Bicyclists have the right to share the road with automobiles. However, many drivers fail to take the proper precautions when driving and fail to notice the bicyclists around them. When a bicycle is involved in an accident, severe injuries, pain, and even wrongful death can be the result. Contact our Vancouver bicycle accident lawyer for a free consultation to discuss your case. Call (360) 695-1624 today.
Why Choose NW Injury Law Center For Your Case?
- Decades-long expertise. Bicyclists in Vancouver have trusted the Vancouver personal injury attorneys at NW Injury Law Center with their accident cases for over 35 years. We know what these cases need to succeed.
- Proven track record of success. We have collected millions of dollars in financial recoveries for our clients, including a $350,000 outcome for a head injury and fractures from a bicycle collision.
- Contingency fee basis. Our Vancouver bicycle accident attorney will take your case on a contingency fee basis. This means we will only charge attorney’s fees if we win your case.
How Can a Vancouver Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?
You may assume that if you were not at fault for a bicycle accident, the driver’s car insurance company will not hesitate to reimburse you for medical costs and other losses that you suffered. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Insurance companies are corporations that may attempt to devalue clients’ cases to save money. They often attempt to minimize payouts, whether for bicycle or motorcycle accidents in Vancouver, WA. Our legal team is prepared to fight for your rights and fair compensation
Hiring an attorney to represent you during a bicycle accident case can increase your odds of a positive outcome. It is especially important to hire a lawyer if you or a loved one suffered a serious injury, such as a concussion. In a case such as this, our brain injury lawyer in Vancouver will investigate your accident, collect evidence of fault, hire experts, and help you fight for maximum financial compensation for your past and future losses.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Vancouver
After a collision with a car in Vancouver, you should always contact the police and wait for them to arrive. It is not uncommon for some injuries to appear hours after an accident, so even if you appear to be uninjured, your injuries may surface later. Keep conversation with the driver to a minimum, keep all statements confined to the facts involved, and do not provide any speculation regarding who is at fault for the accident or the state of your injuries. Document the scene as much as possible, along with any injuries you may have suffered.
It may well be a good idea to get an attorney involved early on. Even if the insurance company initially appears to be cooperative, this can change once the full extent of your injuries becomes clear. A bike accident attorney in Vancouver can help you assess the merits of your case and guide you in the actions to take next.
How Do I Recover Damages After a Bike Accident?
Washington State follows comparative negligence after a bike accident. This means that even if you were partially responsible for the accident you were in, you may be able to collect compensation for your injuries. The amount of compensation you are awarded will be reduced by the amount you are found to have contributed to the accident.
The types of compensation available in a bike accident claim may include:
- Hospital bills and health care costs
- Lost wages and capacity to earn in the future
- Property damage expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
Our Vancouver bicycle accident lawyer can help you recover compensation after a bike injury in Washington. We will assess the potential value of your claim based on factors such as the severity of your injuries and the insurance coverage available. Then, we will use proven legal strategies to fight for maximum financial compensation on your behalf.
Bicycle Laws in Vancouver, Washington
Preventing bicycle accidents starts with understanding Washington bike laws. Both cyclists and motor vehicle drivers have a responsibility to know and obey these laws. They include the following:
- Bicyclists may ride on public roads, but must do so in the same direction as vehicle traffic.
- Motor vehicle drivers must yield the right-of-way to cyclists in the same way as they would to other motor vehicle drivers.
- Bicyclists have the same responsibility to obey traffic signals as motor vehicle drivers.
- Drivers must leave a distance of at least three feet when passing cyclists.
- Bicyclists may choose to ride on the path, bike lane, shoulder, or travel lane as suits their safety needs.
If a bicyclist suffers any type of injury in a preventable accident, including broken bones, head injuries, or spinal cord injuries in Vancouver, he or she has the right to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s car insurance provider to pursue financial compensation.
What is the Most Dangerous Part of the Ride for Cyclists?
Not all bicycle accidents involve a collision with a car. Of those accidents, however, many take place at an intersection. These accidents often involve a car speeding through an intersection and failing to notice the bicycle already crossing the street. Another common source of bicycle accidents in Vancouver is when a car turns left through an intersection and fails to notice the bicycle traveling straight through the intersection from the opposite direction.
Avoiding Accidents While Biking Around Vancouver, WA
No amount of economic compensation can ever truly restore what you’ve lost after a bike accident. Pain from injuries can often last years or even a lifetime. The best course of action is to avoid an accident in the first place when at all possible.
Here are some good ways to avoid being in a bicycle accident:
- Follow the rules of the road. Obeying road laws helps prevent accidents and ensures that if you are injured you will be eligible to receive full compensation.
- Wear bright, reflective clothing. In most accidents involving a car and a bicycle, the driver of the car will protest that they never saw the bicycle. Increasing your visibility can drastically reduce your chances of being in an accident.
- Ride defensively. Assume the drivers around you do not see you and may turn or maneuver suddenly at any time. Always be on the lookout for cars and do not assume that they will avoid hitting you.
What Our Clients Have To Stay
“Awesome – thank you for everything! When I had questions, they were always met with kindness.” – Jody F.
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Contact Our Vancouver Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
If you or someone you love was recently involved in a bicycle accident in Vancouver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A successful claim against the responsible party could provide you with justice, answers and the money that you need to move forward with less financial stress. The experienced attorneys at the NW Injury Law Center will be relentless advocates for your rights and best interests during the legal process.
Please contact our bicycle accident lawyer in Vancouver at NW Injury Law Center if you have any questions or would like to speak with us regarding a bike accident or injury. Call (360) 695-1624 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.