Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorney
Bicycling is more than just a childhood skill—it’s a way of life for many in Seattle, whether for commuting, exercise, or enjoying the city’s scenic routes. But when a negligent driver, poorly maintained road, or other hazard causes a bicycle accident, the consequences can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike crash, you don’t have to face the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath alone.
At Elk & Elk, we understand the unique challenges cyclists face after an accident. Our experienced Seattle bicycle accident lawyer is here to fight for your rights, holding those responsible accountable and helping you secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Call us today at (844) 355-9378 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Let us help you get back on track.
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.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Seattle
With so many cyclists sharing the road with cars, trucks, and public transportation, it’s no surprise that many riders in Seattle cite “not feeling safe” as their top reason for not biking more often. Below are some of the most common risks cyclists face in Washington:
- Collisions with Vehicles: Drivers failing to yield, running stoplights, or cutting off cyclists—whether due to aggression or negligence.
- Dooring Accidents: Parked cars opening doors directly into a cyclist’s path.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and poorly maintained roadways.
- Road Debris: Loose gravel, glass, or other debris causing falls or forcing cyclists into traffic.
- Aggressive Animals: Dogs or other animals startling cyclists or blocking their path.
- Negligent Cyclists or Pedestrians: Collisions caused by others failing to follow traffic rules.
- Defective Bicycles: Faulty design or manufacturing leading to equipment failure and crashes.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident caused by any of these factors, Elk & Elk can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
Determining Fault in a Bicycle Accident
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.
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.
What to Do 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.
- Contact 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.
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.
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.