Bicycle Accident Lawyers Providing Passionate Legal Services to Injured Seattle Area Cyclists
A bike accident can result in some of the worst injuries you’ll ever see on America’s streets and roadways. A bicyclist may wear protective padding and a helmet, but when they collide with a motor vehicle, they can be thrown like a ragdoll, crash through a windshield, or get dragged into additional oncoming traffic.
Bicyclists risk their lives whenever they share the road with motorists. But the same can be said of anyone behind the wheel of a car. Ultimately, bike riders have as much claim to their space on our roads as anybody else. However, many motorists do not view them that way. Some drivers readily admit that they do not like seeing bicyclists on the streets and do not treat them as equals. With this kind of attitude, it can be easy for some drivers to forget the bicyclist is even there and fail to respect their space — the consequences for which can be deadly.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to pursue damages in the form of a financial settlement from any at-fault party. While it is true that an insurance company may pay out some settlement for your injuries, insurance companies often lowball injury victims. They do not provide them with an adequate amount to pay for their medical treatment.
Injured cyclists should not be responsible for injuries they sustained because of negligent drivers and other at-fault parties. If the accident was someone else’s fault, then it should be those responsible and their insurance companies who are asked to pay for medical and rehabilitation expenses.
For help filing your bike crash claim, speak to the bike attorneys of Khan Injury Law. We have years of experience representing personal injury cases across the state of Washington. As your legal representation, we will pursue the maximum compensation for your personal injury case so that you may recover from your wounds without concern for costly medical expenses.
Do You Need a Lawyer if You’ve Been in a Bicycle Accident?
Not all bicycle riders who end up in accidents require the legal services of a lawyer. However, it would be wise to call our offices to speak with a bicycle accident attorney about your case to be safe.
There are two main reasons to consider hiring legal representation, even if you have not suffered serious injuries.
Firstly, Washington law operates based on pure comparative negligence in cases such as these, meaning that multiple parties can be determined to be responsible for an accident. There exists the possibility that others involved in the crash, even the negligent drivers themselves, may accuse you of being responsible for the collision. You can better defend yourself against this possibility by speaking with our bike accident attorneys.
Additionally, while you may not be experiencing any severe pain right now, some injuries and symptoms are not noticed until later on. At the accident scene, you must assess your own injuries but be careful not to say that you are unhurt and okay. If worse injuries are discovered later, such a statement could be used against you. Protect your interests by speaking with a bicycle lawyer.
How Can Bicycle Accident Victims Seek Compensation for Their Injuries and Emotional Distress?
With the help of experienced bicycle accident lawyers, you can build a strong lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable. Your lawyer will examine your medical records with professionals in the medical field, review the evidence from the scene of the accident, and speak with any witnesses, such as other motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians, for their account of how the crash unfolded.
If the at-fault parties do not have the money to pay the price of the settlement offer, it may be possible to recover compensation from their insurance company.
Your financial compensation can help you with economic and non-economic damages, like:
- Change in quality of life.
- Disability.
- Disfigurement.
- Emotional distress.
- Lost wages and lost earning ability.
- Medical bills.
What Types of Injuries Are Typically Seen in a Bike Accident?
Due to a number of factors, bicyclists and motorcyclists will typically suffer far more catastrophic injuries than those within the confines of a motor vehicle.
Common injuries seen in bicycle collisions include:
- Broken bones.
- Concussions.
- Dislocations.
- Facial disfigurement.
- Fractured ribs and punctured lungs.
- Internal trauma.
- Loss of sight.
- Pelvic fractures and rectal trauma.
- Road rash.
- Soft tissue damage.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Wrongful death.
What Are the Common Causes of Bike Crashes in the State of Washington?
Sometimes, a bike accident is the fault of the cyclist, it’s true. But many bicycle accidents are caused by negligent motorists whose actions bring great harm to cyclists on the road.
Seattle is, unfortunately, the most dangerous city for riding bikes in the entire state. Across Washington, 70% of fatal bike accidents occur in areas with a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or higher.
Common causes of bike accidents include:
- Car doors open unexpectedly with an oncoming cyclist.
- Cars are turning right and crossing over the bike lane.
- Defective bicycle.
- Driving under the influence of narcotics.
- Drunk driving.
- Motorists are swerving into bike lanes.
- Rear-end collisions.
- Running a red light.
- Speeding.
- Unsafe lane changes.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney in Seattle Today
Khan Injury Law has a track record of success defending the claims of personal injury cases in the state of Washington. We understand that many people in Seattle enjoy riding their bikes instead of driving a car, regardless of the increased threat of injury. As your lawyers, we will work on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected as we work together to seek justice and accountability.
If you’re a cyclist who has been injured in a bike accident, please get in touch with our law office immediately. The statute of limitations is a ticking clock, and every wasted day brings you closer to losing your chance to win a fair settlement.
Our personal injury attorneys serve clients from our offices in Kent, Seattle, Tacoma, and Tukwila. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which is to say that if we are unable to collect compensation for your bicycle accident claim, then you owe us nothing in terms of legal fees. We also offer a free case consultation. If you don’t like what our bicycle accident lawyers have to say about your case, you don’t have to retain our services. To schedule a consultation, call us at (206) 203-3978.