Everett Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycling is a beloved activity in Everett, Washington, whether for commuting, exercise, or leisure. The city boasts beautiful trails, bike-friendly infrastructure, and a community that encourages cycling. However, as cycling gains popularity, accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles have become an unfortunate reality. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Everett, understanding your rights and seeking proper legal support is crucial.
At Brumley Law Firm, our Everett injury attorneys are committed to helping victims of bicycle accidents pursue the compensation they deserve. Call (833) 832-2727 to find out how our firm can assist you.
The Growing Risk of Bicycle Accidents in Everett
Everett’s roads are shared by cars, trucks, pedestrians, and cyclists, and while efforts have been made to ensure everyone’s safety, bicycle accidents are still a concern. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Washington State experiences hundreds of serious bicycle crashes every year. Urban areas like Everett are often hot spots for these incidents due to increased traffic density.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can occur for many reasons, often due to negligence. Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, eating, or engaging in other distractions may fail to notice cyclists on the road.
- Dooring: A driver’s failure to check for approaching cyclists before opening their car door can result in sudden, serious accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers are a significant danger to everyone on the road, including cyclists.
- Failure to Yield: Motorists may fail to follow right-of-way laws and not yield to cyclists at intersections or during turns, leading to dangerous automobile collisions in Everett, WA.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, or inadequate bike lanes can make cycling hazardous.
- Speeding: Excessive speeds increase the severity of crashes and reduce reaction time.
Understanding the cause of the accident is essential to building a strong personal injury claim. An experienced Everett bicycle accident lawyer can investigate the circumstances and gather evidence to support your case.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the minimal protection cyclists have compared to drivers inside vehicles. Even with helmets and other safety gear, cyclists are vulnerable to life-altering injuries, including:
- Broken Bones: Fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones are common in bicycle crashes.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding often require immediate medical attention and ongoing care.
- Road Rash: Serious scrapes and lacerations can lead to infections and permanent scarring.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Torn ligaments, sprains, and muscle damage can cause significant pain and require long-term rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering a victim’s quality of life.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Concussions, skull fractures, and other brain and head injuries can lead to long-term cognitive impairments.
The physical, emotional, and financial toll of these injuries can be overwhelming. Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future. Working with an Everett bicycle accident lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive compensation for your injuries.
Determining Liability in a Bicycle Accident
Establishing liability is a key part of any bicycle accident claim. In Washington, liability is based on negligence. To prove negligence, the following elements must be established:
- Duty of Care: The at-fault party owed a duty of care to the cyclist. For example, drivers are required to operate their vehicles safely and obey Washington’s bicycle laws.
- Breach of Duty: The at-fault party failed to meet this duty. Examples include speeding, running a red light, or driving while distracted.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.
- Damages: The victim suffered measurable losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Multiple parties could be liable for a bicycle accident, including:
- Drivers: Motorists are often responsible for accidents due to reckless or inattentive driving.
- Government Entities: If unsafe road conditions contributed to the crash, a city or county may be held liable.
- Bicycle Manufacturers: Defective bicycles or bike parts can cause accidents, making manufacturers or retailers potentially responsible.
Washington follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your total award will be reduced by 20%. An attorney can help minimize your share of fault and maximize your compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Bicycle accident victims are entitled to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery and diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to work.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for your damaged bicycle and any other personal property.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one was fatally injured in a bicycle accident, surviving family members can seek damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related costs. Contact our Everett wrongful death attorneys to learn more.
Every case is unique, and the value of your claim will depend on the extent of your injuries and other factors. An Everett bicycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case and fight to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
The moments following a bicycle accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. However, taking the right steps can protect your health and strengthen your legal case. Here’s what to do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety should always come first. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Call the Police: File a police report to document the incident and establish an official record.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bike. Obtain contact information from witnesses and the at-fault driver.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not apologize or admit fault, as this can be used against you later.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact an experienced Everett bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
How Brumley Law Firm Can Help
At Brumley Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that follow a bicycle accident. Our compassionate and skilled legal team is dedicated to helping accident victims in Everett secure the justice and compensation they deserve. Here’s what we offer:
- Free Consultations: We provide a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions.
- Thorough Investigations: Our team, led by Everett bicycle accident lawyer Joshua Brumley, will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts. We will handle all communications and negotiations to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Litigation Support: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights.
We pride ourselves on personalized attention and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.
Contact Our Everett Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Everett, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. At Brumley Law Firm, our Everett bicycle accident lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the process and advocate for your rights. Call us now at (833) 832-2727 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation today. Let us help you get back on the road to recovery.