Seattle is definitely a bike-friendly city. In fact, according to the League of American Bicyclists, Washington ranks as number one on the list of bicycle-friendly states. There are countless miles of bike trails winding throughout the greater Seattle area. There are also miles of protected bike lanes where cars are not allowed. Sadly, even with all of this support for bicycling, there are still accidents that leave cyclists with devastating injuries.
In the aftermath of an accident between a cyclist and a motorist, the motorist often defaults to the excuse of not seeing the bicycle rider. That might be true, but that doesn’t absolve them of responsibility for causing the accident. If that negligent motorist is able to convince their insurance company that they weren’t at fault, the cyclist will be left paying for all the medical expenses and rehabilitation. If you’re in this type of situation, you should reach out to the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC.
An experienced Seattle bicycle accident lawyer from our firm can fiercely advocate for victims who have been injured while riding their bikes. We understand Seattle traffic laws and how they apply to drivers versus cyclists. We also understand how insurance companies operate and know how to counter their arguments. Our goal is to find a quick resolution that allows you to focus on your healing.
Seattle Bike Accident Laws
A confrontation between a two-ton SUV and a 25-pound bike is never good for the bike. Every cyclist is aware of this and is always on alert. The Seattle Department of Transportation has established several rules of the road that apply to cyclists and motorists who share the road.
One of the most important rules is tied directly to one of the common types of accidents that can occur between a cyclist and a car: dooring. Here’s the law:
“Section 11.58.050 OPENING AND CLOSING VEHICLE DOORS.
No person shall enter, leave, or open the door of a motor vehicle on the side adjacent to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle adjacent to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.”
In order to prevail in your injury claim, it is crucial to understand which of the applicable Seattle traffic laws caused your accident and which weren’t followed.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents?
According to data, the daily average of Seattle cyclists on the road is around 2,000. In the last five years, Seattle also experienced a 15% increase in fatal bicycle accidents.
There are many reasons why bicycle accidents happen. Consider these common causes:
Distracted Driving
Most bike accidents happen in the city, often at intersections. If a driver isn’t paying attention, they can slam into a cyclist as they approach an intersection or when they hit the gas to move forward. All it takes is a quick glance at a text message for an accident to happen.
Failure to Yield
Cyclists are considered vehicles and are subject to the same traffic laws, including the right of way. A car driver shouldn’t assume the cyclist is going to stop because their vehicle is larger.
Unsafe Lane Changes
An unsafe lane change can cause two cars to sideswipe into each other. A car that merges without signaling or checking for an approaching bike can send that cyclist careening.
Turning Without Looking
Bicyclists should always ride up on the passenger side of a car when approaching an intersection. A car that makes a turn without looking at its passenger side can collide with the cyclist.
Speeding
A car that speeds up to make it through traffic lights will not be able to stop if a cyclist is going through the same intersection and has the right of way.
Driving Under the Influence
A car driver who is impaired from drugs or alcohol will have a diminished response time. That can be disastrous for a cyclist.
Poor Road Conditions
Sometimes, a bike accident is not always the fault of a driver. A pothole or other debris in the road can cause a bicyclist to lose control. The city is supposed to manage these conditions.
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Compensation for a Cyclist Accident Victim
When a car strikes a cyclist, that rider will ultimately end up hitting the road. Depending on the point of impact, there could be serious injuries, including fractures, traumatic brain injuries, road rash, and spinal cord injuries. Those injuries require various levels of treatment and recovery time. It can mean significant financial losses that should be part of the compensation package that your Seattle bicycle accident lawyer will seek on your behalf.
Your compensation can include coverage for the following:
- Past and future medical bills
- Physical therapy
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Many of those items can be backed up with receipts or a bill. For the other items, such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, there are accepted methods for calculating what those values might be. Your attorney can help with these calculations.
Proving Liability for a Bike Accident
One of the most important things you can do after getting into an accident with a car is to call the police. Even if you’re able to walk away from the accident, you want to get the police to generate an official crash report. You will be able to provide your version of events leading up to the accident, which can serve as the foundation for your potential future claim.
It will also help if you take photos of the damage to your bike, the damage to the car, your injuries, and the general accident scene. These can help reconstruct the accident. If there are any witnesses, you will want to get their contact information. You can even get them to make a statement. Although it wouldn’t be under oath, it can help if that witness is called on later to provide an official deposition.
Picking the Right Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Picking the right bicycle accident attorney in Seattle is crucial for the outcome of your case. The Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC, prioritize every client to ensure that their needs are met. If we decide to take on your case, you’ll benefit from our years of experience negotiating with insurance companies and prevailing in court.
We offer a free initial consultation to hear what happened and evaluate your case. In that discussion, we’ll be able to answer all your questions, starting with the cost. For the record, there is no cost to you in a personal injury case unless we win. You don’t have to wait until you fully recover from your injuries before we speak about what happened. Call to schedule your consultation today.
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