Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorney
Bicycling is widely accepted in the United States as one of the first skills that children are taught. Its prevalence throughout people’s childhoods has expanded to the daily commute and periodic exercise of many Washington residents. While bikes can be useful, severe accidents can occur. Bike riders are at the mercy of those around them and can experience serious injury. Each Seattle bicycle accident attorney at Elk & Elk is standing by to help if you or a loved one have been injured due to the actions of another driver. We want to make sure you secure the compensation you are entitled to in the pursuit of justice.
Why Choose Our Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Elk & Elk’s strong work ethic, paired with a culture conducive to success, has paved the way for many people who have suffered personal injuries in the past. We are dedicated to the success of our legal claims and will gain your confidence if you choose to let us help you with your case.
- No win, no fee. Our law firm operates on a contingency-fee basis. As one of our clients, you will not pay any out-of-pocket or upfront fees until we win your case.
- Proven results. Over $1 billion in compensation has been won for clients pursuing personal injuries claims at Elk & Elk.
- Complete dedication. Our personal injury lawyers can help you file a Seattle injury claim. We are willing to go above and beyond to investigate your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, handle all of the legal paperwork, and fight for your bicycle accident compensation until the end.
What Our Clients Have to Say
“Great law firm! Very professional.”
-Taran P.
Biking Statistics in Seattle
Bikes play a major role in a city like Seattle. Under Washington Bike Law RCW 46.61.755, when riding on a roadway, a cyclist has all the rights and responsibilities of a vehicle driver.
Washingtonians enjoy cool temperatures year-round and a city infrastructure that is conducive to alternative forms of transportation. Here are some fast facts on bicycle usage in Seattle, Washington:
- During the last bicycle survey in Seattle, 50% of responders said that they had access to a working bicycle.
- This is a 10% increase from the year before indicating that biking is growing at a rapid rate.
- While about 39% of bicycle trips are between two to five miles, another 39% of trips are over five miles long.
- The grand total of bike riders in Seattle has surpassed 158,000 people. This means that there are more bicycle riders in Seattle than there are total people in Bellevue, Washington, for example.
- The average commuter rides about 2,000 miles every year.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
With so many people taking to the streets with fellow bicyclists, and with the prevalence of outside influences like automobiles, trucks, and public transportation, it comes as no surprise to learn that bike riders in the Emerald City cite “[not] feeling safe” as their number one reason for not riding more often. Below are some of the many risks that a bicycle rider faces in Washington:
- Wrecks with cars or other types of vehicles that cut off a cyclist or running a stoplight are very common types of accidents. These types of accidents can be aggression-based or accidental.
- Parked cars also present a danger as an individual may open their door in the path of a bicyclist.
- Poorly maintained roadways are also – oftentimes overlooked – causes of accidents that can lead to the case of a claim.
- Road debris can cause a fall or veer into the path of another cyclist or motorist.
- Another common type of accident is perpetrated by aggressive dogs or other types of animals who can scare someone or inhibit their ability to continue along their intended path.
- Collisions with other negligent cyclists or pedestrians cause numerous accidents every year as well.
Finally, a defective bicycle not properly manufactured or designed can lead to disaster for an unsuspecting bicyclist creating a product liability case.
Determining Fault in a Bike Crash
Determining fault in the aftermath of a bicycle accident in Seattle can be challenging, but it is crucially important so that crash victims can recover the compensation they are entitled to. In some cases, it may be possible to gather evidence at the scene of the incident right after a bike crash occurs, but this depends heavily on the safety of the scene and whether or not the injuries are severe.
As we mentioned above, one step you should take is gathering evidence at the scene if possible. The evidence gathered right after a crash occurs will help determine liability, as will statements from eyewitnesses. A skilled Seattle bicycle accident lawyer can work to obtain additional evidence in the days and weeks that follow the incident.
How Will Fault Affect My Settlement?
Many people do not know that they can recover compensation even if they are partially at fault for causing their own injuries after a bicycle accident in Seattle. The state of Washington operates under what is considered a “pure comparative negligence” system, which means individuals can recover compensation if they are up to 99% responsible for an incident. However, the compensation amount will be reduced depending on a person’s percentage of fault.
For example, suppose you are involved in a bicycle accident and incur $10,000 worth of medical bills and lost wages. However, if it is determined that you were 20% responsible for the incident for some reason, you would receive $8,000 instead of the full $10,000 to account for the 20% of the responsibility.
Steps To take after a Bicycle Accident in Seattle
There are various steps that you can take in the aftermath of sustaining a bicycle accident injury caused by the negligence of another driver in Seattle.
- Check for injuries and seek medical care. It is critical to seek medical treatment in the aftermath of any bicycle accident. Truthfully, many bicycle accident injuries do not appear until the hours or days following the incident, so even if you feel fine right after a collision, there may be hidden injuries you are unaware of. Seeking medical care establishes a strong link between the bicycle accident and any injuries you sustained, which insurance carriers are going to look for.
- Call 911. You need to report a bicycle accident to law enforcement officials so they can come to the scene and conduct an investigation. You will need the police report to help with an insurance claim and at a personal injury trial if one becomes necessary.
- Gather evidence if possible. If your injuries are not severe and if the scene is safe, we encourage you to gather as much evidence as possible. Speak to any eyewitnesses to the incident, and be sure to get their names and contact information so they can be reached later. Additionally, if you have a cell phone, take pictures of everything. This includes injuries, property damage, debris or skid marks, weather conditions, traffic patterns, and more.
- Reach out to an attorney. You need to reach out to an attorney who has experience handling bicycle accidents in Seattle. A lawyer will take over every aspect of your claim and work diligently to ensure you recover compensation.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Here are some of the most common injuries cyclists may experience:
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common in the arms, legs, or collarbone after a fall or collision.
- Brain Injuries: Head injuries, including concussions, can occur even with a helmet.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Impacts to the spine can lead to serious nerve damage.
- Tissue Damage: Cuts, bruises, and road rash often result from skin scraping against surfaces.
Contact Our Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
If you suffered an injury in a bicycle accident because of another’s negligence, you deserve to learn about your legal rights and options. Take the steps towards a better financial future by reaching out to our bicycle accident attorney in Seattle today. Securing damages for the issues you have suffered can improve your quality of life, so allow our injury law firm to help.
Call our Seattle law office of Elk & Elk at 1-844-ELK-WEST (1-844-355-9378) or schedule your free case review and learn how we can help you.