Washington Bicycle Accident Lawyer
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WASHINGTON BICYCLE
ACCIDENT LAWYER
As more and more people realize the benefits of bicycling, ranging from protecting one’s health to the environment, the bicycle paths of Washington continue to grow in popularity. And while more people riding their bicycles is certainly a good thing, the bad news is that the state of Washington lacks the infrastructure necessary to ensure bikers’ safety. As such, more bicyclists in the state means more bicycle-car interactions, leading to an increased risk of an accident. If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Washington and want to work with an advocate who knows how to navigate the system, the team at the Khan Law Firm is here for you.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents occur in a variety of ways, although they all share one thing in common: preventability. In fact, nearly all bicycle accidents that occur are avoidable, and would not occur but for carelessness and recklessness. Some of the most common types of bicycle accidents include:
- Vehicle right-hand turn accidents. One of the most common types of bicycle accidents is that which occurs when a vehicle is making a righthand turn, typically at an intersection, and a bicyclist is traveling straight through the intersection. The cyclist may be riding to the right of the vehicle, and rather than stopping before making the turn, the car may proceed, turning straight into the cyclist’s side.
- Vehicle left-hand turn accidents. This is similar to the situation above, with the cyclist planning on traveling straight through the intersection, and the vehicle planning on turning left. When this occurs, the vehicle may turn straight into the cyclist, leading to catastrophic injuries.
- Stop sign accidents. Another dangerous area for cyclists are intersections that are designated with stop signs. It is not uncommon for both vehicles and bicyclists to roll through stop signs, assuming the coast is clear, without coming to a complete stop. An accident may also occur when both the cyclist and the vehicle approach the stop at the same time, and then both assume that they have the right away, leading to a collision.
The three types of bicycle accidents listed above are just a few of the ways that bike accidents occur. It is also possible for accidents to occur while both vehicles are in motion on a roadway, during a driveway or parking lot collision, and more.
OTHER PRACTICE AREAS
WHY BICYCLE ACCIDENTS HAPPEN
As stated above, nearly all bicycle accidents are completely preventable, and would not occur but for the failure to exercise the necessary duty of care. When drivers cause bicycle accidents, it may be because of:
Distracted Driving;
Impairment;
Fatigued Driving;
Speeding;
Failure To Yield/Stop;
Aggressive Driving; or
Disregard For Posted Traffic Laws.
Drivers have a duty to provide cyclists with plenty of room, to follow posted speed limits, and to otherwise provide cyclists with the same level of respect as they would other drivers – bicycles are legal road vehicles, just like cars. When this duty is breached, an accident is more likely.
Bicycle accidents aren’t always the fault of the driver involved. In some cases, a bicycle accident may be caused because of the cyclist’s negligence, or because of a defect on the rider’s bike, such as defective brakes or a defective tire.
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What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
It is important that you take action as soon as possible after a bicycle accident. We know that thinking about the steps you need to take to preserve your right to file a claim and seek damages may not be the first thing on your mind; however, acting quickly is critical. As soon as you are able, you should:
- Seek medical care. Getting treatment for your injuries is absolutely essential, and should be the first thing that you do.
- Write down what happened. As time goes on, the details of your accident may become fuzzy. You should write down everything that you can remember about the crash, and exactly what happened, as soon as possible.
- Contact an attorney. If you are injured in a crash, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will help you to take the necessary steps for your claim, and can advise you regarding how to prove fault and maximize your compensation amount.
- Notify the insurance company. If you have car insurance, you should notify them of your accident. Your insurance company may be able to handle your claim against the other driver, or even offer you partial compensation for your injuries.
After you notify your insurance company of the accident, your insurance company will begin pursuing a claim. You will need to gather evidence related to the accident, document your injuries, and prepare for negotiations.
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How an Attorney Can Help You Recover Damages
Working with an attorney can greatly improve your chances of recovering the compensation that you are entitled to. You attorney will organize all evidence and build your case, and well as work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly what happened and who is to blame. Not only will your attorney guide you through the claims process, but your attorney can also help you to understand what your claim is worth, represent you during negotiations, and advise you on whether or not you should accept a settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can also represent you during the process of filing a lawsuit and preparing for a trial.
Call Khan Law Firm Today
At the Khan Law Firm, our experienced Washington bicycle accident lawyers care about you, and know that when you are injured in a bicycle accident, you want representation that you can count on. We have a reputation of trust and success in our community, and promise to work hard for you. Call us today or use our online form to schedule your free consultation.