Bicycling is a great way to get around Seattle, but it comes with risks. One of the cyclists’ most dangerous situations is when drivers make unsafe lane changes.
If a car switches lanes without checking for cyclists or misjudging their speed, it can cause serious accidents. These lane change accidents are common in busy areas like Seattle, where drivers and cyclists share the road.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a bicycle accident caused by a driver’s unsafe lane change, the Bernard Law Group is here to help. Our Seattle bicycle accident lawyer is experienced in handling these cases and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
What Are Lane Change Bicycle Accidents?
A lane-change bicycle accident occurs when a motor vehicle changes lanes without properly noticing a cyclist or misjudges the cyclist’s speed and position. These accidents often happen when drivers fail to check their blind spots, are distracted, or drive aggressively. Drivers often don’t give cyclists the right of way, leading to dangerous collisions.
Some common causes of lane change bicycle accidents include:
- Driver failure to check blind spots: Cyclists can easily be missed if drivers don’t check their mirrors or over their shoulders before changing lanes.
- Distracted driving: When drivers are texting, talking on the phone, or not paying full attention to the road, they might not see a cyclist in time to avoid a collision.
- Speeding or aggressive driving: Drivers who are in a hurry or driving recklessly might not leave enough space or time to pass a cyclist safely.
- Miscommunication between cyclists and drivers: Accidents are more likely to happen when there is confusion about who has the right of way.
If you’ve been hurt in one of these situations, an overtaking bicycle accident attorney in Seattle, WA, can help hold the driver accountable.
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Common Injuries in Lane Change Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists are vulnerable on the road; when a car or truck hits them, the injuries can be severe. Some of the most common injuries seen in lane change bicycle accidents include:
Head Injuries
Even if you’re wearing a helmet, the impact from a car or truck can still cause damage to your head. You might experience a concussion, which can leave you feeling dizzy or confused, or worse, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that could affect your memory and ability to concentrate.
These injuries might not be visible right away, but they can have long-lasting effects on how you think, feel, and live your daily life.
Broken Bones and Fractures
A collision with a vehicle can easily break bones in your arms, legs, or ribs. Whether you’re struck directly or thrown from your bike, the force of the impact is enough to cause painful breaks.
Recovering from a broken bone can take weeks or even months, and you might need a cast, surgery, or physical therapy to heal. These injuries can also make getting around or performing everyday tasks difficult.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
In the most severe accidents, the spine can be injured, leading to life-changing consequences like partial or full paralysis. These injuries affect not only your mobility but also your ability to control other functions in your body.
A spinal cord injury may require a lifetime of medical care and rehabilitation, and it can completely alter the way you live your life.
Lacerations, Road Rash, and Soft Tissue Injuries
When you fall off your bike and slide across the pavement, your skin can get badly scraped, leaving you with painful cuts and bruises known as road rash. These injuries can become infected and leave scars.
Soft tissue injuries, like sprains or torn muscles, may not heal quickly and can limit your ability to move comfortably for a long time.
A Seattle bike accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of the accident.
Liability in Lane Change Bicycle Accidents
In most lane change bicycle accidents, the vehicle’s driver is held responsible. Washington state law requires drivers to check for cyclists before changing lanes and ensure they can safely complete the maneuver. When a driver fails to do this and causes an accident, they can be liable for the damages.
However, Washington also follows a system called comparative negligence. This means the driver and the cyclist could share responsibility for the accident. For example, if a cyclist wasn’t riding in a designated bike lane or visible to the driver, they may be found partially at fault.
Even if you are found partly responsible, you can still recover compensation, but it may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. A top-rated bicycle accident lawyer in Seattle can explain how this applies to your case.
Some examples of scenarios where drivers are typically found at fault for lane change accidents include:
- Failing to signal before changing lanes
- Not yielding to a cyclist who has the right of way
- Changing lanes too quickly or without checking mirrors
Proving Negligence in a Lane Change Bicycle Accident Case
To successfully win a bicycle accident case, you need to prove that the driver was negligent. This involves several key steps:
Duty of care
Drivers are responsible for ensuring the safety of everyone on the road, including cyclists. They must follow traffic laws and take reasonable steps to avoid accidents.
