If you were involved in a bicycle accident due to the negligent actions of a motor vehicle driver, you should contact the Washington personal injury attorneys of Tamaki Law so we can start working on your case.
Studies show that you’re more likely to recover higher compensation with the help of a lawyer than if you choose to handle your case alone. We have over 100 years of combined experience representing accident victims and pursuing the compensation and justice they deserve. You can depend on us to be your advocate during this difficult time in your life and help you get on the road to recovery.
You deserve to hold the at-fault motorist liable for the harm they caused. You suffered physical and emotional injuries and maybe even financial strain while paying for your medical treatment. You shouldn’t have to pay any of your accident-related expenses when someone else’s reckless behavior was entirely responsible for your debilitating accident.
At Tamaki Law, our Washington bicycle accident attorneys can take on the responsibility for your case and complete each step of the process from start to finish. You won’t have to concern yourself with legal documents, insurance companies, or confusing state laws. You should take the time to focus on recovering while we handle the legal aspects of your insurance claim or lawsuit.
For a free consultation with a dedicated legal professional from Tamaki Law, call us at (800) 801-9564 today.
Should I Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Yes. Although it’s not a requirement when pursuing a case against a negligent driver, it could help you in the long run. Bicycle accidents can lead to shock and confusion. If you’re in pain, it can be challenging to think clearly and take the necessary steps to seek compensation and hold the at-fault driver accountable for their wrongdoing. Having an experienced Washington bicycle accident attorney on your side could relieve some of the burdens you’re feeling.
Tamaki Law is familiar with the deadlines, laws, and procedures associated with bike accident cases. While you’re treating your injuries, you can depend on us to handle all the heavy lifting. We can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate for a settlement with the insurance company. We also have no problem taking your case to court if necessary.
Our Washington bicycle accident attorneys have been fighting on behalf of our clients since 1994. When you hire us, we can create the right strategy that meets your needs and hopefully achieves your desired outcome. We never back down from intimidating insurance companies or defense attorneys. We will use all available resources to try to reach the best possible results so you can move forward with your life.
Common Factors That Can Contribute to Bicycle Accidents in Washington
Although bicycle lanes are available so that riders can avoid sharing the road with cars and trucks, there aren’t barriers to protect them from a swerving vehicle. Additionally, bikers still have to cross intersections, putting them at risk of injuries in accidents with reckless or negligent drivers.
During a study of dangerous intersections in Washington, some of the worst were in Seattle. Fourth Avenue and Pike Street topped the list, with Twelfth Avenue and East Pike Street not far behind. There are also many congested roads and highways that run through large cities, such as Interstate 5. If a driver isn’t paying attention to where they’re going, they could drift into the bike lane and sideswipe a bicyclist.
The most common causes of bicycle accidents are:
- Suddenly changing lanes – If there isn’t an available bike lane, cyclists must share the road with cars. A distracted driver might merge into a cyclist already occupying the lane.
- Dooring – A dooring accident occurs when someone in a parked vehicle opens their door without checking for approaching bikers.
- Turning left without using a turn signal – Right of way laws facilitate the safe flow of traffic through intersections. If a driver doesn’t allow a bicyclist to cross when necessary, they could end up on a collision course with them.
- Turning right – Motorists can turn right at red lights in certain situations. However, they must stop first and look for anyone crossing the other street. If a bicyclist is already in the crosswalk, the driver must let them proceed before completing their turn.
- Road debris – Swerving out of the way to avoid a pothole or debris in the road might be necessary to prevent damage to a person’s vehicle. However, the driver could end up in the bike lane, injuring a cyclist.
- Disobeying traffic laws – Traffic laws are in place for a reason. Anyone who violates those laws increases the risk of an accident.
- Distracted driving – Driver distractions are dangerous and can be deadly to bike riders. Drivers face various distractions behind the wheel, such as their cell phones, the radio, a GPS, or a passenger. Even if a split-second of inattention could result in a devastating collision with a biker.
- Reckless driving – Sometimes, a motor vehicle driver will weave in and out of traffic, tailgate other vehicles, or exceed the speed limit. This dangerous behavior could put a bicyclist at risk if they’re in the path of an oncoming car.
If you suffered injuries due to someone else’s misconduct, you could pursue compensation for your injuries and resulting expenses.
Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
The injuries sustained in a bike accident can range from mild to severe. The most common are:
- Paralysis
- Loss of limb
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord damage
- Psychological injuries
- Torn tendons or ligaments
- Sprained muscles
- Nerve damage
- Internal bleeding
- Significant disfigurement
- Back and neck injuries
- Permanent disability
Many injuries bicyclists are subjected to in crashes can result in permanent physical damage and emotional trauma. This trauma can upend a person’s life and affect their daily routine. If you wind up with a disability, you might not be able to go back to work or take care of yourself and your family.
Household assistance might be necessary to complete basic tasks. You could also suffer chronic pain and limited mobility, requiring ongoing medical treatment to manage these issues. These costs can add up over time and become a massive burden on your finances. If you can’t afford to pay your bills, you could face serious debt.
The at-fault driver should be held liable for causing the accident. At Tamaki Law, our Washington bicycle accident attorneys believe in seeking compensation from negligent parties, so our clients have the best chance of recovering from their injuries.
Filing a Lawsuit in Washington
There are multiple options for seeking legal action against another person after an accident. One of them is suing the at-fault driver. You must adhere to the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which is a strict timeframe for initiating a lawsuit. Washington has a three-year statute of limitations. That means you must file suit within three years of the crash date if you want to pursue compensation in court.
It’s vital that you never admit fault for the accident, even if you think your actions might have partially contributed to it. The pure comparative fault rule could diminish your financial award if the jury determines you share any blame for the collision. For example, if you end up with $50,000 in expenses but the jury finds that you were 20 percent at fault for your injuries, the most compensation you could seek would be $40,000.
Compensation Available for the Losses You Suffered
Washington uses the fault system to determine liability after an accident. The person that causes injuries to another person in a collision becomes financially responsible for the resulting losses, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Mental anguish
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Disfigurement
Even though you were on your bike, you might be able to file a claim with the driver’s car insurance company. All motorists must purchase liability insurance coverage for their vehicles. There are minimum liability limits required to compensate for an accident victim’s losses. You could seek compensation for the losses you suffered by filing a liability claim.
Contact Us
The Washington bicycle accident attorneys of Tamaki Law will exhaust all resources to pursue justice in your case. You already had to deal with the pain and financial burden of an injury. You shouldn’t have to face additional consequences due to another person’s reckless behavior. Let us help you hold the at-fault driver accountable and get your life back on track.
You won’t be alone during this strenuous process. We will remain by your side until the end. We always work hard to meet the needs of our clients and achieve their specific goals. You will receive personalized attention, support, and guidance from start to finish of your case.
If a driver’s carelessness caused your injuries in a bicycle accident, contact Tamaki Law at (800) 801-9564 for a free consultation with one of our Washington bicycle accident attorneys. We can discuss all the details of your case and determine your legal options. Our legal team will help you get through this traumatic ordeal one step at a time.