Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Seattle, WA
As one of the country’s fastest-growing cities, every year finds more and more cyclists on the streets of Seattle. Besides skipping the downtown congestion, cycling offers many other benefits — it’s cheaper than taking a taxi, fun to do, and best of all, it’s healthy!
Nonetheless, despite the increase in bicycle-friendly infrastructure and laws, accidents happen, and as of 2018, Seattle still averages just under one bicycle and vehicle collision per day.
Here at Brain Injury Law Of Seattle, our personal injury lawyers are experienced in helping cyclists recover from collision injuries by getting them the compensation they deserve. We also represent family members of victims killed in bike crashes.
Why Do I Need a Specialized Brain Injury Lawyer?
Brain injuries are different from other accident-related injuries. A broken arm or whiplash, while painful, usually has a straightforward diagnosis and recovery path—these injuries are visible and obvious.
Brain injuries however, like a concussion caused by car accident, can be complex, invisible, and highly unpredictable. Symptoms can linger for months or even years, and in some cases, additional complications appear long after the accident.
Insurance companies often downplay concussions or TBIs, labeling them “minor” injuries or questioning the extent they affect your daily life. Without a car accident lawyer with experience in brain injury cases you may find your claim undervalued or outright denied.
How Bicycle Collisions Happen
Here at Brain Injury Law Of Seattle, our personal injury lawyers are experienced in helping cyclists recover from collision injuries by getting them the compensation they deserve. We also represent family members of victims killed in bike crashes.
Common Bicycle Collision Injuries
Due to the lack of protection that cyclists have, collisions and crashes can result in serious, long-term injuries and even death. Some of the most common injuries our clients have come to us with are:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and tissue damage
- Spinal cord injury
The injuries received in a bicycle crash can be life-altering and it is common for victims to feel anger and depression due to their injuries.
These feelings are justified, but if you were not responsible for the collision, then you should not be forced into financial danger through mountains of medical bills, loss of wages, and lost time spent in recovery. You deserve to work with a skilled bicycle accident lawyer who will protect you from loss and make sure the party-at-fault pays the bill.
How Serious Are Bicycle Collisions in Seattle?
Here are the 2017 statistics on bicyclist injuries, according to the Washington State Department Of Transportation (WSDOT):
- Fatal bicycle collisions: 3
- Suspected serious injury collisions: 19
- Suspected minor injury collisions: 165
- Possible injury collisions: 144
- No apparent injury collisions: 21
- Total bicycle collisions: 352
Based off of Washington State Patrol data for the last five years, the top three most dangerous intersection zones in Seattle for bikers are:
4th Avenue & Pike Street: The area around this intersection is responsible for 54 crashes, 43 minor injuries, and 2 life-threatening injuries. Protected bike lanes were constructed through this zone in September 2017, so hopefully, the number of crashes will begin to decrease.
12th Avenue & Pike Street: The area around this intersection has seen 30 crashes, resulting in 21 minor injuries and 8 life-threatening injuries.
2nd Ave & Columbia St: The area around this intersection has accounted for 31 crashes, 26 minor injuries, and 2 life-threatening injuries.
Recover Compensation for Bicycle Accidents
If you have received injuries in a recent bike accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation in the following categories. Our bicycle accident lawyers at Brain Injury Law of Seattle will evaluate your case and fight to protect your rights if you file a claim.
Common Parties with Legal Liability for Bicycle Accidents
Typically, when a cyclist receives injuries in a bike accident that was not their fault, other parties have some or total legal liability. Your bike accident attorney at Brain Injury Law of Seattle will help you assess the situation to see if any of the following may be at fault.
- Motorists may be at fault if a privately-owned vehicle hits a cyclist.
- Commercial or government vehicle operators may be at fault if a truck hits a cyclist.
- Government road agencies and their contractors may be at fault if a road hazard, like a pothole, caused the accident.
- Bicycle equipment manufacturers may be at fault if your bicycle stops working because one of the parts becomes defective.
How to Avoid Bicycle Accidents
The best way to avoid a bicycle accident is to stay away from the busiest roads during peak traffic. Drivers and other cyclists are often prone to negligence when they’re late to work or coming home at night. Mapping out an alternate route along other roads can help you avoid those drivers.
Brain Injury After a Bicycle Accident
Get Help Today
Our bicycle accident lawyers will assess all your medical expenses, injuries, physical pain, lost wages, and mental suffering. We will gather evidence from witnesses, collision experts, and law enforcement in order to build you a solid case to prove your right to compensation and damages.
We understand that your situation may feel hopeless, but don’t despair. A brighter future is around the corner and we are standing ready to help you reach it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Law in Seattle
If you’ve suffered an injury in a bicycle accident, our law firm is there for you. Here are some answers to questions you likely have:
Brain Injury Law of Seattle
Client Stories & Verdicts
Contact Brain Injury Law
Call or email us for a free consultation, and find out how we can help you get your life back following a brain injury. We are here to help, answer questions, and educate you about what you have to look forward to. We have the medical and legal knowledge to tell you what you are facing and how you can be helped. We pledge to always tell you like it is so you can make informed decisions about your brain injury and how best to help yourself. This is what we do.