Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Bike riding is a fun and healthy way to get around in Washington State. In fact, Washington is one of the most bicycle-friendly states in the nation. That said, there are definitely many hazards bicyclists face in the form of negligent drivers and dangerous roadways. Due to their smaller size, bicyclists are not always visible, especially at street intersections or in poor weather conditions. Often, motorists do not consciously look out for bicyclists and therefore, fail to yield right-of-way. Injured bicycle accident victims would be well advised to contact a personal injury lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing their legal rights.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to statistics, 35 percent of all Washington bicycle accident fatalities occur when bicyclists attempt to cross a roadway. Fatal Washington bike crashes involve a bicyclist riding with traffic 27 percent of the time and riding against traffic 11 percent of the time. Only 10 percent of Washington bicycle accidents are a direct result of a bicyclist turning into the path of a motorist.
Washington Bicycle Safety Tips
The state of Washington considers bicycles to be vehicles -- just like a car or an SUV. This means that bicyclists are afforded the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. Unfortunately, it is common for a motorist to fail to yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist and for the resulting injuries to be catastrophic. Here are a few tips the Washington State Department of Transportation lists to help prevent bicycle and car collisions:
- Washington law requires bicyclists to ride with traffic and not against it.
- Always follow the rules of the road. Never take a left hand turn from the right lane or vice versa.
- Never pass a car on its right hand side. Drivers in Washington common turn right without first looking to see if a bicyclist is alongside them.
- Making eye contact with a driver before crossing in front of them is a necessary way to make sure the driver sees you.
- Be aware of dangerous roadways. Be sure to look for potholes and uneven surfaces.
- Wear bright and reflective clothing while riding at night.
Washington Bicycle Helmet Law
The state of Washington currently has no statewide bike helmet law. There are many counties, however, that have enacted helmet laws. Counties including Aberdeen, Spokane, Tacoma, Kent and King County have put in place their own helmet laws for all ages. King County extended their helmet law requirements to include all of Seattle in 2003. Some cities such as Orting and Poulsbo only require children and teenagers to wear a helmet.
Rights of Injured Bicyclists
Bike riders who are injured by negligent drivers may pursue financial compensation for the crash by filing a personal injury claim in Washington. A successful civil lawsuit could result in compensation for damages such as medical expenses, past and future suffering, lost wages and rehabilitation costs. In cases where a bicyclist is killed, the victim's family may pursue financial compensation by filing a wrongful death claim.
The knowledgeable Seattle bicycle car accident attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast serve all of Washington. We have a lengthy and successful track record of representing and obtaining compensation for seriously injured victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Seattle bicycle accident, please call us for a free consultation.
