Cycling is a great way to get around in Seattle. Unfortunately, our city sees countless bicyclists injured every year. If you’re one of those victims, call a Seattle bicycle crash lawyer.

Even if you take all of the proper safety measures—wearing a helmet, staying visible, sticking to bike lanes, etc.—a bike accident can still happen to you. This unfortunate reality is proven by the statistics: In 2015 alone, nearly 467,000 bicyclists were injured, and 1,000 later died from said injuries.

While nothing can replace good health, bicycle accident victims can find some relief for their trauma in the form of compensatory damages. To see what your personal injury case might be worth, contact a Seattle bicycle accident lawyer at Craig Swapp & Associates.

Laws Bicyclists Must Follow in Washington

A large component of trying to recover damages for your Seattle bike accident injuries is proving that you didn’t violate any road rules yourself. Some of the Evergreen State’s laws pertaining to bicyclist behavior include the following:

  • Riders must follow all applicable rules and responsibilities shared by other motorists, including yielding to pedestrians.
  • No more than two bicyclists may ride side by side on the road.
  • Those who ride at night must equip their bikes a white front light with at least 500 feet of visibility, along with a rear red light or reflector.
  • If offered both a bike path and shoulder option, bicyclists may choose either.
  • Parents must ensure their children follow all relevant laws.

Keep in mind that there is no statewide law requiring bicyclists to wear helmets, but King County has a legal requirement that they be worn by bikers of all ages.

Any evidence suggesting that you failed to obey the law may result in reduced damages due to Washington state’s use of the standard of comparative negligence.

Comparative negligence reduces the damages you’re eligible to receive—while not completely barring them—to the extent to which you’re found liable.  Being found 50 percent at fault, for example, would reduce your potential compensation by half.

Injuries Seattle Bicycle Accident Victims Suffer

Following a serious collision, bicyclists have been known to suffer an array of injuries, including the following:

  • Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and contusions
  • Spine damage
  • Face or eye damage
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Amputations
  • Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
  • Internal bleeding
  • Organ damage

Compensation for Your Bike Accident in Seattle

In addition to injuries, Seattle bike accident victims must account for losses resulting from their collision, which may include medical expenses, lost wages or earning potential, pain and suffering, emotional distress, replacement of the bike, loss of consortium, and worsened quality of life.

You are permitted to document injuries and losses that have occurred—or are expected to occur—over any point in time (i.e., past, present, and future) as a result of your accident.

And don’t forget that Washington state’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years, meaning that you must file a suit before this period elapses or risk losing your right to pursue compensation.

Talk to a Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorney

Biking is fun and a great source of exercise—until you get into a serious accident. Fortunately, bicycle accident victims in Seattle are eligible to receive compensation to help aid a full recovery from their various injuries and losses.

For the best shot at getting what you deserve, contact a Seattle bicycle accident lawyer at Craig Swapp & Associates today. Call us at 1-800-404-9000 or head to the bottom of the page to fill out our online contact form.