Bicycle Accidents Can Result In Serious Injuries
Seattle is a bike-friendly city, with thousands of commuters who bike to work and recreational cyclists riding all over the metro area. Unfortunately, this increases the likelihood that a distracted or reckless driver will change a bicyclist’s life forever.
At the Dubin Law Group, our Seattle bicycle accident lawyers comprehend the emotional and physical trauma that many of our clients endure following a bicycle accident. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Seattle aggressively pursue full compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident.
Bicycle Accident Attorneys In Seattle
Negligent drivers who hit bicyclists or pedestrians have a seat belt, airbag and entire metal structure shielding them from suffering severe injuries in an accident. However, with a helmet as the rider’s only protection, bicycle accidents often lead to fatal or permanent and severe injuries. Many bicyclists suffer from broken bones, head or brain injuries, loss of limbs (amputation) or debilitating neck and back injuries following a bicycle wreck.
Seattle bike accident attorney Matthew D. Dubin is dedicated to helping clients recover following a serious bike accident. By focusing on the legal aspect of obtaining compensation and justice, our firm enables clients to focus on their health and physical recovery.
Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents
If you suffered an injury in a bicycle accident, you likely have many pressing concerns. At the Dubin Law Group our attorneys have years of experience handling claims resulting from bicycle accidents and answering client questions.
How will I pay my medical bills following a bicycle accident?
After a bicycle accident, the personal injury protection (PIP) of a motorist involved in the collision can offer support, or your own health or vehicle insurance could provide funds for medical care. However, these policies may not address the entire cost of your care, and you may want to seek legal guidance to ensure that you receive the financial support you need.
Do I need an expert witness for my bike accident case?
While not always necessary, an expert witness can be an important part of establishing liability in a bicycle accident case. Expert witnesses can offer insight into the rules of the road, determine the speed of the vehicles involved and can express opinions on the most likely way the accident happened.
What if my child was injured or killed while riding a bicycle?
If your child was injured while riding a bicycle, a claim could be made against the driver who caused the accident. However, injuries to children are handled differently than other claims, and it is important that you consult with a Seattle bicycle accident attorney experienced in handling claims for injuries to children.
What if I was partly at fault for my bike accident?
Bicycles are subject to the same rules of the road as motor vehicles. Additionally, bicyclists have a general duty to exercise reasonable care for the safety of themselves and others. However, even if you are partly at fault for your bicycle accident, you can still make a recovery from your injuries. Any damages you recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages are worth $100,000, but you were 40% at fault, you would still be entitled to recover $60,000.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in a bike accident case?
The amount of time you have to file a lawsuit in Washington can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Because time may be limited, you may want to speak to an attorney to ensure that you meet any necessary deadlines.
What damages can I recover in a bicycle accident case?
Injured bicyclists may recover medical expenses, wages lost as a result of the accident and property damage. A bicycle accident claim can also provide compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced, the ways that the accident impacted their closest relationships and the long-term impact that their injuries could have on their career and earning potential.
Can I sue the driver of a car that hits me while I’m riding my bicycle?
Yes. If the driver was at fault, you can make a claim for your injuries. Speeding, running a red light, failing to yield in left turns, “dooring” the bicyclist in a bike lane, failing to yield to a cyclist in a crosswalk or failing to leave sufficient room on the shoulder when passing could all be forms of driver negligence.
Is there anyone else I can make a claim against if I am injured in a bike accident?
The most common claim is against the driver that hit you. However, claims are possible for other people and businesses that may have contributed to the accident. Examples include the company that designed or manufactured a faulty bicycle or service or maintenance providers that were negligent in repairing the vehicle that hit you.
What if improper repairs or maintenance caused my bicycle accident?
If you brought your bicycle into a shop for repairs or maintenance shortly before your accident, and you believe the work was done improperly, you could have a claim against the person or shop that performed the repairs. However, you would need to prove that the accident was caused by the negligence of the person who did the repairs. Prompt investigation could mean the difference between making a recovery and having no case at all.
What if a pothole or other defect in the roadway caused my bike accident?
While an operator of a bicycle has a duty to pay attention, sometimes defects in the roadway such as bumps, cracks, elevation changes, defective road design or lack of guardrails put them at risk. If defects or maintenance issues led to your accident, a city, state or federal governmental entity may be responsible for the injury.
Do I need to hire an attorney after a bicycle accident?
While the law does not require you to hire an attorney, seeking experienced legal guidance can be a vital way to safeguard your rights. Not only can an experienced Seattle bicycle accident attorney deal with insurance companies, document the harm you experienced and investigate the accident, but they can also bring experienced negotiation skills to the table. This ensures that you receive the compensation you deserve and allows you to focus on healing.
We Find A Way To Get The Compensation You Deserve
Seattle bicycle accident attorney Matthew Dubin is skilled at identifying insurance coverage for your losses and working to ensure that you or your child get the proper medical treatment – even if you don’t have health insurance. If the other driver’s insurance is inadequate, our bike accident attorneys pursue compensation under your family’s underinsured auto policy. Likewise, if you were struck by a driver with no insurance or hurt in a hit-and-run accident, we pursue compensation under your uninsured motorist coverage contained in your auto policy.
Contact A Bike Accident Lawyer Today
Mr. Dubin’s knowledge and experience enable our firm to handle even the most complex personal injury claims. Even if you were partly to blame for your injuries, our bicycle accident attorneys know how to present your claim in the most favorable position.
If you or a loved one was involved in a bike crash in Washington, contact the Dubin Law Group for a free case evaluation. Our Seattle bicycle accident lawyers will do whatever it takes to assert your rights and support your physical and emotional recovery. We collect attorney’s fees only if we succeed in collecting compensation for you. Please call 425-800-8000, or submit our personal injury form.