Breach of duty
When a driver fails to check their blind spot, signal properly, or drive carefully, they breach this duty of care.
Causation
It must be shown that the driver’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries.
Damages
Finally, you need to prove the extent of the harm caused by the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
An experienced best lane change bicycle accident lawyer in Seattle can gather the necessary evidence, such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports, to build a strong case on your behalf.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a lane change bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various losses. This can include:
Medical Expenses
Getting hurt in an accident can lead to a lot of medical treatment, from the moment you get injured to long after. This could mean trips to the doctor, physical therapy to help you recover, and even long-term care if you need it.
If your injuries require ongoing treatment or special equipment, these costs can add up, and you shouldn’t have to carry that financial burden alone.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may lose money that you normally rely on. This isn’t just about the time you’ve already missed from work. It could also affect your future if your ability to do your job is impacted for a longer period.
You can seek compensation to cover your lost income and any future earnings you might miss because of the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Getting hurt doesn’t just mean physical pain. Accidents can leave you feeling scared, stressed, and emotionally drained. Whether it’s sleepless nights, anxiety about getting back on your bike or dealing with the frustration of being injured, you deserve compensation for the emotional and physical toll the accident has taken on you.
Bicycle Repair or Replacement Costs
Your bike might be more than just a way to get around; it could be something you’re passionate about. If your bike was damaged or destroyed in the accident, you should be compensated for fixing or replacing it entirely. This way, you can return to doing what you love without worrying about the expense.
A no-win, no-fee lane change bicycle accident lawyer in Seattle can help you understand what types of compensation you may be entitled to and will only charge legal fees if they successfully win your case.
Seattle Bicycle Laws and Safe Riding Practices
Seattle has several bicycle laws in place to protect cyclists and help prevent accidents like lane change collisions. For example, drivers are required to yield to cyclists and check their blind spots before changing lanes.
Cyclists also have their own responsibilities, such as riding in bike lanes when available, using hand signals, and wearing helmets.
To stay safe on the road, cyclists should:
- Stay in designated bike lanes whenever possible.
- Be aware of vehicle movements and anticipate potential lane changes.
- Communicate with drivers by using hand signals and making eye contact whenever possible.
Preventing Lane Change Bicycle Accidents
Both drivers and cyclists can take steps to help prevent lane change accidents:
- Drivers: Always check your blind spots, use your turn signals, and give cyclists plenty of space when changing lanes. Avoid driving aggressively or while distracted.
- Cyclists: Ride predictably, use designated bike lanes, and make sure you’re visible to drivers by wearing bright clothing and using lights or reflectors.
If you are involved in an accident, you need to act quickly to protect your rights.
How Our Seattle Lane Change Bicycle Accidents Lawyer Can Help
We know how difficult it can be to deal with insurance companies, especially when they try to minimize your injuries or offer less compensation than you deserve. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive a fair settlement. If necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Work With Bernard Law Group?
With our team at Bernard Law Group, it’s not just about winning cases. It is about making sure that accident victims get the justice they deserve. Our team is committed to standing up for people who have been hurt and need help.
We understand that accidents can change lives, and we fight to ensure victims can recover and move forward. Our founder, Kirk Bernard, has been doing this for nearly 40 years, and he’s never stopped fighting for what’s right.
When you work with us, you’re not just another case—you’re a person who deserves to be heard, and we’ll do everything we can to help you.
Contact Our Seattle Lane Change Bicycle Accidents Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a lane change bicycle accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. At Bernard Law Group, we are committed to fighting for the rights of injured cyclists and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. Our no-win, no-fee lane change bicycle accident lawyer in Seattle will stand by your side and fight for your rights.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in your bicycle accident case and help you get back on your feet.
