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 After A Bicycle Accident?
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:
Who can be held liable in a bicycle accident and what damages can I claim?
Multiple parties may be held responsible in a bicycle accident case. Liable parties often include:
- Negligent drivers who fail to share the road safely
- Manufacturers of defective bicycles or parts
- Repair shops that are responsible for faulty repairs
- Government entities responsible for poor road designs or maintenance
Under Washington’s comparative negligence law, you may claim various types of damages, including:
- Economic damages: Medical bills, lost wages, property damage
- Noneconomic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress
- Future damages: Ongoing medical care and reduced earning capacity
Our experienced attorneys work to identify all potential sources of compensation to maximize your recovery.
What if the driver involved in my bicycle accident is uninsured or it was a hit-and-run?
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or are the victim of a hit-and-run, you may still have options for recovery. Your personal uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can often provide compensation in these situations, even though you were riding a bicycle. We can help you navigate the insurance claims process and explore all available coverage options.
How do I prove negligence in a bicycle accident case?
Proving negligence requires demonstrating that another party failed to exercise reasonable care and that failure caused your injuries. We gather evidence such as:
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Medical/forensic professionals’ testimony
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
This evidence helps establish the other party’s responsibility and the extent of your damages.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Washington?
Washington state law sets a three-year statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims. However, certain claims require much faster action – especially those involving government entities, which need special notice within 60 days. Critical evidence like surveillance footage may be deleted within 30 days, and witness memories fade quickly. Given these urgent timelines, consulting a Tacoma bicycle accident attorney promptly after your accident is essential for protecting your right to compensation.
What are the common causes of bicycle accidents?
Several common causes contribute to bicycle accidents, including:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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.