Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Bicycle Laws in Washington State and How They Affect Accident Claims

In the state of Washington, bicycles are considered vehicles – and, consequently, bicyclists are considered drivers – when they ride on roadways. This means bicyclists have all the same rights and responsibilities as drivers when traveling on roadways. When bicyclists ride on sidewalks, they are considered pedestrians, meaning they have the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians.

Bicyclists are allowed to ride on roadways, use the shoulder for travel, and occupy an entire traffic lane when necessary for safety. Drivers of motor vehicles must respect their right to the road, yield to cyclists at intersections, and provide them adequate space when passing. Specifically, Washington law mandates that motorists maintain at least three feet of clearance when overtaking a bicycle to prioritize safety.

Here are several other important Washington State bicycle laws:

• No state law requires adult bicyclists to wear helmets. While Seattle no longer mandates helmets for adult cyclists, some local municipalities might. 
• Bicyclists may treat stop signs as yield signs unless a stop sign is located at a railroad crossing or a school bus uses its “stop” signal.
• Some sections of the state’s limited access highway system may be closed to bicyclists. When permitted to use a limited access facility, bicyclists must ride on the shoulder.
• Bicyclists may ride side by side in a single lane but cannot travel with more than two bikes beside one another. 
• Bicyclists must use the appropriate hand signals when turning, slowing down, or stopping.
• When riding at night, bicyclists must use a white front light that is visible for at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector that is visible from behind for at least 600 feet. 

If a bicyclist strictly follows the law and suffers an injury due to a motorist's negligence, this strengthens their case when pursuing compensation. Conversely, violations like running red lights or failing to use required lights at night can complicate a claim and potentially reduce the damages awarded. 

Washington State uses a comparative negligence system in personal injury cases, including those involving bicycle collisions. Under this system, fault is allocated between all parties involved in an accident based on their degree of responsibility. Even if a bicyclist is partially at fault for an accident because they violated a traffic law, they can still recover damages. However, the total compensation awarded will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if an injured bicyclist’s damages total $50,000 and they are found to be 20% to blame for an accident, they would only recover $40,000.

Our Seattle bicycle accident attorneys are familiar with local laws and how allegations of shared negligence can affect personal injury claims. If you know you broke a traffic law and were thus partially to blame for a collision, you shouldn’t assume you don’t have a case. We can review your circumstances and walk you through your legal options.