t an exception. Rude gestures, honking, tailgating, and other inappropriate actions on behalf of a vehicle driver can unbalance the cyclist and initiate a bicycle accident.
What Are the Most Typical Bicycle Accident Injuries in Seattle?
Every bike accident is different depending on the parties involved, the severity of injuries, and other underlying conditions. However, it is possible to point out the leading traumas a bicycle rider is most likely to sustain:
- Head trauma: A TBI accident is usually among the most serious ones. Untreated traumatic brain injuries like concussions, skull fractures, and brain bleeds can have an impairing cognitive effect on a victim’s life. Besides, such traumas can lead to the death of the injured if not treated immediately.
- Spinal cord damage: 5% of cycling incidents result in serious back traumas. Spine damage can affect the person’s ability to move or walk on a temporary or permanent basis. The most catastrophic injuries can lead to full paralysis.
- Fractures: Upper and lower extremity injuries are also very typical trauma in a bike accident. While broken bones may not have an obvious life-threatening impact, some fractures are extremely complicated and take time to heal.
- Road rash: When a rider is dragged across the pavement, the lack of proper protection results in multiple cuts, scrapes, and skin lacerations. These injuries seem minor, but one shouldn’t discard them immediately. If the wound gets infected, it can leave permanent scars on the victim’s body.
What Are the Damages Recoverable in a Seattle Bicycle Accident?
A bicycle accident often becomes a source of serious losses. Many of them are tangible, while the others aren’t exactly monetary. Usually, it is possible to recover three main types of damage:
Economic Damages
The financial expenses that an injured cyclist has to deal with can be quite disheartening. However, you can claim a fair settlement for all your monetary expenses incurred by the incident. Whether these are medical bills, lost wages, or property damage, you can have them reimbursed in full.
Non-Economic Damages
Intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of joy in life, or emotional distress, may be a little challenging to recover. After all, you can’t offer a precise receipt to support the claim. Yet, an experienced attorney specializing in Seattle bike accidents can help you recover a full settlement for the following:
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Depression
Punitive Damages
This type of damage isn’t monetary or non-monetary, per se. It is a form of punishment applied to the at-fault party. The main aim of these damages is to prevent similar incidents from taking place in the future. Rarely do we obtain punitive damages when the accountable entity was extremely negligent or intentionally caused the accident.
What Is My Seattle Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
There isn’t an exact formula that can help you calculate your bicycle accident settlement. You can use an online compensation calculator to have a general idea of what your claim may be worth, but it isn’t always conclusive since the algorithm can assess such aspects as the following:
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Severity of injuries
The more serious the traumas, the longer the rehabilitation and the higher the medical expenses. However, some injuries may have a lasting, if not permanent, impact on the cyclist’s life. That is why potential future costs must be taken into consideration when finalizing the reimbursement amount.
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Comparative negligence percentage
Washington State abides by a comparative negligence law. According to the law, a victim can seek compensation for the sustained injuries even if they are 99% at fault. However, their percentage of fault will be deducted from the final settlement. Thus, the higher the contribution, the lower the compensation.
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Insurance coverage limits
In some cases, the responsible party may have insufficient insurance limits to cover the cyclist’s damages and losses in full. Should the plaintiff choose not to cover the costs directly, they must seek alternative forms of compensation.
Our Case Settlements
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Seattle Bicycle Accident?
To recover compensation for losses and injuries sustained in a bicycle accident, the victim has to prove that the other involved party or entity was negligent. There are four major aspects that a success-oriented personal injury claim relies on:
- Duty of care: All road users have a legal responsibility toward one another. The responsibility revolves mainly around general safety on the road. A dutiful driver, cyclist, or pedestrian must follow existing rules and regulations to avoid creating dangerous situations that may cause harm.
- Breach of duty: When an entity violates traffic rules by texting behind the wheel, failing to yield, or exceeding the speed limit, they breach their duty of care, putting others at risk.
- Causation: The fact that someone breaks the rules does not necessarily mean that their illegal actions affect you. That is why, to obtain maximum compensation, the victim must prove a direct link between the violation and their losses. Surveillance footage, digital proof, witness statements, and other evidence will help you establish that connection.
- Damages: Lastly, an injured party must provide proof that a bicycle accident inflicted significant losses on them. You can use medical records, bills, receipts, expert testimony, and other documents to support your claim.
Why Should You Choose the Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group to Handle Your Bike Crash Claim?
Many injured riders tend to underestimate the range of advantages that field-rained bicycle accident attorneys can bring to the table. There are multiple benefits to cooperating with a professional law firm like ours. For instance:
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Understanding of local laws
Just like every other city, Seattle has a set of specific laws and regulations that have a direct impact on personal injury claims. Our injury lawyers possess comprehensive knowledge of the Washington state legal system.
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In-depth case investigation
A success-oriented case requires solid and undeniable evidence. We can gather all the necessary proof, from surveillance footage to accident scene reconstruction, to build a strong case.
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Full-scale case assessment
Our bike accident attorneys will take every detail, no matter how tiny, into account for you to claim the maximum settlement available.
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Persuasive negotiations
We know how unwilling some insurance companies are to issue fair compensation. However, our experts will deflect any lowball offer and fiercely negotiate on your behalf to obtain the rightful reimbursement you deserve.
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Contingency fee cooperation basis
Our law firm does not charge any upfront payments. We understand the financial toll that a bike accident can have. That is why you don’t have to pay us until we win the case.
Cycling Laws in Seattle WA
There’s a reason why Washington is ranked the first among all bicycle-friendly states in America. The local approach to safety relies on a variety of cycling laws that are aimed at protecting this vulnerable user category. These are some of the major laws in the state that apply to riders, too:
- All bicyclists have the same rights as the rest of the motorists.
- Bike riders must obey traffic signs and signals.
- There are no strict helmet laws in place in the city, but it is recommended to wear a protective helmet while biking.
- Cyclists are allowed on sidewalks as long as they ride cautiously and give the right of way to pedestrians.
- All bicycles must be well-equipped and fully functional.
- Riders must use hand signals to notify other road users about any changes in their movements.
- Cyclists must turn on headlights while riding at night.
- Bicyclists shouldn’t be wearing more than a single earphone at a time.
Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims in Seattle
All personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents, have a state-approved deadline within which the plaintiff has to file them. If you fail to request compensation within the given timeframe, you will lose your right to reimbursement. In the state of Washington, the deadline is three years from the day of the bike accident.
In cases that involve a wrongful death, a minor, or a governmental entity, the expiry date may be different. So, it is always a good idea to ask a personal injury attorney where you are standing with your insurance claim before filing it.
Contact a Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today!
A bicycle accident can leave you dealing with serious injuries, financial pressure, and unknown legal repercussions. However, no one said that you have to deal with those on your own! All it takes is to reach out to our legal team for a free consultation, and we’ll help you handle this legal battle. Our bike accident lawyers will come up with a personalized strategy to counter insurance providers’ lowball tactics and secure the maximum settlement you deserve! Contact us today!
Share the details of your situation with us so we can begin advocating on your behalf. We customize our approach to fit the unique needs of each client.
