Tacoma Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle accidents are an unfortunate reality in Tacoma, a city known for its active cycling community and scenic routes. While biking offers numerous benefits, including health advantages and environmental sustainability, it also comes with risks, particularly when sharing the road with motor vehicles. In recent years, Tacoma has seen a concerning number of bicycle accidents, raising awareness about the safety challenges faced by cyclists.
The Tacoma personal injury attorneys at Brumley Law Firm have years of experience handling all types of personal injury claims in Tacoma, including bicycle accident claims. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the Tacoma bicycle accident attorneys at our firm to learn about your legal options. Call us today at (833) 832-2727 to receive a free case consultation.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Tacoma
- Vehicle Collisions: One of the most common types of bicycle accidents involves collisions with motor vehicles. These can happen at intersections, driveways, or along roadways where drivers may fail to see or yield to cyclists.
- Road Conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces, can lead to accidents. Cyclists are more vulnerable to these hazards compared to motor vehicles.
- Negligent Driving: Drivers who are distracted, impaired, or not adhering to traffic laws can pose significant risks to cyclists. This includes actions such as speeding, running red lights, and not checking blind spots.
- Cyclist Behavior: Accidents can also result from cyclists not following traffic rules, such as running stop signs, riding against traffic, or not using proper signals.
- Pedestrian Interactions: Collisions with pedestrians can occur, especially in areas where there are shared pathways or sidewalks.
What Are Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Washington?
Bicycle accidents can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe, and even fatal. The nature and extent of these injuries can depend on several factors, including the speed of the collision, the protective gear worn by the cyclist, and the environment in which the accident occurs.
Some of the most common injuries a person may get from a bicycle accident include:
- Ankle and foot injuries (sprains, fractures, dislocations)
- Brain contusions and hemorrhages
- Clavicle fractures
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Contusions (bruises)
- Dental injuries
- Depression and anxiety
- Facial fractures (nose, jaw, cheekbones)
- Herniated discs
- Internal bleeding
- Knee injuries (ligament tears, dislocations, fractures)
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Leg fractures
- Organ damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Rib fractures
- Shoulder injuries (dislocations, fractures, rotator cuff injuries)
- Skull fractures
- Sprains and strains
Preventing Bicycle Accidents in Tacoma
While not all accidents can be prevented, certain measures can reduce the likelihood and severity of injuries:
- Wearing Helmets: Helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries and are required to be worn in certain cities and counties in Washington.
- Using Reflective Gear and Lights: Making oneself visible to motorists can prevent accidents, especially in low-light conditions.
- Following Traffic Laws: Obeying traffic signals, using hand signals, and riding predictably can help prevent collisions.
- Regular Maintenance: Keeping the bicycle in good working condition can prevent mechanical failures that lead to accidents.
- Choosing Safe Routes: Opting for bike lanes, paths, and roads with less traffic can reduce the risk of accidents.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize health and safety. Obtain immediate medical care, even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the Accident: File a police report, ensuring an official record of the incident.
- Document the Scene: Gather evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene, bike damage, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses.
- Notify Insurance Companies: Report the accident to relevant insurance companies but avoid making detailed statements until consulting with a Tacoma bicycle accident lawyer.
- Consult a Lawyer: An experienced Tacoma bicycle accident attorney can provide guidance, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and represent the victim in court if necessary.
Do I Have a Bicycle Accident Claim?
A personal injury claim can be filed if the accident was caused by another party’s negligence. This could involve a motorist, a pedestrian, or even a municipality responsible for maintaining road conditions.
The victim must demonstrate that the other party was negligent, meaning they breached a duty of care owed to the cyclist, directly causing the accident and resulting in injuries.
Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
Compensation in Bicycle Accident Cases
Compensation for bicycle accident victims is intended to cover a wide range of expenses and losses incurred due to the accident:
Medical Expenses
- Emergency Medical Treatment: Costs for ambulance services, emergency room visits, and immediate care following the accident.
- Hospitalization: Charges for hospital stays, including room, board, surgical procedures, and related medical care.
- Doctor Visits: Expenses for consultations, follow-up appointments, and specialist visits.
- Medications: Costs for prescription and over-the-counter medications needed for recovery.
- Rehabilitation: Fees for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative services to regain mobility and function.
- Medical Equipment: Costs for crutches, wheelchairs, braces, and other assistive devices.
- Future Medical Care: Estimations of ongoing medical needs and future treatments related to the accident.
Lost Wages
- Current Income Loss: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work while recovering from the accident.
- Future Earnings: Estimations of future income loss if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, affecting the victim’s ability to work.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for diminished ability to earn income in the future due to lasting injuries or disabilities.
Pain and Suffering
- Physical Pain: Compensation for the physical pain endured as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional trauma resulting from the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the diminished ability to enjoy daily activities, hobbies, and overall quality of life due to the injuries.
Property Damage
- Bicycle Repair or Replacement: Costs to repair or replace the damaged bicycle.
- Personal Property: Compensation for other personal items damaged in the accident, such as clothing, helmets, and electronic devices.
How a Tacoma Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help
An experienced Tacoma bicycle accident lawyer, like the ones at Brumley Law, can assist in navigating the complex process of seeking compensation. We can help:
- Evaluate the Claim: Assess the full extent of damages and potential compensation.
- Gather Evidence: Compile necessary documentation and evidence to build a strong case.
- Negotiate with Insurers: Handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement.
- Represent in Court: Provide legal representation if the case goes to trial, advocating for your rights and interests.
Contact Our Tacoma Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in Tacoma, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options. The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Brumley Law Firm, our Tacoma bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to helping accident victims secure the compensation they need to recover and move forward.
Contact Brumley Law today at (833) 832-2727 or use our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation.