Last updated on July 11, 2024
Have you recently been involved in a Seattle bicycle accident? Were you or a loved one injured in the collision? Was your accident caused by a driver failing to yield at an intersection? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might have grounds to pursue legal action. An established Seattle bicycle accident attorney can help you obtain financial compensation for your injuries and recovery. But the time to act is now. You need legal representation from Pendergast Law.
For years, Pendergast Law attorneys have helped people whose lives have been turned upside down in bicycle accidents due to the negligent actions of drivers who failed to yield at intersections. At our firm, we are dedicated to holding at-fault parties accountable for injuries they cause. Remember, bicyclists have rights on the roads in Seattle and the rest of Washington. Let us defend them. Contact Pendergast Law today at 888-539-9211.
Bicycle Accident Recoveries
- A $170,000 recovery for a bicyclist injured when he was struck riding his bicycle
- A $145,000 recovery for a man who suffered a concussion and skin abrasions when he was knocked off his bicycle by a car making a turn in Kirkland
Failure-To-Yield Bicycle Accidents
One of the most unfortunate aspects of many bicycle accidents that occur in Seattle is that most of them could have been prevented if not for negligence. In many cases, motorists claim that a bike crash occurred simply because they did not see a bicyclist on the road and failed to yield the right of way. If you or someone you love has been injured or worse in a bike accident, get in touch with the Seattle personal injury lawyers at Pendergast Law. We never give up when defending our clients’ rights, not even when facing major trucking companies or insurance adjusters. Please call 888-539-9211 for a free consultation.
Common Injuries Sustained From Bicycle Intersection Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these are the most common injuries suffered in failure-to-yield bicycle accidents:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Skull fractures
- Concussions
- Facial fractures
- Internal injuries, including lung injuries
- Road rash
- Cuts and bruises
- Wrongful death
Compensation Available For Seattle Failure-To-Yield Bike Accidents
Bicycle accidents tend to be severe because bike riders are so vulnerable in collisions. They don’t have the same protections car drivers do. With only helmets and pads to protect them, bicyclists often suffer serious injuries. Here are some of the more common damages pursued in Seattle failure-to-yield bicycle accident claims:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Physical rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Lost current and future wages
- Pain and suffering
Failure-To-Yield Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Damages
Unfortunately, some failure-to-yield bicycle accidents can be tragic. If you’ve lost a loved one to a Seattle bicycle accident, your family may be able to pursue the following damages:
- Medical bills of the deceased before death
- Pain and suffering of the deceased before death
- Lost future income
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost love, affection, companionship, guidance, etc.
- Loss of household duties that the deceased performed (such as child care, property maintenance, etc.)
Failure-to-yield bike accidents are complicated. Call 888-539-9211 today for a free case evaluation with a Seattle injury lawyer.
Causes Of Seattle Failure-To-Yield Bicycle Accidents
Many different factors can cause a Seattle failure-to-yield bicycle accident. Here are the most common causes of these types of collisions:
- Distracted drivers
- Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding drivers
- Aggressive driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Drivers not following stop signs and red lights
Driver Actions That Lead to Failure-To-Yield Bicycle Accidents
- Not stopping at red lights: When drivers do not come to a complete stop at a red light or stop sign, bicyclists can easily be struck.
- Unsafe turns: These include drivers making turns while distracted (like when they’re using their cellphones or not paying attention to traffic and blind spots), making aggressive turns and speeding through intersections.
Tips To Avoid Intersection Bike Accidents In Washington
Bicycles are easy to overlook because of how small and quiet they are. It is all too common for bicyclists to get crushed by drivers who enter intersections without first checking their mirrors or watching for approaching bikes. If you are on a bike at a Washington intersection, it is advisable to do the following:
- Obey the law: All bicyclists must obey stop signs and traffic lights. Running through an intersection on a bicycle is highly likely to put you in harm’s way.
- Avoid blind spots: You are legally allowed to pull up between stopped cars, but getting close to the side of a car that is about to turn can be extremely dangerous.
- Make eye contact: Sometimes, the only way to know that a motorist sees you is to make eye contact. Make sure you are seen before entering an intersection.
- Ride defensively: It is a mistake to assume that a driver will properly yield the right of way. Only enter an intersection when you are positive that it is safe to cross.
- Use hand signals: Letting drivers know your intentions can help you avoid a collision. Bend your arm up to turn right, point your arm out straight to turn left and bend your arm down to stop.
Contact Pendergast Law Today
Bicyclists have the same rights that motor vehicle drivers do. Let our legal team at Pendergast Law protect those rights. Contact our Seattle failure-to-yield bike accident attorneys today at 888-539-9211.