Accidents involving bikes can lead to severe injuries, leaving victims with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and pain. If you or someone you love has been in a bicycle accident, having someone on your side who knows how to fight for your rights is important.
At Bernard Law Group, our Bellevue accident lawyers are here to help you through this challenging time and work toward securing the compensation you deserve.
The Growing Risks for Cyclists in Bellevue
Bellevue offers beautiful trails and streets for cycling, but these same routes are also shared with cars, trucks, and pedestrians, which can create dangerous situations. Some high-risk areas, like busy intersections and highways, see more accidents because drivers may not always watch for cyclists. Bicycle accidents often lead to severe injuries because riders don’t have the same protection as those inside vehicles.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons, often because of careless actions by drivers or unsafe road conditions.
Distracted Driving
Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio might not notice a cyclist nearby. Even a split-second distraction can result in a devastating collision.
Failure to Yield
Drivers who fail to yield at intersections or stop signs put cyclists at serious risk. Many accidents occur when a vehicle turns before a cyclist or pulls out without checking for bikes.
Speeding
Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations, like a cyclist entering a crosswalk. High-speed collisions are often the most severe, leading to life-altering injuries for cyclists.
Dooring Accidents
Cyclists riding near parked cars face the danger of “dooring,” where a driver opens their car door without checking for passing bikes. This type of collision can throw a rider into traffic.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris can make riding dangerous, especially if the cyclist has to swerve into traffic to avoid a hazard.
Driving Under the Influence
Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs often have slower reaction times and poor judgment, making it more likely they will collide with a cyclist.
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Types of Evidence Used to Prove Bicycle Accident Claims
When you’ve been in a bicycle accident, gathering strong evidence is essential to building your case. Evidence helps show what happened, who was at fault, and the accident’s impact on your life.
Here are key types of evidence often used in bicycle accident claims:
Police Reports
A police report serves as an official record of the accident. It typically includes important details such as statements from witnesses, a description of the crash, and any citations issued. This document can provide a solid foundation for your claim.
Witness Testimonies
Eyewitnesses play a crucial role in recounting what happened. For instance, they may describe if the driver was speeding, failed to yield, or ignored traffic laws. Their accounts can offer reliable support for your version of events.
Video Footage
Video evidence from dashcams, surveillance cameras, or even bystander cellphones can be extremely powerful. Footage often captures the moments leading up to and during the accident, offering undeniable visual proof of what occurred.
Photographs
Pictures taken at the scene can show vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries. These images paint a clear picture of the accident’s severity and help illustrate your experience.
Medical Records
Medical records link the accident to your injuries, showing the extent of harm you’ve suffered and the treatment you’ve received. These documents are vital in demonstrating how the crash has affected your health.
By collecting this evidence, our no-win, no-fee bicycle accident lawyer in Bellevue can build a strong case to support your claim.
How Our Bellevue Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
When you work with Bernard Law Group, we focus on fighting for your rights and easing the stress of dealing with a legal claim.
We investigate your case thoroughly, gathering evidence to support your claim. This includes speaking with witnesses, reviewing police reports, and working with experts to reconstruct the accident if needed. These steps are critical in proving fault and ensuring a strong case.
We also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurers often try to offer settlements that are too low, but we push back to get you fair compensation for your injuries and losses. If necessary, our best bicycle accident lawyer in Bellevue will take your case to court to fight for the best possible outcome.
Types of Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
- Medical Expenses: This includes emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and physical therapy. Bicycle accident injuries often require extensive treatment, and these costs can add up quickly.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income during your recovery.
- Loss of Future Earnings: Severe injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, may make returning to your previous job or work impossible. Compensation can help cover the income you would have earned in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond physical injuries, accidents can cause emotional trauma and long-term pain—this type of compensation accounts for the impact on your quality of life.
- Property Damage: You can recover the costs of repairing or replacing your bicycle and other items damaged in the accident.
- Rehabilitation Costs: You may need ongoing physical or occupational therapy for long-term recovery. These costs are often included in compensation claims.
Challenges Unique to Bicycle Accident Cases
Bicycle accident claims can be complicated due to several unique challenges. One major issue is bias. Some people unfairly assume that cyclists are reckless, making it harder to prove your case. We work to overcome this by presenting clear, strong evidence that shows what happened.
Another challenge is dealing with insurance companies. Insurers often try to blame the cyclist or downplay the injuries. Our team pushes back, using evidence and negotiation skills to hold the responsible party accountable.
Finally, bicycle accident injuries are often more severe than those in car accidents, making it essential to account for all current and future medical needs in your claim. Our bicycle accident attorney in Bellevue, WA, takes the time to thoroughly calculate these damages so you aren’t left covering costs on your own later.
Need Justice? Reach Out Today for Legal Counsel
Call Our Bellevue Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, calling Bernard Law Group could be one of the most important decisions you make. Our bike accident attorney near me team has experience handling these cases and knows how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you only pay if we recover compensation for you. Let Bellevue’s top-rated bicycle accident lawyer handle the legal details while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
