SEATAC BICYCLE
ACCIDENT LAWYER

Bicycling has always been popular for fun, exercise, and enjoying the outdoors in SeaTac, WA, but it has also recently become all the rage as a mode of transportation. More residents are biking to and from work, and for personal errands, especially as the city makes lanes safer and more accessible. However, with this increase in riding comes a heightened risk of bicycle accidents. Victims have little chance to escape serious bodily harm when up against larger, heavier vehicles, so they can suffer serious or life-threatening injuries.

Fortunately, Washington State law allows you to recover compensation as the victim of a bicycle accident. The key to obtaining the highest available amount is retaining a knowledgeable attorney to represent your interests. At Khan Law Firm, PLLC, our SeaTac, WA bicycle accident lawyers have assisted many clients with filing a claim, negotiating with an insurance company, and in court. We are here to serve you, so please contact our office to schedule a free consultation. You may also find it useful to review some general information on these types of cases.

Trust a SeaTac, WA Bicycle Accident Lawyer to Fight for Your Rights

Bicycle accidents usually happen due to driver negligence, which means there are certain elements you must establish to enforce your right to compensation under Washington State law. There are four, so you must show that:

1. The responsible driver had a duty to safely operate his or her vehicle, so as to avoid causing an unreasonable risk of harm to others;
2. The other driver breached this legal duty by engaging in careless acts or misconduct;
3. You were injured in an accident that was directly caused by the breach; and,
4. You suffered losses due to your injuries.

The first element is relatively straightforward, as all motorists on SeaTac, WA roads are required to comply with the rules of the road and drive safely. The other elements can be tricky in terms of proof, so it is critical have an experienced attorney to investigate, gather evidence, develop a solid legal strategy, and engage in other tasks as necessary to protect your rights. At Khan Law Firm, PLLC, we rely on our in-house support staff, as well as other professionals who assist our bicycle accident lawyers. For instance:

• We consult with professional investigators to assess the scene of the accident, track down witnesses, and provide related services;
• Our attorneys partner with medical experts to show the level of loss you sustain as a result of your injuries; and,
• We work with accident reconstruction specialists who are specially trained in physics and related sciences, so we can show fault on behalf of the responsible driver.

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Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Washington State

Though negligence is at the heart of most bike collisions, there are many specific factors behind these accidents. Examples include:

• Distracted Driving: Despite Washington State laws that prohibit cell phone use while driving, there are many motorists who ignore the rules on texting, talking on the phone, and reviewing social media. Distracted driving takes the operator’s eyes and attention away from the road, which can lead to an accident.
• Speeding: Driving faster than the posted limit or too fast for conditions can lead to bicycle accidents because the motorist has less time to react to road conditions.
• Visibility: People on bicycles are lower profile, so motorists in other vehicles may have a tough time spotting them in time to avoid an accident. Plus, other objects can obstruct a driver’s view, and he or she may never see the biker.
• Bicycles as Vehicles: Though they may not be motorized, Washington State law considered bicycles to be vehicles that are subject to traffic laws. The problem is that, even when you are aware of this fact, other drivers may not be. They may not be prepared for your maneuvers, though you are simply following the law.

Of course, there are many other causes of bicycle accidents that can cause serious injury to the rider. A motorist may travel too closely for traffic conditions, or a cyclist can be forced into dangerous traffic from unaware drivers. No matter what the cause, our bicycle accident attorneys at Khan Law Firm, PLLC will endeavor to show the different ways the responsible driver was at fault.

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TO HELP

Recover Compensation for Your Losses

If you are successful in proving the elements of negligence in a bicycle collision claim, you may be able to obtain compensation for the losses you sustain. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances, but some examples of recoverable damages include:

• Costs of medical treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, care from healthcare specialists, pain medications, and others;
• Lost wages, if you were not able to work because of your injuries;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress;
• Damages related to your diminished quality of life, since your injuries may prevent you from engaging in your favorite activities;
• Losses that impact your personal relationships with family and loved ones; and,
• Many other types of losses.

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RECOVER DAMAGES

Limitations on a Bicycle Accident Claim

Even when you firmly establish all the elements of a claim for a bicycle accident, there are certain legal concepts that affect your rights. Our bicycle accident attorneys at Khan Law Firm, PLLC will take care of the specific details, though you should be aware of two special rules.

• Comparative Negligence: Under the legal doctrine of comparative negligence, your compensation amount may be reduced if your actions somehow contributed to the bicycle accident that caused your injuries. The reduction is a percentage of the fault attributable to you.
• Statute of Limitations: Washington State has enacted a law that puts a time restriction on filing a lawsuit if you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident. Under the statute of limitations, you have three years from the date of the incident to sue the negligent driver.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in SeaTac, WA Today

If you were injured while riding a bike and need assistance understanding your rights, please contact Khan Law Firm, PLLC to set up a free initial consultation. One of our bicycle accident attorneys is happy to review your case and tell you more about your legal remedies as a victim.