Colburn Law

Seattle Bicycle Accident FAQs

The moments after a bicycle accident can feel overwhelming. As medical bills pile up and insurance companies start calling, cyclists often face a maze of questions about their rights, responsibilities, and next steps.

If you have been injured in a Seattle bicycle accident, having clear answers can make a major difference in your recovery journey. Here is what you need to know about filing a bicycle accident claim and how to seek the legal representation that you deserve.

Contact a Seattle bicycle accident lawyer today for a free consultation at (206) 919-3215.

Who Is Liable If a Car Hits Me While I’m Cycling?

Liability in bicycle-car collisions depends on who caused the accident. Washington is a fault insurance state for car accidents, which requires motorists who violate traffic laws or act negligently to pay for the damages that victims—including cyclists—sustain.

Drivers must share the road safely with cyclists and can be held liable for accidents caused by behaviors like:

• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Turning without signaling
• Opening car doors into bike lanes
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Following too closely
• Driving over the speed limit

Sometimes, other factors can play a role in the accident. For example, a road defect such as a pothole or loose gravel can cause a cyclist to lose control and careen into traffic. In this situation, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road would be at fault. A thorough investigation can help determine liability and the appropriate course of legal action for your case.

Will Insurance Cover My Bicycle Accident Injuries?

Several insurance policies may cover bicycle accident injuries. In most cases, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance should cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own coverage can help pay for your losses—depending on what policies you hold at the time of the accident.

For example, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, an optional form of insurance, can help pay for medical expenses, wage loss, and other damages. You can receive this coverage regardless of who was at fault for the accident. An attorney can help assess the various forms of insurance available to you and identify all potential sources of compensation.

Can I Sue If a Road Defect Caused My Bicycle Accident?

Government entities responsible for road maintenance have a duty to keep streets reasonably safe for all users, including cyclists. You may have a valid claim against a state or local government agency if your accident resulted from defects like:

• Potholes
• Loose gravel or debris
• Cracked or uneven pavement
• Missing or faded bike lane markings
• Inadequate signage

However, claims against government entities involve strict procedures and shorter deadlines than claims that involve regular motorists. It is important to contact a Seattle personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you believe that you have grounds for a claim.

How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Claim Worth?

When you file a bicycle accident claim, you have the right to recover compensation to address a wide range of damages. These include your past and future medical bills, lost income during treatment and recovery, property damage, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. Every bicycle accident claim is unique, and the value of your case may differ based on factors like:

• The severity and permanence of injuries
• The extent of your medical expenses
• Your ability to work in the future
• The insurance coverage available
• The degree of fault that each party holds

Claims involving serious injuries like traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability typically result in higher settlements than those with minor injuries. A Seattle brain injury attorney can evaluate your case, identify all of the damages that you are eligible for, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Washington?

Washington’s statute of limitations provides a three-year window from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to most bicycle accident cases, including those that were caused by negligent drivers or defective equipment. Although three years may seem like a long time, it is important to act quickly.

Waiting too long can prevent you from recovering the compensation that you deserve. If you file your claim after the three-year deadline, the court will most likely dismiss your case. There are certain exceptions that may apply to your case, but they are generally rare. To determine your filing deadline and initiate your lawsuit, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Seattle?

The actions that you take immediately after a bike accident can greatly affect your physical recovery and legal rights. It is important to stay calm and seek help as soon as you can:

• Ensure your safety by moving to a secure location if possible, but only if you can do so without risking further injury.
• Call 911 immediately to report the accident to the police and request emergency medical services.
• Go to the hospital, even if your injuries seem minor. Internal injuries may not show immediate symptoms, and seeking medical care can prevent serious complications.
• Document everything at the scene if you can. Take photographs and videos, collect contact and insurance information from involved parties, and gather the name and phone numbers of any witnesses.
• Contact a lawyer who can represent your bicycle accident claim and protect your rights. Do not speak with insurance adjusters or the other party until you speak with an attorney.

Contact Our Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Bicycle accidents create physical, emotional, and financial challenges that no one should face alone. In these situations, you need an attorney who will fight for your rights and guide you through every stage of the legal process. At Colburn Law, we know the toll that these accidents can take and will work tirelessly to secure the settlement that you deserve.

From investigating accident causes to documenting damages to negotiating with insurers, Colburn Law handles all aspects of your claim while you focus on recovery. We have secured substantial settlements and jury verdicts for our clients, including a $150,000 settlement for a client who was injured while riding his bicycle.

Contact Colburn Law at (206) 919-3215 or online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Seattle bicycle accident lawyer today. We will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight tirelessly to secure the full compensation you deserve.