Washington Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents are fairly common in Washington, especially in areas with high road usage. Such collisions can lead to life-altering injuries and property damage. As a response to this issue, the state established a highway safety plan. The objective is to reduce the number of traffic deaths and serious injuries on the road to zero by 2030. This includes maintaining a balanced and efficient transportation system that will support people who bike as their mode of transportation.

As efforts to improve highway safety continue, bicycle accidents are still happening, leaving injured cyclists with physical pain and financial burdens. But, if the incident was caused by someone else’s negligence, a lawsuit can be filed against them to recover damages. In such a case, bicycle accident victims are encouraged to seek legal representation to confidently move forward with the filing process.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of bicycle accident lawyers understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a bike crash. Managing your injuries, financial losses, and a lawsuit simultaneously can be exhausting. However, with our help, you can focus on recovering while we step in to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf to ensure you are granted a favorable outcome.

With over 20 years of experience in handling personal injury claims and a successful track record of delivering client satisfaction, we are confident that our team will meet or exceed your legal needs. In fact, as a result of our dedication and expertise, we have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our duty to watch out for our clients best interests. 

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing until we settle your case. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling 206-222-8860 or completing our easy online contact form.

Bicycle Accident Statistics in Washington State

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), a total of 132 fatal bike crashes have taken place between 2014 to 2023. Additional findings include the following:

• Men (120) were involved in bicycle accidents more than women (12).
• Motor vehicles, specifically passenger cars, were the most common type to strike cyclists.
• Most of these collisions happened while cyclists were riding on the roadway compared to crossing at intersections.
• Majority of crashes took place during the daytime. 
• The most common age group involved in bike accidents were 56 to 60 year olds, and following closely in second were 46 to 50 year olds.
• The years 2016 and 2023 had the highest number of bike fatalities reported, each with 17 cases.

Common Causes of Washington Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents occur due to various factors, often leaving cyclists prone to devastating injuries. Understanding what these common causes are can help ensure responsibility and improve safety measures.

Negligent Drivers

Negligent motor vehicle operators can cause bike accidents in several ways. This includes the following:

• Failing to yield the right-of-way to oncoming bicycle riders
• Distracted driving
• Traveling at excessive speeds
• Failing to check blind spots
• Impaired driving

Defective Bicycle

A defective bicycle can pose a safety risk for cyclists as it can malfunction at any given moment. Some specific components that can contribute to a bike crash can include things such as brake failures, defective tires, or even pedal issues. With that in mind, if a manufacturing defect is present, it can increase the likelihood of an accident without any warning.

Given the circumstances, the manufacturer could be held liable for damages if the problem was due to poor design or materials. Retailers and repair shops may also face legal repercussions if they did not properly inspect or maintain the bike before its use.

Road Hazards

Road hazards can threaten a bike rider’s safety, putting them in positions that are unavoidable or dangerous. Certain elements that have contributed to such a collision are:

• Potholes
• Debris
• Slippery surfaces
• Inadequate bike lanes
• Missing road markings or traffic signs

If bike riders encounter either of these problems, they will have to make split-second decisions to protect their safety. But, in the moment of quick judgment, the outcome can be positive or negative depending on the surrounding conditions. 

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accident injuries can range from minor to severe depending on the brute force inflicted onto the cyclist. Below are some common forms of bodily harm that may emerge soon after the impact:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

Washington State Bike Laws

Washington State has specific bike laws to promote safe riding for cyclists and other road users. Here are some regulations that have been enforced:

• RCW 46.61.700: The parent or guardian of a child cannot authorize or knowingly allow a child to commit traffic violations.
• RCW 46.61.770: Cyclists are given the flexibility to decide where to ride based on their safety needs. They can use a bike lane, ride on a shoulder, or occupy the travel lane depending on road conditions. This rule allows cyclists to make real-time decisions to prevent themselves from encountering foreseeable hazards.
• RCW 46.61.755: Bike riders are given all the rights and responsibilities of a vehicle driver. Those who do not comply with traffic laws may be ticketed (RCW.46.61.750).
• RCW 46.61.780: Cyclists can equip a white front light that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet. Red lights can also be used. A red rear reflector is required.
• There are no bike helmet laws in Washington. But, some cities and counties do have regulations established where riders must have a helmet on.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

A bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience. Although it is challenging to remain calm, try to keep your focus on fulfilling the steps listed below to protect your health and legal rights.

Contact Local Authorities

If you notice any injuries or damages, you should contact the police. They will arrive shortly after the call and conduct a written report about the bike crash. Paramedics will also show up to the scene to assist injured cyclists, pedestrians, and/or drivers. If one or more parties sustained severe bike accident injuries, transportation to the hospital will be provided for emergency medical treatment.

Exchange Information

In bike crashes, exchanging information is important for insurance claims and if you are planning on taking legal action against the at fault party. Here are some key details that should be shared:

• Contact and insurance information
• Driver’s license and license plate number
• Witness details
• Vehicle make, model, and color

Gather Evidence

Be sure to gather as much evidence as you can, like:

• Photos of your injuries, damages, and the accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Witness statements
• A copy of the police report and your medical records

Seek Medical Treatment

After a bicycle accident, it is important for victims to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Doing so can help detect hidden injuries and prevent complications from developing into something more serious or chronic. If your doctor finds a notable concern, they will create an effective care plan that will help with your recovery. Some common approaches that may be taken to treat a serious injury include:

• Immobilization
• Pain management
• Physical therapy
• Surgical procedures

Consult with a Washington Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Our Washington bicycle accident lawyers will help you understand what legal options are available, and determine what would be the best course of action to take to ensure you are granted maximum compensation. We will negotiate with the insurance company to prevent them from undervaluing your claim or even turning it down entirely.

