Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyer
You wear a helmet and take other precautions when you ride your bicycle. Regardless, you have no control over motorists, and a driver could choose to ignore local laws and cause an accident that leaves you injured.
In this scenario, get medical assistance, then consult with a Seattle bicycle accident lawyer who can help you take legal action against this motorist.
Siegfried & Jensen has a proven track record, which is reflected in the more than $1.2 billion we have recovered in personal injury damages for our clients. Trust a Seattle personal injury lawyer from our team to handle your bike accident case. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
Identifying the Party Responsible for a Bike Accident
Our team understands that a driver is one of many parties who can be held accountable for a collision with a bicyclist. In many bike crash cases, a motorist is responsible. However, there are times when parties other than a driver can be at fault, and these include:
- Bike manufacturer
- Government entity
- Bar or restaurant
The Siegfried & Jensen team can review the facts surrounding your cycling accident. We can explain when a cyclist can be liable for a vehicle accident and how you may be able to prove that you are in no way at fault for your crash. Request a free case consultation with our team.
Bike Laws in Seattle that You Need to Know About
Riding a bicycle is a privilege, and the Seattle Department of Transportation has rules of the road for cyclists. It is your responsibility to learn these rules and comply with them if you ride a bike in the city. Seattle’s rules for cyclists include:
- Keeping an eye out for pedestrians and yielding the right of way to avoid collisions
- Riding on a street at a reasonable and prudent speed
- Traveling on a roadway at a speed below that of the typical flow of motor vehicle traffic
If you follow many bicycle safety tips but are still involved in an accident caused by a negligent motorist or another liable party, seek legal help. A bicycle accident lawyer in Seattle, WA, can help you pursue compensation from anyone who contributed to your accident. They can build an argument that may allow you to get damages for your accident-related losses.
Damages You Can Get in a Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
A bicycle accident attorney in Seattle, WA, can explain how you get compensation for injuries. They will encourage you to ask for economic and non-economic damages in your lawsuit. Common reasons why a judge or jury may provide you with damages include:
- Costs to repair or replace your bike
- Medical bills
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
How you and your lawyer approach your damages can have far-flung effects on your case results. Together, you and your attorney can gather evidence from myriad sources, which can help you prepare a compelling argument.
With this, you could improve your chances of settling or winning your personal injury case and securing 100% of the damages you initially requested.
Evidence that Can Be Useful in Your Bike Accident Lawsuit
How you present your argument may depend on the evidence at your disposal. Our team can collect proof on your behalf. We may find a wealth of evidence that can be used in your lawsuit, including:
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Pay stubs
- Traffic camera footage
In addition to these, your lawyer may utilize depositions to question a driver or another liable party and others about your accident. Your attorney can provide details about personal injury cases and depositions. If you are required to participate in a deposition, your lawyer can help you get ready for it.
How Comparative Negligence Applies to Your Case
If you are worried that you are partially at fault for your own injury, a bicycle accident attorney in Seattle can assist. They can explain Washington’s pure comparative negligence statute in depth. Based on this, you can recover damages even if you are partly to blame for your cycling accident.
With pure comparative negligence, you can be up to 99% liable for a bike accident injury and still receive damages from a liable party. If you are partially to blame, what you secure in damages is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 99% at fault for a cycling crash, you could get 1% of the damages you initially sought from a liable party.
Your lawyer commits time and resources to help you prove to a judge or jury that the defendant in your case is fully to blame for your bicycle accident and injuries.
In the same way, the defendant will work hard to dispute your argument. If they are worried that you have a strong case against them, they may be inclined to settle.
Seeking Bike Accident Damages Through a Wrongful Death Claim
Sadly, a family member can die in a cycling accident. This incident can impact you and your loved ones emotionally, psychologically, and financially. You may have no idea how you and your loved ones will cope with your loss, and a Seattle wrongful death lawyer could help you during this taxing time in your lives.
Your attorney understands that filing a lawsuit against anyone responsible for your family member’s death may be the furthest thing from the top of your mind. They are empathetic and compassionate to your needs and those of your loved ones. Your lawyer can explain how a lawsuit may help you pursue justice and damages.
In your lawsuit, your lawyer handles your legal matters and does everything they can to prove that a liable party should be punished for their actions. You and your loved ones can continue to support one another during this difficult period. Throughout the legal process, your lawyer shares updates, remains accessible and provides you and your family with plenty of support.
Let a Bike Accident Lawyer Help You with Your Legal Proceedings
Siegfried & Jensen removes the guesswork from bike accident litigation. Our team can guide you through your legal proceedings and help you achieve the optimal case results. Contact us today to learn more.
