SEATTLE BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER

Bicycling is becoming more popular in Seattle, as more people strive to protect the earth, improve their health, and save on gas money, and the city of Seattle does more to improve bike infrastructure and cycling safety. Unfortunately, there is a direct correlation between the number of bicyclists on the road and the number of bicycle accidents – as one increases, so often does the other. If you have been in a bicycle accident in Seattle and are wondering what you can do to recover the money that you need to pay for your damages, the team at the Khan Law Firm is only a phone call away.

Types of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents occur in a variety of different manners, and a variety of different reasons. Some of the most common types of bicycle accidents include:

• The left cross – The left cross bicycle accident occurs when the driver of a vehicle approaches the intersection at the same time as a cyclist, with the cyclist intending to travel straight through the intersection and the driver making a left hand turn. If the driver does not see the oncoming cyclist, or the driver incorrectly estimates the cyclist’s speed, the worst can happen: the driver turns directly into or in front of the cyclist, resulting in a crash.
• The right hook – The right hook is similar to the left cross, in that it involves a cyclists who intends to travel straight, and a vehicle that intends to make a (right) turn. In this type of accident, the vehicle may be frustrated by the cyclist’s slow speed, and will therefore attempt to turn in front of the cyclist, thereby cutting the cyclist off and potentially causing an accident. The accident may also occur if the bicyclist is passing a car that is slowing down, but is doing so on the right hand side, and then that vehicle turns into the bike;
• Stop sign accidents – Another type of bicycle accident is the accident that occurs at a stop sign. This may happen when:
  • A cyclist has a stop sign but a motorist does not. Not realizing this, the cyclist stops, but then proceeds directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle
  • The driver has a stop sign and the driver does not. After coming to a complete stop, the driver proceeds through the intersection without seeing the cyclist, leading to an accident.
  • Both or either party has a stop sign, but both or either fails to come to a complete stop.

Of course, these are not the only types of accidents involving bicycles that can occur. A car may also drive too closely to a cyclist from behind or the side, putting the cyclist in danger. Or, a cyclist may be pushed into traffic when a vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road where the cyclist is riding opens its doors.

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CAUSES OF BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

The examples of types of bicycle accident above all have one thing in common: human error. In fact, nearly all bicycle accidents could be prevented if a greater degree of care were to be exercised when driving or biking. Bicycle accidents are more likely when a driver is:

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What to Do After a Bike Accident

Being in a bicycle accident can be shocking, and you probably won’t be thinking clearly at the time that it happens. However, if you can commit a plan to memory now, you may be able to take actions that will be important to recovering compensation later on. Here are some things to do after a bicycle accident:

• Write down what happened. You should write down every detail that you can remember about the accident as soon as possible, while the accident is still fresh in your mind.
• Write down the names of anyone involved, including witnesses. Write down the name of the driver who hit you, as well as this driver’s license plate number, car make and model, license and registration information. You should also write down the names and contact information for any witnesses to the accident, as their testimonies may prove vital.
• Report your bicycle accident to your insurance company. If you have car insurance, you should report the accident to your insurance company as you may be insured, despite the fact that you were riding your bike rather than driving. Further, your insurance company may be able to handle your claim against the other driver.
• Get treated for your injuries. In some cases, getting treatment for your injuries will need to be the very first thing you do, and may impede your ability to write down what happened or talk to witnesses immediately. Getting treatment is the most important thing that you can do after an accident
• Call a Seattle bicycle accident lawyer.Call a Seattle personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your crash, even if you are sure that the other driver’s insurance company will pay for your injuries. Having an attorney on your side improves your chances of a more successful claim outcome.

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How an Attorney Can Help You Recover Damages

An attorney can help you to recover damages by reconstructing your accident to determine fault and causation, proving negligence, talking to witnesses, working with experts, providing valuation damages, and negotiating with an insurance adjuster. At the Khan Law Firm, we won’t rest until we have exhausted all avenues to recovering every penny you deserve. Contact us now for a free case review.