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Bicycle Accidents

Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Handling Bike Accident Claims in Kent, Federal Way, Redmond, Des Moines, and Tukwila

Bicycles are a great way to get around. Unfortunately, bicyclists face serious risks while out on the road, even if they take precautions like wearing a helmet. Any collision with a motor vehicle, whether it’s a car, truck, bus, or motorcycle, can cause life-altering injuries. 

At Bishop Legal, we fight for the rights of seriously injured bicyclists. Our personal injury attorneys have been representing bicyclists harmed by careless drivers for more than 30 years. 

Don’t assume you’re in the clear if you have your own insurance. Even if the driver who hit you was obviously at fault, insurance companies frequently deny responsibility or try to underpay accident victims with legitimate claims. We have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we can put our experience to work for you. Our team knows how to effectively investigate these collisions, obtain the evidence needed to build a case, and aggressively negotiate with the insurance companies. Our trial attorneys are prepared to go to court if that is what is necessary to secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law. We have successfully litigated client cases all the way to the Washington State Supreme Court.

We are available 24/7 to take your call, so don’t wait to reach out. With our no fee/no recovery policy, you owe our firm no legal fees unless we help you recover damages. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Washington State

Under Washington State law, individuals who sustain injuries in a bicycle accident generally have three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, applies to personal injury claims and is strictly enforced. Failing to file within this timeframe can lead to the loss of your ability to pursue compensation, regardless of the severity of your injuries or the strength of your case.

It is important to take action as soon as possible after the accident. Gathering evidence, identifying witnesses, and documenting key details tends to become more difficult as time passes. Waiting too long could result in lost evidence or unreliable witness testimonies, which may weaken your case. Getting in touch with our team at Bishop Legal sooner rather than later can help us put your claim in the best possible position.

You have limited time to take legal action, so schedule a free consultation with our Seattle bicycle accident lawyers today by calling (206) 260-3316 or contacting us online. Se habla español.

  • If you need a firm to represent you I would choose Bishop Legal!
    “I had the great opportunity of working with Maria and my experience with bishop legal went amazing! They are great to work with, great communication skills, always friendly, and most importantly they make you feel important and part of the case. Hopefully I don’t get into another car crash but if I do I know where to go and I’m definitely going to recommend them to my friends and family. Thank you so much to Maria and Abogado Raymundo. Ps. They also speak Spanish and were able to accommodate my dad when we went with me and make him feel part of the case.”
    - Merver
  • Can't thank this firm enough for helping me and my family with our accident.
    “Roberto helped me with my daughter's case, Victoria, and was able to get a good settlement for her. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.”
    - Priscilla A.
  • They got a great positive outcome for me in the end.
    “The people here are great! They took care of everything for me and were always super helpful with any questions or concerns I had. I highly recommend them for your legal needs! Thanks, Bishop Law!”
    - Lisa W.
  • My experience with Bishop Legal has been incredible.
    “Communication was kept in a good pace. They help me understand how the process works and explain to me any legal questions I had. I would highly recommend to family & friends.”
    - Yadira T.

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.

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Types of Compensation Available in Washington Bicycle Accident Cases

Economic and non-economic damages refer to two distinct types of compensation you can recover in a bicycle accident claim. Economic damages cover measurable financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. These damages are straightforward to calculate using bills, receipts, and employment records. Non-economic damages address intangible losses like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

Our Seattle bicycle accident lawyers can fight to get you full and fair compensation for all economic and non-economic damages, including:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Lost earning potential
  • Property damage
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Pain and suffering

Even if the vehicle that hit you was uninsured or left the scene of the accident without stopping, we may still be able to represent you. Call (206) 260-3316 or contact us online today.

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