Colburn Law

Types of Bicycle Accidents in Seattle

In Seattle, cyclists frequently encounter dangerous situations that can lead to serious injuries. When an accident happens between a small bicycle and a large motor vehicle, the consequences can be significant, leading to severe physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. If you were involved in any of the following types of bicycle accidents in Seattle or another type of collision caused by a driver’s negligence, you may have grounds for legal action.

Contact a bicycle accident lawyer in Seattle today for deserved compensation — call (206) 919-3215 to schedule a free consultation.

Dooring Accidents

Dooring accidents occur when a driver or passenger suddenly opens their car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist without checking their surroundings first. These collisions often happen on busy streets with parallel parking, where cyclists must ride close to parked vehicles. The impact can throw riders into traffic or cause severe injuries from hitting the door directly.

Failure to Yield Accidents

Washington law establishes clear right-of-way rules at places like intersections or marked crosswalks. When drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists when required, they can easily collide with cyclists in the area. For example, drivers making right turns often fail to check for cyclists in bike lanes. Similarly, many accidents occur when drivers roll through stop signs without yielding to approaching cyclists.

Accidents like these can cause head injuries, regardless of whether a helmet was worn — a Seattle brain injury attorney can help you with your legal needs while you focus on recovery.

Rear-End Bicycle Collisions

These accidents happen when drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance or notice that a cyclist has stopped. Cyclists often get hit from behind at red lights, stop signs, or when slowing for road hazards, leading to spinal cord damage, head trauma, and other devastating injuries.

Distracted Driving Accidents

When drivers focus on their phones, GPS devices, or other distractions instead of the road, they often drift into bike lanes or fail to notice cyclists at intersections. As a result, cyclists can suffer severe injuries from sudden collisions or being forced off the road. Although we often associate distracted driving with using smartphones, this behavior can encompass a wide range of behaviors, including eating, adjusting the radio or climate controls, or even talking with other passengers in the vehicle.

Wrong-Way Accidents

Cyclists in Seattle also face risks from drivers who travel in the wrong direction or make illegal turns. These accidents often occur when drivers make wrong-way turns across bike lanes, force cyclists into oncoming traffic, or travel in the wrong lane due to impairment or simply sheer negligence. Construction zones, inadequate signage, and unfamiliarity with local streets can contribute to these dangerous head-on collisions, which often result in severe injuries for cyclists.

Get Help with Your Bicycle Accident Claim Today

After a bicycle accident, the path to recovery can seem daunting. While you may have grounds to file a lawsuit or insurance claim against the at-fault party, insurance companies often try to minimize settlements or shift blame onto you. In these situations, you need an attorney on your side who can protect your rights and fight for your fair compensation.

Colburn Law has fought for the rights of injured Seattle cyclists for years. We know what it takes to investigate your accident, document your injuries, calculate your full damages, and aggressively negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Call (206) 919-3215 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you rebuild your life.