Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyer

While not always necessary, an expert witness can be an important part of establishing liability in a bicycle accident case. Expert witnesses can offer insight into the rules of the road, determine the speed of the vehicles involved and can express opinions on the most likely way the accident happened.

If your child was injured while riding a bicycle, a claim could be made against the driver who caused the accident. However, injuries to children are handled differently than other claims, and it is important that you consult with a Seattle bicycle accident attorney experienced in handling claims for injuries to children.

Bicycles are subject to the same rules of the road as motor vehicles. Additionally, bicyclists have a general duty to exercise reasonable care for the safety of themselves and others. However, even if you are partly at fault for your bicycle accident, you can still make a recovery from your injuries. Any damages you recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages are worth $100,000, but you were 40% at fault, you would still be entitled to recover $60,000.

The amount of time you have to file a lawsuit in Washington can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Because time may be limited, you may want to speak to an attorney to ensure that you meet any necessary deadlines.

Injured bicyclists may recover medical expenses, wages lost as a result of the accident, and property damage. A bicycle accident claim can also provide compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced, the ways that the accident impacted their closest relationships, and the long-term impact that their injuries could have on their career and earning potential.

Yes. If the driver was at fault, you can make a claim for your injuries. Speeding, running a red light, failing to yield in left turns, “dooring” the bicyclist in a bike lane, failing to yield to a cyclist in a crosswalk or failing to leave sufficient room on the shoulder when passing could all be forms of driver negligence.

The most common claim is against the driver that hit you. However, claims are possible for other people and businesses that may have contributed to the accident. Examples include the company that designed or manufactured a faulty bicycle or service or maintenance providers that were negligent in repairing the vehicle that hit you.

If you brought your bicycle into a shop for repairs or maintenance shortly before your accident, and you believe the work was done improperly, you could have a claim against the person or shop that performed the repairs. However, you would need to prove that the accident was caused by the negligence of the person who did the repairs. Prompt investigation could mean the difference between making a recovery and having no case at all.

While an operator of a bicycle has a duty to pay attention, sometimes defects in the roadway such as bumps, cracks, elevation changes, defective road design, or lack of guardrails put them at risk. If defects or maintenance issues led to your accident, a city, state, or federal governmental entity may be responsible for the injury.

While the law does not require you to hire an attorney, seeking experienced legal guidance can be a vital way to safeguard your rights. Not only can an experienced Seattle bicycle accident lawyer deal with insurance companies, document the harm you experienced, and investigate the accident, but they can also bring experienced negotiation skills to the table. This ensures that you receive the compensation you deserve and allows you to focus on healing.