Our Skilled Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyer Helps Injured Washington Cyclists Obtain the Compensation They Deserve
Washington has a well-earned reputation as a safe place for cyclists. The Evergreen State leads the nation in bicycle traffic laws, education, and infrastructure, consistently ranking as the country’s most bike-friendly state since 2008. Unfortunately, even in our veritable biking wonderland, bicycle accidents can and do still happen.
If someone else’s carelessness caused a bike crash that harmed you or killed a close family member, you could be entitled to compensation for your related injuries and losses. At Kode Law Firm, highly skilled Seattle personal injury lawyer Preet Kode guides Washington bicycle accident victims through civil litigation, providing fierce and fearless representation to help clients secure the justice and damages they deserve.
Get the Facts on Washington State Bicycle Accidents
Despite efforts to promote cycling safety, bicycle accidents remain a significant public health concern in Washington. In 2022, the state recorded its highest number of bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries in a decade.
Common Causes of Washington Bike Crashes
Though bicycle accidents can have numerous causes, they’re often the result of inattentive, negligent drivers. Common bike crash causes include the following:
- Distracted driving. Drivers distracted by cellphones, navigation systems, passengers, and other disruptions may not spot bicyclists in time—or at all—leading to dangerous collisions.
- Dooring. Though Washington law prohibits drivers from opening vehicle doors adjacent to moving traffic without ensuring it’s reasonably safe, dooring incidents frequently injure unsuspecting riders.
- Tailgating. Drivers who follow too closely have reduced reaction time and an increased risk of rear-ending bicyclists.
- Reckless driving. When drivers weave through traffic or make unsafe lane changes, they’re more likely to cause side-swipe bicycle crashes.
- Speeding. Drivers who ignore speed limits are less able to effectively react to sudden changes in road conditions or the presence of cyclists.
- Negligent turning. When drivers turn without checking for bicyclists in their blind spots, serious bike accidents can result, especially at intersections.
- Disregarding traffic signals. Drivers who run red lights or stop signs put cyclists crossing intersections at risk of being struck by vehicles.
- Impaired driving. Alcohol or drugs can have a considerable impact on driving ability, impairing judgment and reaction time and significantly increasing a driver’s chances of causing a bicycle accident.
- Failing to yield. Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections or crosswalks can cause devastating bike crashes.
- Drowsy driving. Fatigue can be just as impairing as alcohol or drugs, leading to lapses in attention and slower reaction times that raise the risk of collisions with bicyclists.
Common Injuries Associated With Bicycle Accidents
With nothing but perhaps a helmet to protect them, bicyclists are subject to wide-ranging injuries, including:
- Road rash. This injury occurs when a rider's skin scrapes against the road surface, resulting in abrasions that can range from mild to severe.
- Broken bones. Riders can suffer fractures due to the impact with vehicles, objects, or the ground during a crash.
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These are serious injuries that occur when the rider's head strikes an object or the ground, leading to potential brain damage and requiring immediate medical evaluation and treatment.
- Facial and dental injuries. These injuries include fractures, lacerations, or damage to the teeth and jaws, often occurring when the rider’s face hits the ground or an object.
- Spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result from severe impacts to the rider's spine, leading to temporary or permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury.
- Rider’s arm. When a rider instinctively extends an arm to break a fall, this injury can lead to long-term mobility issues or paralysis of the arm.
- Soft tissue injuries. Bruises, strains, and sprains can result from the blunt force trauma experienced in a crash.
- Emotional trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression can require counseling or psychiatric treatment.
Many bicycle accident injuries are serious, requiring expensive ongoing medical care. Carefully documenting your injuries and medical expenses can substantially strengthen your claim for damages.
Our Experienced Washington Bicycle Accident Lawyer Is Your Trusted and Tireless Ally in the Fight for a Fair Recovery
Washington law gives bicycle accident victims the right to pursue financial recovery for injuries and losses caused by another person or company’s negligence. Depending on the facts and evidence in your bike crash case, your recovery might include compensation for:
- Medical expenses. All health care costs related to the accident can be included in your recovery, including hospital bills, medication, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical treatments needed due to the injuries sustained.
- Lost wages and/or earning capacity. Compensation for lost wages covers the income lost due to the inability to work following the accident, while loss of earning capacity refers to the diminished ability to earn income in the future due to the long-term effects of the injuries.
- Bicycle repair or replacement costs. Including costs to repair or replace the bicycle and any associated equipment damaged in the accident ensures the rider is not out-of-pocket for these expenses.
- Pain and suffering. This non-economic damage compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered due to the accident, acknowledging the non-tangible impact of the injuries on the victim's quality of life.
Sadly, personal injury litigation is complex and complicated, which can make collecting fair compensation challenging. If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a Washington bike crash, you want Seattle bicycle accident lawyer Preet Kode in your corner.
Preet and the dedicated team at Kode Law Firm do more than aggressively advocate for injured cyclists and their families—we genuinely care for and believe in our clients, investing considerable time, effort, and resources into investigating, litigating, and resolving their cases. We prioritize clear communication and provide compassionate support every step of the way, ensuring you feel informed and empowered throughout the legal process.
