Bicycle Accidents

We Seek Compensation for Victims of Bicycle Accidents in and around Spokane, Washington

At Albrecht Law PLLC, we understand the allure of riding a bicycle for fun and recreation around our scenic city and the surrounding areas. For bicyclists, nothing beats exercising in the fresh air, whether on a sidewalk, street, bike path, or even simply enjoying time outside while stopped at an intersection. However, based on our extensive experience, we also know the sobering reality of the risks bicyclists face every time they use a bike for transportation and exercise. In an instant, due to someone else’s carelessness, a casual ride on a gorgeous day can turn into a medical emergency with serious implications for your future. Our attorneys represent clients who have suffered bicycle injuries, as well as families of victims pursuing wrongful death cases due to bicyclist deaths.

As the popularity of cycling continues to rise, so does the concern for bicycle safety. In Washington, recent statistics reveal critical insights into the frequency and impact of bicycle accidents. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, approximately 2.7 percent of traffic fatalities in Washington involve bicyclists, underscoring the urgency of prioritizing bicycle safety measures.

Furthermore, riding a bike in urban areas like downtown Spokane increases the risk of accidents and fatalities. Even if a car travels at a relatively low speed, it can still inflict significant damage on a bicyclist in a crash.

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries — or if a loved one was tragically killed in a bicycle accident — our experienced attorneys want to help. To us, you are more than just a case. You are known. Contact our bicycle accident attorneys at Albrecht Law PLLC today to schedule a free consultation, where we will review the details surrounding your injury and plan a tailored case strategy.

Common Injuries Bicyclists Sustain in Accidents with Motor Vehicles

Bicyclists sustain a wide range of devastating injuries in crashes with vehicles, including:

• Concussions
• Brain Injuries
• Catastrophic Injuries
• Spine Injuries
• Back Injuries
• Shoulder, Knee and Hip Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Fractures and Broken Bones
• Road Rash/Abrasions
• Lacerations
• Paralysis

In cases of bicyclist deaths, our attorneys represent the family members in a wrongful death claim.

Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes

Some common causes of accidents involving bicyclists and motor vehicles include:

• Distracted driving
• Ignoring stop signs
• Failure to yield right of way
• Dooring accidents
• Inadequate road conditions
• Bike rider error, such as not riding in the same direction as traffic
• Hitting a fixed object

What Does Washington Law Require of Bicyclists and Drivers?

Washington law dictates that when riding on a roadway, a cyclist has all the rights and responsibilities of a vehicle driver. Bicyclists are considered “vehicles” under Washington law and have the legal right to ride in the roadway. Additionally, specific regulations ensure the safety of both cyclists and vehicles. For instance, motor vehicles must yield to oncoming bicycles if passing, and it is illegal to go left around traffic circles. Moreover, bicyclists must ride in the same direction as cars. and can ride in the center of the lane if the lane is too narrow to share with a motor vehicle.

What to Do Immediately Following a Bicycle Accident

Immediately following a bicycle accident in or around Spokane — or anywhere in Washington — it is crucial to take the following steps:

• Get Off the Road: Move yourself and your bike to a safe location to avoid further harm from traffic.
• Call 911: Contact emergency services for help and medical assistance, even if you believe you were not seriously injured. Often, significant injuries do not manifest until later.
• Call the Police for an Official Report: Obtaining a police report will help support your case.
• Refrain from Admitting Fault: Even a simple, “I’m sorry,” could be construed as admitting fault, which can seriously harm your case.
• Exchange Information: Gather contact and insurance details from all parties involved in the accident.
• Obtain Witness Information: If there are any witnesses to the crash, ask for their contact information.
• Document License Plate Numbers: Take note of the license plate numbers of any vehicles involved.
• Call a Spokane Personal Injury Attorney: Our bicycle accident lawyers at Albrecht Law PLLC can guide you to protect your case and seek appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses.

These steps are vital to ensure personal safety and to gather necessary information for your potential legal or insurance proceedings that may arise following a bicycle accident in the state of Washington.

Types of Available Compensation You May Seek After a Bike Accident in Washington

After a bicycle accident in Washington, a bike rider can pursue various types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and related healthcare costs due to the accident.
• Lost Wages: Financial compensation for income lost due to inability to work following the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological suffering caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of the bicycle and any other damaged property.
• Wrongful Death: In cases of fatal bicycle accidents, surviving family members may seek compensation for loss of financial support and companionship.
• Legal Fees: Coverage of legal expenses incurred while pursuing the compensation, often covered by the at-fault party’s insurance.

Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand the full range of compensation options available based on the specific circumstances of your bike accident.

Do I Need a Spokane Personal Injury Attorney for My Bike Accident Case?

Consulting a personal injury attorney can help you pursue fair and just compensation in multiple ways. An experienced attorney can navigate the legal complexities related to Washington bike accidents and guide you through specific laws and regulations to protect your rights. With a profound understanding of the nuances of insurance negotiations and settlement processes, a skilled advocate can help you seek the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages due to the accident.

Attorneys have the resources and ability to gather crucial evidence, such as witness statements, police reports, and medical records — building a strong case in support of the bicyclist’s claim and strengthening the chances of a successful resolution.

In situations where a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, an attorney can provide effective representation in court, advocating for the bicyclist’s rights and presenting the case compellingly before a judge and jury if necessary.

By entrusting the legal aspects to a skilled and competent attorney, an injured bicyclist can focus on their recovery and well-being, knowing that a professional is handling their legal interests.

Take Control of Your Life and Pursue the Compensation You Need to Recover from a Bike Accident. Contact Albrecht Law PLLC for a Free Consultation

A significant number of plaintiff’s lawyers have never been to trial. Although nobody wants to go to the Washington State Court of Appeals, you need to anticipate what could happen if your case proceeds to that point and your attorney has no court experience. They will dump you, leaving you with no recourse to seek compensation for your injuries. Choose a lawyer from the outset who can handle going to trial if needed for your case. At Albrecht Law PLLC, we have gone to the Washington State Supreme Court multiple times. If you stick with us, we’ll stick with you.

Furthermore, Matt Albrecht is also recognized by the state of Washington as an expert in insurance law, as he authored the book, Washington Insurance Law and Litigation, 2023-2024 ed. (Vol. 35, Washington Practice Series).

Whether you are pursuing a wrongful death claim for a fatal bike accident or seeking compensation after another vehicle hit you while you were riding your bike, trust the knowledgeable and experienced attorneys at Albrecht Law PLLC. During a free consultation, we will review the details of your case and devise a strategy for seeking compensation based on the unique factors of the crash. We combine cutting-edge technology with loyal, personalized, and courteous attention.

Contact us at (509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246 or complete our online form today to schedule your free consultation. We are here to serve you.

Albrecht Law PLLC — Our Clients Are More Than Just Cases

Frequently-Asked Questions Regarding Bicycle Accidents in Washington

If a bicyclist was hit while not wearing a helmet, can they seek compensation?

Wearing helmets is not required by Washington law, but it can limit the severity and extent of injuries for bicyclists. Although some cities and municipalities including Spokane require a bicyclist to wear a helmet, you can still pursue compensation even if you weren’t wearing one. However, Washington courts can assign fault based on a percentage of negligence, and a jury might reduce a compensation amount if they believe the bicyclist should have worn a helmet for their own protection.

After a bicyclist sustains an injury from another vehicle while riding, how much time do they have to file a claim?

Washington has a three-year statute of limitations for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. If you get hit by a car while riding your bike, you have three years from the date of the accident to file your claim.

What if a bicyclist was hit by a motor vehicle while riding in downtown Spokane?

Washington considers a bicycle the same as any other legal vehicle on the streets, subject to the rules of the road. If you sustained an injury while on your bike, the law determines the negligent party who will pay for your injuries.

Are the majority of bicycle crashes preventable?

Many bicycle crashes in Washington are preventable. Factors such as failure to notice cyclists, high-speed traffic on highways, and drivers overtaking cyclists contribute to the occurrence of preventable accidents. Additionally, promoting safety measures like wearing bicycle helmets can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries or fatalities from bike accidents.

In cases of bicyclist deaths, what recourse is available?

If a fatality occurs when a cyclist is killed in a collision with a motor vehicle, their family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. If the bicyclist was an adult, a surviving spouse, state-registered domestic partner, child, or stepchild can file suit. If the bicyclist does not leave behind a spouse or children, a parent or sibling who was financially dependent on the deceased could file suit.