Why Do You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Why Do You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Cycling is one of Seattle’s most popular and sustainable ways to get around. But when a bike ride ends in a collision with a motor vehicle, the outcome can be catastrophic. Injured cyclists often face severe physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the overwhelming challenge of navigating insurance claims and legal complexities. If this sounds familiar, you may be asking: why do you need a bicycle accident lawyer?
An experienced Seattle bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights under Washington State law, deal with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation for your losses. At Brumley Law Firm, we represent bicycle accident victims throughout Seattle and Western Washington who have suffered life-altering injuries caused by negligent drivers, defective bicycles, or unsafe roads.
Understanding the Scope of Bicycle Accidents in Seattle
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), hundreds of bicycle crashes occur across the state each year, with King County and Seattle seeing some of the highest concentrations. Many involve motor vehicle operators who fail to follow traffic laws, ignore bike lanes, or turn without checking for cyclists. Despite Seattle’s growing cycling infrastructure, collisions continue to cause devastating injuries and fatalities.
Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) also shows that cyclist fatalities often rise during the summer months when traffic volume increases and distracted driving becomes more common.
Bicycle accidents often occur at intersections, stop signs, or red lights, where a single mistake or a reckless driver can result in tragedy. When bike riders share the road with larger motor vehicles, they are at an extreme disadvantage.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Most bicycle accidents happen because of another party’s carelessness or failure to follow traffic signs. Common causes include:
- Negligent drivers who fail to yield to bicycle riders
- Car doors opened suddenly in a cyclist’s path (“dooring”)
- Poorly maintained roads or debris in bike lanes
- Defective bicycles or equipment from a bike manufacturer
- Distracted or impaired drivers behind the wheel
- Motor vehicle driver’s negligence when turning or merging
- Lack of adequate cycling infrastructure in high-traffic areas
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly one-third of bicycle-related injuries involve collisions with motor vehicles, often leading to traumatic brain injuries and long-term disabilities.
When these crashes occur, injured cyclists often suffer serious injuries that require extensive medical care and long-term recovery.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Because cyclists have little protection, the injuries sustained in bike accidents are often severe. Victims may experience:
- Broken bones and orthopedic injuries
- Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), even when wearing a bike helmet
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Emotional distress or psychological trauma
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that wearing a properly fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries and fatalities in bicycle crashes.
These devastating injuries can permanently impact a cyclist’s ability to work, exercise, or enjoy daily activities. A skilled bicycle accident attorney can help you understand the full extent of your losses and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and financial harm.
Why You Need a Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After a bicycle crash, many people assume the insurance company will handle everything fairly. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. Insurers often attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame onto the cyclist. This is where hiring a Seattle bicycle accident lawyer becomes essential.
A knowledgeable bike accident lawyer can:
- Investigate your bike crash claim and gather critical evidence
- Obtain police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to prove negligence
- Handle negotiations with insurance adjusters and the driver’s insurance company
- File a bicycle accident claim or lawsuit if settlement talks fail
At Brumley Law Firm, our Seattle bicycle accident attorneys understand the tactics insurers use. We work to protect your rights and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash
If you are involved in a bike crash, taking the right steps can make a major difference in your bicycle accident case:
- Seek medical treatment immediately, even if you feel fine. Some internal injuries or head injuries aren’t obvious at first.
- Call the police and file a police report to document the accident scene.
- Gather evidence such as photos, video, and witness information.
- Keep copies of all medical bills, receipts, and related expenses.
- Avoid speaking to the insurance company before consulting a bicycle accident lawyer.
Your actions in the hours following the crash can significantly affect the outcome of your claim.
Determining Liability in Bicycle Accident Cases
In bicycle accident cases, liability can involve several parties, including:
- A reckless driver who caused the collision
- A bike manufacturer if a defective bicycle contributed to the crash
- A city or county agency responsible for poorly maintained roads
- Property owners whose negligence created unsafe cycling conditions
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can perform a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties and strengthen your case for compensation.
The Role of Evidence in Bicycle Accident Claims
Strong evidence is key to proving fault and damages in any bicycle accident claim. This includes:
- Police reports and witness statements
- Medical records showing your injuries and treatment timeline
- Photos of the bike accident scene, bike lane, and damage
- Documentation of lost income or lost wages due to missed work
A well-documented case allows your bike accident attorney to negotiate effectively and, if necessary, present a compelling case in court.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Victims of bike crashes may recover damages for:
- Medical expenses and medical treatment
- Lost income and diminished earning potential
- Property damage to your bicycle and gear
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
When bicycle crashes cause life-altering injuries, compensation should reflect both immediate losses and future care needs. Our Seattle bicycle accident lawyers pursue every avenue to achieve maximum compensation for our clients.
How Washington State Law Handles Bicycle Accidents
Under Washington State law, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. This means bicycle riders must follow traffic laws, but motor vehicle drivers also owe them a duty of care. Failure to respect that duty constitutes negligence.
According to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 46.61), drivers must yield to cyclists in designated bike lanes and share the road safely. When they fail to do so, they can be held accountable through a bicycle accident lawsuit.
Proving Negligence in a Bicycle Accident Case
To win a bicycle accident claim, your attorney must prove four elements:
- The defendant owed a duty of care.
- The defendant breached that duty through negligence or recklessness.
- The breach caused the bicycle accident injuries.
- You suffered measurable damages, including medical bills, lost wages, or emotional trauma.
A proven Seattle bike accident attorney will build your case with expert testimony, documentation, and evidence that clearly demonstrates fault.
Contact a Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle crash in Seattle or elsewhere in Washington, don’t face the recovery alone. Contact Brumley Law Firm at (833) 740-2275 for a free consultation with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer.
Our Seattle bicycle accident attorneys will evaluate your case, gather evidence, and pursue the fair compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal process so you can focus on healing and getting back on the road.