Bicycle accidents are becoming increasingly common in Washington State, often leading to serious injuries. If you are a rider, it is important that you know the bicycle laws in your state. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it is imperative that you know and understand your rights. The Bernard Law Group represents those who have been injured in bicycle accidents as a result of someone else’s negligence. If you have been injured in a Washington bicycle accident, please contact our offices for more information about pursuing your rights.
Washington Biking Laws
Laws relating to bicycles vary from state to state and can even vary from county to county. It is always important to practice due caution and to make sure you are riding safely. There are a number of biking practices that may be against the law in your area that you do not know about. Some areas may be deemed unsafe for bicyclists and have signs indicating that no bicyclists are allowed. Riding with passengers who are not in a legal seat (such as on your handlebars), riding without using your hands on the handlebars, not having a permanently fixed seat and hitching your bike to a vehicle are all illegal. In Washington, it is legal to ride side by side with another bicyclist but illegal to ride side by side with two or more cyclists. Whether or not you are following the state’s laws relating to bicycles may determine the outcome of your bicycle accident case.
If you are injured in a bike accident you can seek compensation
Victims of accidents have the right to pursue compensation for resulting expenses and damages. Medical bills, broken equipment and time away from work may all be taken into consideration. Having a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney on your side, who can help review your case and give you a good idea of the type of compensation to expect, is absolutely essential.
Treat your bike accident as you would any car accident
After a car accident, it would be in your best interests to collect as much evidence and information as possible. This is important in a bicycle accident as well. Photographs from the scene of the crash, photos of injuries, diagrams and contact information about eyewitnesses are all invaluable in terms of evidence. A personal injury attorney can use the evidence and information you collect to make a solid basis for your case. How much you receive from a bicycle accident settlement or court ruling depends on who was at fault.
It is your responsibility to be safe
While determining liability for an accident, a jury may review all aspects of the case. In some cases the bicyclist may be found partially responsible for the accident and therefore may not be eligible to receive maximum compensation. Riders would be well-advised to adopt safety measures at all times and follow the rules of the road. Make sure your bike has working brakes and that the bike you are riding is the right size for you. When there is low visibility make sure you have reflectors and a light on the front of your bike.
Do not speak to the insurance companies involved before contacting a lawyer
Insurance companies in these situations will attempt to get you to admit fault so that they will not have to pay you. Please do not discuss your injury accident with any insurance representative, or other parties, prior to consulting with a skilled bicycle accident lawyer. A personal injury attorney can walk you through the process and make sure there aren’t any missteps, which could be detrimental to the outcome of the case and the compensation amount.
The Bernard Law Group has been serving the Washington area for 30 years. If you have been the victim of a Washington bicycle accident, please do not hesitate to contact our offices at 1-800-418-8282. We always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON – CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
