At The Walthew Law Firm, our Seattle bicycle accident attorneys are focused on providing personalized, results-focused legal guidance and support to injured victims. We hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable for bicycle collisions. Injured cyclists need the maximum financial compensation after a serious accident. If you or your loved one was hurt in a bicycle accident in Seattle, our law firm is here to help. Contact us today to set up a free, no obligation consultation with a Washington personal injury attorney.
What to Do After Being Hurt in a Bike Accident in Seattle, WA
If you were struck by a motor vehicle while on your bike in Seattle, it is imperative that you know what to do to protect your health, safety, well-being, and your legal rights. A bad accident is chaotic. The right approach is key. Here are four vital steps to take after a bicycle accident in Washington:
- Stop Your Bike and Report the Collision: All motor vehicle collisions that result in physical injuries should be reported. Bike accidents are no exception. If you are hit while on a bike, stop at the scene (unless there is a medical emergency) and exchange information. Call the Seattle Police Department or another agency to report the accident.
- See a Doctor Immediately for Any Injuries: All bike accident injuries should be assessed by a licensed doctor right away. Do not delay in seeking medical care. Explain all your symptoms to the doctor, even if they seem minor, to ensure they document everything.
- Carefully Document the Accident: Take photographs of the accident scene, your bike, the car involved, and any visible injuries. Beyond that, try to gather contact information from witnesses and write down their accounts of what happened. The more evidence you have related to your bicycle accident, the better positioned you will be to bring a claim.
Consult With a Seattle Attorney:
Similar to most other motor vehicle accident cases, insurance companies are typically on the other side of bike accident claims. They are not on the side of injured victims. Before you provide any statement to an insurance adjuster, you should be sure to consult with an experienced Seattle bike accident injury attorney.
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Bike Accidents Often Result in Serious Injuries
Bicyclists are vulnerable. Even when a rider is wearing a properly fitted helmet—which every cyclist in Washington should do—they are still exposed to danger from oncoming/surrounding traffic. Accidents can cause serious injuries. While Seattle has long been considered one of the best cities for cyclists, our infrastructure still needs improvement. People Powered Movement recently reported that Seattle has seen a 15 percent spike in cyclist fatalities over the five-year period from 2017 to 2021. Many cyclists are seriously harmed in traffic collisions every year. Some of the most common cyclist injuries in Seattle include:
- Soft tissue damage;
- Sprains and strains;
- Broken bones;
- Concussions and TBIs;
- Loss of limb; and
- Spinal cord trauma.
Understanding Legal Liability in Seattle Bicycle Accident Cases
Bicycle accident cases are governed by state law. Washington is a tort state for most types of personal injury claims, including virtually all bike accidents. The party whose negligence caused a bike accident can be held liable for the resulting damages. In other words, a driver is not automatically responsible for a collision with a cyclist in Seattle. Instead, the specific circumstances of the case always matter. A comprehensive investigation of the accident is a must.
A comparative negligence standard applies in Washington. Under RCW § 4.22.005, an injured cyclist can recover compensation even if he or she is partially responsible for their own accident. However, in these types of cases, the cyclist’s compensation will be reduced in proportion to their “share” of the blame. For example, if a bicycle in Seattle suffers $20,000 in damages and is held at fault for 25 percent of their own accident, they would only be able to recover for $15,000 (75 percent).
A Three-Year Statute of Limitations for Injured Cyclists
Under Washington law (RCW 4.16.080), there is a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including for bicycle accident cases. There are only very narrow exceptions to this filing deadline. As it is strictly enforced, you could miss out on your ability to recover compensation if you wait too long to take legal action. Do not fall behind the defense/insurance company: Get in touch with our Seattle bicycle accident lawyer right away after a bad collision.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation After a Bike Injury in Seattle
Hurt in a bike accident in Seattle, King County, or elsewhere in the wider region? You need financial compensation to pay your bills and support your loved ones. Insurance companies cannot be trusted to offer a full and fair settlement. They want to pay out less to injured cyclists. Our Seattle, WA bike accident lawyers fight aggressively for clients. You may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Bicycle repairs or bicycle replacement;
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and other damages;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative care;
- Loss of wages and diminished earning power;
- Pain and suffering & emotional distress;
- Physical disability or psychological impairment; and
- Wrongful death of a close family member.
Why Injured Bicyclists in Seattle Trust The Walthew Law Firm
Bicycle accident injury claims can be exceptionally complicated. You likely have a lot of questions about your rights and your options after a bad accident. Do not try to figure out the law on your own. At The Walthew Law Firm, we are the premier law firm for injured victims in Western Washington. Along with other things, our Seattle bicycle accident lawyers are ready to:
- Listen to your story, analyze your case, and answer questions during a free case review;
- Carefully investigate your bicycle accident, so that you have the evidence to prove fault;
- Take care of the insurance claims paperwork and represent you in settlement talks; and
- Develop a personalized strategy to help you maximize your financial compensation.
Bike Accidents in Seattle: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I Hire a Seattle Bike Accident Attorney?
Yes. If you suffered a major injury in a bicycle accident and you are considering bringing an insurance company to recover compensation for your damages, you need an attorney. Hiring the right Seattle bike accident attorney will benefit your case. They will have expertise in local traffic laws, experience with similar claims, and the ability to negotiate with the insurance company.
Do I Need to See a Doctor to Bring a Personal Injury Claim?
Yes. To start, you should always get bike accident injuries evaluated by a licensed physician in order to protect your own well-being. Prompt medical care makes a big difference. Beyond that, you cannot get financial compensation for a bike accident injury claim in Washington State unless you have official medical records that validate your injury.
Are Bicyclists Required By Law to Wear a Helmet in Washington?
In Washington, there is no statewide law mandating helmet use for bicyclists of all ages. However several local municipalities (cities and counties) have their own local helmet laws. Most notably, Seattle, requires bicyclists of all ages to wear helmets while riding. You should always wear a helmet. Bike helmets prevent brain injuries and even save lives. Beyond that, the failure to wear a helmet in Seattle could potentially be used against you by the defense in the claims process. Still, even if you were not wearing a helmet, you retain the right to bring a claim.
How Should I Proceed After a Hit-and-Run Bike Accident in Seattle?
After a hit-and-run bike accident in Seattle, you should immediately contact the police to file a report. Be sure to provide any details you remember about the vehicle or the incident. You should Seek medical attention—even if injuries are not immediately apparent. A top-tier Seattle bicycle accident lawyer who has experience handling hit-and-run cases can help you explore every potential option for getting justice and compensation.
What is the Compensation I Can Get for My Bike Accident?
It depends. Every bike accident injury claim involves its own unique set of facts and circumstances. For the most part, a personal injury claim is designed to make the victim “whole”—meaning they are entitled to compensation for their actual damages. Compensation for a bike accident in Seattle can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The exact amount depends on the severity of your injuries. Do not agree to settle your case for less.
Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Seattle Bike Accident Attorney Today
At The Walthew Law Firm, our Seattle cyclist injury attorneys are aggressive advocates for justice. Hurt in any type of bicycle accident? We have the professional experience you can trust. Do not take on the insurance company alone. Call us now or contact us directly online for your free, completely confidential initial consultation. With an office in Seattle, we handle bicycle accident injury claims in King County and throughout the region, including in Everett, Tacoma, and Bellevue.
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