BICYCLE ACCIDENT
Committed to protecting the legal rights of victims everywhere
KENT BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER
If you live in Kent, you may use your bicycle to get to and fro on a regular basis. From commuting to work to riding for pleasure, bicycling is a fantastic way to improve your health, and help the earth. But bicycling isn’t always safe, and in Kent, where a lack of bicycle infrastructure forces cyclists to ride on the road with cars, riding a bike can be downright dangerous. If you are hit while riding in Kent or surrounding areas, our experienced bicycle accident lawyer at the Khan Injury Law wants to discuss your accident with you today. We can help you to file a claim and recover the compensation that you deserve.
Top Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents are almost always caused a result of negligence. Negligence means the failure to act with a reasonable level of care, and as it pertains to bicycle accidents, might include:
- Running a red light or stop sign;
- Failing to yield when making a left or right-hand turn;
- Speeding;
- Operating a vehicle while intoxicated, fatigued, or otherwise impaired;
- Driving aggressively;
- Driving while distracted or using or a cellphone; or
- Otherwise driving irresponsibly or in violation of traffic laws.
Because most bike crashes are the result of negligence rather than unforeseeable and natural forces, such as bad weather, they are almost always preventable. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident caused by the negligence of another party, you have the right to hold that party liable for the full extent of your damages.
INJURIES SUSTAINED IN A BICYCLE CRASH
The injuries that a cyclist may sustain in a crash vary drastically depending upon the force of impact, the speed at which the bicycle and vehicle were traveling at the time of impact, the angle of impact, and a number of other factors, such as the clothing and protective gear the cyclist was wearing at the time of crash. Some of the most common injuries in a bicycle accident include (but are not limited to):
Head injuries.
Injuries to the head and brain, known as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are one of the likeliest types of injury for a cyclist to sustain. This type of injury is exacerbated in cases where the cyclist is not wearing a helmet; however, helmet or not, it is possible for the head and brain to be impacted in a crash.
Back injuries.
If a cyclist lands in an awkward position or on their back after being hit, or if they are crushed between an object, they may suffer a very serious back injury. In addition to back sprains and strains, fractured vertebrae, herniated disks, and even injuries to the spinal cord may occur. These injuries may be permanent, and may cause paralysis in some cases.
Facial injuries.
Finally, a cyclist’s face may be severely impacted in a crash, leading to broken facial bones, lacerations, lost teeth, scarring, and disfigurement.
Bone fractures.
Another common injury for cyclists to suffer are bone fractures, or broken bones. Common areas for breaks include the wrist, elbow, and clavicle (collar bone), although fractures to the legs, ribs, and even vertebrae in the spine are also possible.
Road rash.
Even if a cyclist is wearing protective clothing at the time of their crash, if they are knocked off of their bike, they may suffer road rash or road burn injuries. These burns are caused by the effect of the skin being ripped and torn as it drags along the pavement, as well as actual burns from the heat caused by friction. Bruises and lacerations commonly accompany road rash injuries.
The experienced Kent Bicycle accident lawyers at the Khan Injury Law have seen it all – we can represent you during your bike accident claim, no matter the type of accident you have been involved in or the cause. If someone else acted negligently, we are ready to go to work on your behalf.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Who Is Liable For My Bicycle Accident?
Cyclists who ride on the road have all of the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers, which means that they are also protected in the same manner that other drivers are, and are afforded the same duty of care. This also means that when a crash between a bicycle and a car occurs, liability is based on fault (negligence). In order to determine who is liable for your bicycle crash, an investigation will need to be opened that determines the precise cause of your accident, potentially liable parties, and any acts of negligence. Witness statements, police reports, and expert accident reconstruction data may all be necessary to make a determination of liability. In some cases, an accident may not be entirely the fault of one party; both the cyclist and the driver may share responsibility. If this is true, it is important to know exactly what percentage of fault is yours so that you can recover compensation in proportion to the other party’s degree of fault.
WE KNOW HOW TO RECOVER DAMAGES
We Know How To Get You The Compensation You Deserve
Our lawyers know how to get you the compensation that you deserve after a crash. In addition to conducting the investigation necessary to determine fault, we also handle:
- Filing your claim;
- Presenting evidence of negligence and damages to an insurance company;
- Filing a demand letter;
- Negotiating for damages; and
- Determining whether a settlement is fair.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will be prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf. While we always try to avoid going to court to save you time and money, sometimes, litigation is the only way to get the money that you need to pay for your damages.
Call Khan Injury Law Today
A consultation with our law firm is always free, and we handle all upfront costs associated with your case, including hiring experts. Further, we never charge you unless your claim is successful and you receive a settlement.
To learn more about how our Kent bicycle accident lawyer can help you after a crash, and to schedule a free consultation, call our offices now at 206.472.1379.
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Best law firm in Seattle!! All the staff is very professional and warm. They were always informative and called us right back.
RP