Getting Up to Speed: Your Rights and Options in Bicycle Accidents

Getting Up to Speed: Your Rights and Options in Bicycle Accidents
When warmer weather hits, more and more people take their bicycles out on the roads. You could be on your way to work, on your way to school, running some errands, or maybe just going for a ride—regardless, in the eyes of Washington State law, a bicyclist has equivalent road rights to motor vehicle drivers. But cyclists are clearly more vulnerable to injury.
Because your rights are the same, you must abide by the same traffic laws. Keep this in mind when riding on roadways—especially in high-traffic areas.
The Dangers of Bicycle Accidents
The more bikes on the roads, the higher the chance of bicycle accidents. Drivers are often distracted as is—with changing their music, supervising their children and pets, and using their cellphones (even though they shouldn’t be)—so this creates a dangerous situation for cyclists.
The scariest part is: In an accident, a driver is well-protected by airbags, seatbelts, and the metal shell of the car. A bike has none of those safety features. Cyclists are more prone to injury, which can result in pain and suffering, high medical expenses, and missed time at work.
Document the Details
Similar to any personal injury case, every detail is crucial. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, document the specifics—such as timing, location, road conditions, and situational details.
If you’re hurt by a negligent driver, that motorist is at fault and responsible for any damages that ensue from the incident. In some cases, unfortunately, the negligent driver’s insurance may not cover the full extent of damages—because of insurance policy limits. But you can seek additional compensation through other means.
Please contact me if you’d like to know more about bicycle accidents and personal injury lawsuits in Washington. And follow this blog or sign up for my newsletter to learn about my DUI and criminal defense services. Thanks for reading!