Bicycle accidents are becoming increasingly common in Washington State, often leading to serious injuries. If you are a cyclist, it is important that you understand your rights under the law should you be involved in an accident.
The Bernard Law Group represents cyclists injured in accidents caused by the negligence of other parties. We will help you to understand the avenues open to you to seek compensation, and, if you decide to move forward, we will aggressively pursue your case to a successful conclusion.
Washington Biking Laws
Laws relating to bicycles vary from state to state, and at times, from county to county. It is always important to practice due caution and to make sure you are riding safely. There are a number of biking practices that may be against the law in your area but of which you are unaware.
Some areas may be deemed unsafe for cycling, and have signs indicating that no bicycles are allowed. These signs must be obeyed without question.
Riding with passengers who are not in a legal seat (such as on your handlebars), riding without using your hands on the handlebars, not having a permanently attached seat, and hitching your bike to a vehicle are all illegal.
In Washington, it is legal to ride side by side with another cyclist, but illegal to ride side by side with two or more riders. Whether or not you are following the state’s laws relating to bicycles may determine the outcome of your bicycle accident case.
If you are injured in a bike accident you can seek compensation.
Victims of accidents have the right to pursue compensation for resulting expenses and damages. Medical bills, broken equipment, and time away from work may all be taken into consideration. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side to review your case and to give you a realistic estimate of likely compensation is absolutely essential.
Treat your bike accident as you would any car accident
After a car accident, it would be in your best interests to collect as much evidence and information as possible. This is important in a bicycle accident as well. Photographs from the scene of the crash, photos of injuries, diagrams and contact information about eyewitnesses are all invaluable in terms of evidence. Your attorney can use the evidence and information you collect to make a solid basis for your case. How much you receive from an accident settlement or court ruling depends on who was at fault.
It is your responsibility to be safe.
While determining liability for an accident, a jury may review all aspects of the case. In some cases the cyclist may be found partially responsible for the accident, and therefore may not be eligible to receive maximum compensation. Riders would be well-advised to adopt safety measures at all times and to follow the rules of the road.
Make sure your bike has working brakes, and that the bike you are riding is the right size for you. When there is low visibility, use reflectors and a light on the front of your bike.
Do not speak to the insurance companies involved before contacting a lawyer.
Insurance companies will attempt to get you to admit fault so they will not have to pay your claim. Do not discuss your injury accident with an insurance representative, or other parties, prior to consulting with a qualified legal professional.
An attorney working on your behalf will walk you through the process, and will make sure there aren’t any missteps that could be detrimental to the outcome of the case or that could lower the amount of compensation to be paid.
The Bernard Law Group has been serving the Washington area for 30 years. If you have been the victim of a bicycle accident, please do not hesitate to contact our offices at 206-298-9900. We always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A BICYCLE ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON – CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
