Woman Injured in Seattle Bicycle Accident

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on July 2, 2015

A woman in her 30s was critically injured in a Seattle car accident when a car struck her bicycle. As reported by a West Seattle Blog report, the bicycle accident occurred at Delridge and Dakota in Seattle. Officials say the car struck the cyclist, and according to comments on the blog, the car had windshield damage from where the bicyclist hit the car. The cyclist was unconscious and not breathing when medics arrived, but she had a pulse and was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. The driver remained at the scene during the investigation.

It is unclear what caused this crash, but the accident occurred in an area that has a designated bike lane. One alleged witness to the crash said the car veered into the bike lane, but it is not clear if that has been confirmed. Seattle bikes lanes are designed to separate riders from motorists, but they cannot prevent every collision. Drivers and bikers alike can still cause a crash by drifting from their lane or by swerving suddenly without warning.

If you ride in Seattle, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce your chances of being in an accident. It is advisable to:

• Choose routes that have designated bike lanes
• Stick to well-lit roadways when riding at night
• Use hand signals to let drivers know where you are going
• Always wear a helmet and bright clothing
• Install a white lamp on the front of your bike and reflectors on the back and pedals
• Ride defensively
• Never assume that drivers see you or that they will properly yield the right of way

If you are ever hurt when riding, make sure you notify the authorities and accept any medical treatment that is offered by emergency personnel at the scene. Bicycle accident victims in Seattle have the right to pursue financial compensation from the driver who caused their injuries. Drivers whose act of negligence led to an accident can be held accountable for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, the cost of rehabilitation and other related damages.

An experienced Seattle bicycle accident attorney at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. can help injured victims better understand their legal rights and options.