In a city known as The Rain City and for its green initiatives, more people in Seattle are choosing cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation. Whether it’s for commuting to work, enjoying the many outdoors parks, or simply making the decision to reduce their own carbon footprint, cycling offers numerous benefits.
However, despite its eco-friendly appeal, riding a bike comes with significant risks, especially on Seattle’s busy streets. In fact, there were more than 210 bicycle accidents reported in the city in 2021, representing a slight increase from the previous year.
As a trusted Seattle bicycle accident lawyer, Van Law Firm understands these risks and the impact a serious bike accident can have on someone’s life. If you’ve endured injuries from a bike accident, we understand the associated steep medical bills and the difficulties with negotiating with difficult insurance companies. That is why our experienced team of Seattle personal injury attorneys are here to help.
Get the legal advice you need. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and get on the path to receiving the necessary legal support so you can concentrate on your recovery: (360) 262-1792.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Seattle
Cyclists in Seattle encounter a variety of challenges, from unpredictable weather to heavily congested urban streets. Known for its steep hills and inconsistent biking infrastructure, cyclists frequently encounter potential obstacles which require them to be vigilant on the road.
Unfortunately, these conditions can increase the likelihood of a bike accident, especially when motor vehicle operators fail to share the road or refuse to give cyclists the right of way.
In many cases, bicycle accidents are caused by driver negligence with some of the most frequent reasons for collisions resulting from:
- Failure to yield to bicyclists at intersections
- Distracted driving (such as texting while driving)
- Speeding
- Opening car doors into bike lanes (“dooring”)
- Poorly maintained road surfaces
In addition, some cyclists may be partially at fault if they fail to follow traffic laws, such as not wearing a helmet or riding against traffic. However, under Washington state law, you can still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault.
Washington operates under a comparative negligence system, meaning that even if you are found partially at fault for the bicycle accident, you can still recover damages. For example, if you are found to be 30% responsible for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced by 30%, but you can still recover the remaining 70% of your damages.
This is why it’s essential to have an experienced Seattle bicycle accident lawyer on your side to defend your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies often try to pin more blame on the cyclist to reduce their payout, but at Van Law Firm, we know how to fight back against these tactics. We have represented numerous injured cyclists throughout the Seattle area and understand how to navigate the complexities of Washington bike law to your benefit.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Seattle, call (360) 200-0000
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Due to the lack of protection cyclists have on the road, injuries from a bicycle accident can be severe. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Road rash
- Internal injuries (hemorrhaging)
- And in catastrophic cases, the loss of life which may be grounds for a wrongful death claim.
In many cases, injury victims also suffer long-term emotional and psychological effects, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can impact their quality of life. At Van Law Firm, our experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys fight to get compensation for both your physical injuries and the emotional toll of the accident. We work closely with medical experts to ensure your medical treatment is fully covered.
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What Compensation Is Available for Bicycle Accident Victims?
In a Seattle bicycle accident case, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. These can include:
- Medical bills (both past and future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (for your bike and other belongings)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our experienced injury lawyers will work with you to determine the full extent of your losses and will negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive a fair settlement. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Having handled numerous personal injury cases, our injury law firm has the resources and experience to get you the compensation you deserve.
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The Legal Process: What to Expect
When determining which law firm to take on your case, you should expect them to take immediate steps to begin building your case. These include:
- Initial consultation: We’ll meet with you for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and explain your legal options.
- Investigation: Our team will gather evidence, such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene, to build a strong case.
- Negotiation: We will negotiate with the plaintiff’s insurance company to secure a fair settlement, ensuring all aspects of your injury claim are accounted for.
- Trial: If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial to get you the compensation you deserve.
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Why Choose Van Law Firm?
There are many law firms in Seattle, but Van Law Firm stands out for several reasons:
- Local expertise: We have deep knowledge of Seattle’s roads and laws, and we understand the specific challenges that local cyclists face. From car accidents, motorcycle accidents, to truck accidents and everything in between, we’ve handled a wide range of personal injury cases and have successfully litigated to obtain verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients.
- Personalized service: At Van Law Firm, you’re not just another case number. We offer individualized attention and tailored legal strategies to ensure you receive the best representation possible. Whether it’s for a serious injury or wrongful death claim, we care about our injured clients and fight for their rights.
- Pro bono advocacy: In addition to fighting for our clients, we also work on behalf of Seattle’s communities to make the streets safer for everyone.
Contact Van Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident in Seattle, don’t wait to reach out to a competent and seasoned Settle bicycle accident attorney who can diligently handle your case.
In Washington state, you typically have three years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it’s crucial not to wait too long, as evidence can disappear and witness’ memories can fade over time.
By contacting Van Law Firm immediately, we can make sure your case is prepared for success, maximizing your chance to recover the compensation you deserve.
When in need of resources and your best path to securing a favorable outcome, look no further than Van Law Firm’s experienced bicycle accident attorneys in Seattle. They are ready to fight for your rights and get you the justice that’s owed to you.
Call us today at our office to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you recover from your accident. We’re here to provide the guidance, care, and legal advice you need to move forward with confidence: (360) 262-1792.
No obligation consultations are always free.
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