Proving Liability for Bicycle Accidents 

Proving liability in a bicycle accident will require you to gather evidence that demonstrates the following four elements: 

• The defendant owed you a duty of care
• The defendant failed to uphold that duty
• The defendant’s behavior primarily caused the bike accident
• You incurred losses as a result of the incident, like medical bills or lost wages

Since Washington follows the pure comparative negligence system, you can still recover compensation no matter how much you contributed to the crash. But, your settlement value will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are 20 percent at fault, and your total damages are $90,000, you can still acquire 80 percent of that amount ($72,000).

This ensures that all individuals involved in the lawsuit are compensated for injuries, even if they hold some form of responsibility. It also promotes fairness by adjusting the amount in accordance with the degree of fault.

Possible defendants in bike accident claims include:

• Motor vehicle drivers
• Property owners
• Government entities
• Other road users (pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists)

How Long Do I Have to File a Bike Crash Claim in Washington

Bike accident claims must be filed within three years from the date of when the incident occurred. This is enforced under Washington’s personal injury statute of limitations (RCW 4.16.080). Property damage claims are also three years from the bike accident date. But, if you are pursuing legal action against a government entity, you will need to provide a written notice of your claim. This will notify the government of your claim and your intent to pursue legal action.

Once it has been reviewed, they will decide whether it will be accepted or denied. If it gets accepted, they may offer a settlement to resolve the situation without having to take it to court. But, if it gets denied, you are given the option to file a lawsuit. Be sure to have this process completed before the statute of limitation expires.

It is always a good idea to speak with a bicycle accident attorney to ensure you build a strong claim, and that it is filed within a reasonable timeframe. Missing the deadline can cause you to lose your opportunity to recover compensation for the injuries and damages you incurred.

Available Damages in Bicycle Accidents

Available damages in bicycle accidents will vary in each case due to many factors, like:

• The severity of your injuries
• Fault and liability
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Current and future medical costs
• Impact on your quality of life

To get an estimate of what you could be entitled to, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by inputting the losses you incurred as a result of the bicycle accident. Generally, economic damages and non-economic damages are granted, but in some extreme cases, punitive damages can be issued. However, they are not given unless it is expressly authorized by statute.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible costs that can be calculated, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are subjective, non-monetary losses that do not have a financial value, such as:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are made to punish the wrongdoer for outrageous behavior and to prevent similar conduct from happening in the future. You will need to prove that the defendant was malicious or intentionally harmful to have this included in your settlement. These damages are limited under Washington’s laws, and are not commonly awarded in standard negligence cases. You can seek legal assistance from a bicycle accident lawyer to learn whether it may be applicable in your lawsuit.

Bicycle Safety Tips

Cyclists should always prioritize safety when going out for a ride. Whether you are commuting through busy streets or scenic trails, implementing proper precautions can help lessen your likelihood of accidents and injuries. By following the tips sectioned below, you can navigate yourself on the road with greater confidence.

Obey Traffic Signs and Signals

Complying with traffic signs and signals can help reduce the risk of collisions between you and other road users. You will also help promote a safer environment for everyone else on the road, making it easier for them to know when to move or stop.

Do Not Ride Against Traffic

Riding against traffic is very dangerous and illegal. Doing this can lessen your visibility with other drivers since they are not expecting to see you. They are looking at other vehicles that are traveling in the same direction. Chances are likely that they will notice you at the last minute, and will struggle to react promptly to prevent an accident.

Follow Lane Markings

A bicycle rider should follow lane markings to safely travel on the road with others. Using bike lanes will increase your visibility, and will give you a more comfortable experience when navigating in and out of traffic. Make sure to ride away from parked cars to avoid getting hit by an opening door.

Wear a Helmet

Although there is no statewide law enforced to use a helmet, it is still highly encouraged as it can help reduce the risk of serious head injuries in the event of a bicycle accident. 

Use Bicycle Hand Signals

Cyclists who use bicycle hand signals can better communicate their intentions to other road users. Signaling your turns, stops, or lane changes will prevent bike accidents caused by confusion or abrupt movement. Be sure to make eye contact with drivers or other cyclists to confirm that they can see you while you are demonstrating these signs.

Turn On Lights at Night

Riding in the dark will make it difficult for drivers to notice you. Turning on your bike lights will help increase your visibility. Use your front white light and rear red light to make yourself noticeable from a distance to allow others to see you earlier and react in a timely manner.

Keep Your Bike in Good Condition

Keeping your bike in good condition is important to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable riding experience. You should perform regular maintenance checks to look for any mechanical failures or to enhance its performance. Staying on top of this will allow you to have trouble-free trips. 

Our Washington Bicycle Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

Bicycle accident victims are given the right to sue the at fault party to recover compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Washington legal team is available 24/7 to evaluate your case. With over $1.6 billion in financial compensation recovered for our clients, our team of experienced attorneys are confident that they can get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses. No matter how complex your situation may be, we will do our duty to guide you throughout the legal process and ensure that all of your questions and concerns are properly addressed. 

To schedule a FREE consultation with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer, you can connect with us by calling 206-222-8860 or filling out our quick online contact form.