Legal Help For Injured Bicyclists In Tacoma
Being involved in any type of accident can be exceptionally traumatic for those affected, but a bike accident is one such type of incident that can quickly cause significant damage and change the lives of those involved in an instant.
The aftermath of a crash is fraught with considerable obstacles and costly expenses, and without full compensation for your losses, recovery may be made that much more difficult for you and those who may depend on you for support. The Tacoma injury lawyers of Pendergast Law know the devastating impact a collision can have on a person and are dedicated to providing the support and resources a person needs to get well. Call 888-539-9211 for a free consultation today.
Why File A Personal Injury Claim?
A bike crash, whether major or minor, has the potential to drastically impact your life in more ways than one. Even if a collision occurred at low speeds or at a high impact, it can result in a bicyclist suffering serious physical injuries, which can lead to expensive medical bills for treatment and care. As you recover from the accident, time missed from work can create additional stress and leave you to try and make ends meet and pay for all of your normal bills as well as your accident-related expenses.
Compensation To Aid In Recovery
Receiving compensation from a personal injury claim or lawsuit will enable you to pay for your accident-related expenses, and this will ultimately allow you to focus solely on healing. In a personal injury case, compensation can be awarded for your economic losses, such as medical bills and wages lost when away from work, as well as your non-economic losses, which is for the pain and suffering endured as a result of the car collision. The physical recovery from injuries is the most obvious outcome of a crash, but the emotional toll an accident can take on a person is also significant, and a personal injury claim can give a person compensation to successfully recover from both and move forward with life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tacoma Bicycle Accidents
It can be difficult to find the answers to all of your questions about bicycle accidents. Our team makes it a point to educate people as much as possible. Here are some important questions and answers:
What are the common causes of bicycle accidents?
Several common causes contribute to bicycle accidents, including:
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- Collisions with cars or trucks
- Getting hit while riding
- Getting “doored”
- Poor road conditions
- Riding at night or in low visibility
- Ignoring traffic signals or signs
- Riding against traffic
- Distracted riding
- Risky maneuvers or inexperience
- Mechanical failures
Depending on the cause, bicycle accidents can lead to a range of outcomes, from minor scrapes and bruises to severe injuries such as fractures, head trauma and even fatalities.
Who is responsible for a bicycle accident?
In Washington state, responsibility for a bicycle accident is typically determined based on negligence principles. Here are some key factors regarding responsibility:
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- Driver responsibility: Drivers must drive carefully and yield to cyclists. Negligence like failing to yield or driving distracted can make them liable for accidents.
- Cyclist responsibility: Cyclists must follow traffic laws and ride safely. Violations such as running lights or weaving can contribute to accidents and affect liability.
- Comparative negligence: If both parties are at fault, damages can be adjusted based on each party’s degree of fault.
In any bicycle accident case, the specifics of the incident will be considered to determine who is legally responsible for the accident and any resulting damages.
What information should I gather before contacting a bicycle accident lawyer?
Before contacting a bicycle accident lawyer, you should gather the following information:
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- Photos of the accident scene
- Medical records related to your injuries
- Contact information of witnesses
- Written account of what happened
- Police report (if available)
- Insurance information
- Documentation of expenses
- Any relevant correspondence
By having this information ready, you’ll provide your bicycle accident lawyer with the necessary details to evaluate your case and guide you on the next steps for seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.
Preserving Your Rights
Being involved in a bicycle accident is certainly something no one can be prepared for, which can make coping with the aftermath and all of the obstacles that may be in your way as you recover that much more difficult. The Tacoma car accident attorneys of Pendergast Law have years of experience aiding those who have been the victim of another person’s reckless actions and therefore fully understand the challenges you may face. Our knowledgeable legal team knows what it takes to prove liability in your case and will work tirelessly to get you the winning settlement you deserve. To see how we can assist you with your case, call 888-539-9211.