Last updated on December 5, 2024
Cycling is an inexpensive, environmentally conscious and healthy method of transportation that’s popular in urban areas like Seattle. However, bike riders are subject to certain hazards that users of other types of transportation are not. For one thing, motor vehicles injure and kill thousands of cyclists every year in the United States. But automobiles and trucks aren’t the only hazards that cause severe injury to bike riders; poor road conditions also send many riders to emergency rooms each year.
If you’ve been hurt in a cycling accident caused by poor road conditions, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries by the entity charged with maintaining that street, road, path, sidewalk, etc. But legal claims against governments and municipalities are complicated and often must abide by different rules than regular civil claims. For this reason, it is vital that you seek the representation of an experienced Seattle biking accident lawyer who’s well-acquainted with the legal statutes of the area where your accident occurred.
The law firm of Pendergast Law has served Seattle-area injury victims for over four decades, and its attorneys have won its clients substantial settlements. For more information about your legal rights and options, call 888-539-9211 for a free consultation.
Roadway Hazards For Bicyclists In Washington
Because bicycles have rather thin tires, cracks in road surfaces, gaps in sewer grates, potholes and railroad crossings all can cause serious accidents. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is responsible for maintaining a network of over 1,600 miles of roadway.
With budget restraints and the weather of the Pacific Northwest, it is difficult to keep all of Seattle’s streets and roads in top condition. However, this is still the SDOT’s duty.
Seattle Department Of Transportation Negligence
Examples of SDOT negligence in road maintenance can include any of the following:
- Poorly designed roadways
- Poorly placed signs and traffic signals
- Traffic signs covered by foliage
- Confusing signs
- Lack of signage, barricades, etc., indicating construction or poor road conditions
- Construction materials left in roads
- Oil spills on roads
- Lack of road and sidewalk maintenance
Proving Negligence In A Poor Road Condition Accident In Washington
When proving negligence against a municipality or government agency, it is not enough just to show that the unsafe road condition existed. A plaintiff needs to show proof that the government entity responsible for maintaining that particular roadway was:
- Aware of the unsafe road condition and the dangers it posed
- Took measures to repair the road and eliminate the danger
- Failed to eliminate the danger
In the case of a railroad crossing, the railroad, not the municipality, is responsible for the maintenance of the road where it crosses the tracks and the signs and signals at the crossing.
Assisting Seattle Bike Accident Victims For over 30 Years
Legal claims involving public entities can be highly complex and often have different stipulations and statutes of limitations. In order for you to secure the compensation you deserve, it is crucial that you have the guidance and direction of an experienced legal team. The Seattle injury attorneys at Pendergast Law have been successfully representing clients for over 30 years. Call our offices at 888-539-9211 for your free case evaluation.