Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycling is more than just a childhood skill—it’s a way of life for many in Seattle, whether for commuting, exercise, or enjoying the city’s scenic routes. But when a negligent driver, poorly maintained road, or other hazard causes bike accidents, the consequences can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike crash, you don’t have to face the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath alone.

At Elk & Elk, we understand the unique challenges cyclists face after an accident. Our experienced Seattle bicycle accident lawyers are here to fight for bicycle accident victims rights, holding those responsible accountable and helping you secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Call us today at (844) 355-9378 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Let us help you get back on track.

Why Choose Elk & Elk To Help You?

Elk & Elk’s strong work ethic, paired with a culture conducive to success, has paved the way for many people who have suffered personal injuries in the past. We are dedicated to the success of our legal claims and will gain your confidence if you choose to let us help you with your case.

  • No win, no fee. Our law firm operates on a contingency-fee basis. As one of our clients, you will not pay any out-of-pocket or upfront fees until we win your case.
  • Proven results. Over $1 billion in compensation has been won for clients pursuing personal injuries claims at Elk & Elk.
  • Complete dedication. Our personal injury lawyers  can help you file a Seattle injury claim. We are willing to go above and beyond to investigate your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, handle all of the legal paperwork, and fight for your bicycle accident compensation until the end.

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Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident In Seattle

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Seattle

There are various steps that you can take in the aftermath of sustaining a bicycle crash injury caused by the negligence of another driver in Seattle.

  1. Check for injuries and seek medical care. Many bicycle accident injuries do not appear until the hours or days following the incident, so even if you feel fine right after a collision, there may be hidden injuries you are unaware of. Seeking medical care establishes a strong link between the bike crash and any injuries you sustained, which insurance carriers are going to look for.
  2. Call 911. You need to report a bicycle accident to law enforcement officials so they can come to the scene and conduct an investigation. You will need the police report to help with an insurance claim and at a personal injury trial if one becomes necessary.
  3. Gather evidence if possible. If your injuries are not severe and if the scene is safe, we encourage you to gather as much evidence as possible. Speak to any eyewitnesses to the incident, and be sure to get their names and contact information so they can be reached later. Additionally, if you have a cell phone, take pictures of everything. This includes injuries, property damage, debris or skid marks, weather conditions, traffic patterns, and more.
  4. Contact an bike accident attorney. You need to reach out to an attorney who has experience handling bicycle accidents in Seattle. A lawyer will take over every aspect of your claim and work diligently to ensure you recover compensation.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Seattle

With so many cyclists sharing the road with cars, trucks, and public transportation, it’s no surprise that many riders in Seattle cite “not feeling safe” as their top reason for not biking more often. Below are some of the most common risks cyclists face in Washington:

  • Collisions with vehicles: Drivers failing to yield, running stoplights, or cutting off cyclists—whether due to aggression or negligence.
  • Dooring accidents: Parked cars opening doors directly into a cyclist’s path.
  • Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and poorly maintained roadways.
  • Road debris: Loose gravel, glass, or other debris causing falls or forcing cyclists into traffic.
  • Aggressive animals: Dogs or other animals startling cyclists or blocking their path.
  • Negligent cyclists or pedestrians: Collisions caused by others failing to follow traffic rules.
  • Defective bicycles: Faulty design or manufacturing leading to equipment failure and crashes.
  • Unsafe or blocked bike lanes: Vehicles parked in or encroaching on bike lanes force cyclists into traffic, increasing the risk of collisions.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident caused by any of these factors, Elk & Elk can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.

Common Bike Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Here are some of the most common injuries cyclists may experience:

  • Broken bones: Fractures are common in the arms, legs, or collarbone after a fall or collision.
  • Brain injuries: Head injuries, including concussions, can occur even with a helmet.
  • Spinal cord injuries: Impacts to the spine can lead to serious nerve damage.
  • Tissue damage: Cuts, bruises, and road rash often result from skin scraping against surfaces.

Each of these injuries can range in severity and may require medical attention for proper recovery.

Washington State Bike Laws and How They Can Impact Your Case

Washington State Bicycle Laws and How They Affect Your Case

Bikers have some responsibility under the state’s laws to operate their bicycles in a safe manner. Under Washington Bike Law RCW 46.61.755,  when riding on a roadway, a cyclist has all the rights and responsibilities of a vehicle driver. Some other specific laws that may be applicable include:

  • Bike riders must ride in the same direction as the vehicles on the road with them. They must adhere to all of the same traffic laws that apply to vehicle drivers.
  • If a bike rider is operating on a sidewalk, they must adhere to the same rights and rules associated with pedestrians. Some cities ban bike riding on sidewalks.
  • When passing, bike riders must remain on the right shoulder or right lane. If turning left, hand signals must be used to demonstrate to others what your intentions are.
  • Those riding a bike at night must wear a white front light that is visible for at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector visible from behind by at least 600 feet.

Local ordinances can also play a role. If you’re riding in Seattle or any other city in Washington, it’s important to know and follow local bike laws. A violation of these laws—even if minor—can be brought up by insurance companies or defense attorneys to reduce or deny bike accident claims.

A knowledgeable Seattle bicycle accident lawyer can help determine whether any alleged violations actually impact your case and work to protect your right to recovery.

How Is Fault Determined in Bike Accidents?

Determining fault after a bicycle accident in Seattle is a key step in pursuing a personal injury claim. Liability often depends on identifying which party acted negligently—whether it was a driver who failed to yield, a pedestrian who entered the roadway unexpectedly, or a cyclist who didn’t follow traffic laws.

In Washington, fault can be shared between multiple parties under the state’s comparative negligence rules. This means even if a cyclist is partially at fault, they may still recover compensation, though it could be reduced based on their percentage of responsibility.

A knowledgeable Seattle bicycle accident attorney can help interpret the details of the crash, apply relevant traffic laws, and establish who is legally responsible. Having legal guidance ensures your side of the story is clearly represented and your rights are protected throughout the claims process.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault?

Many people do not know that they can recover compensation even if they are partially at fault for causing their own injuries after a bicycle accident in Seattle. The state of Washington operates under what is considered a “pure comparative negligence” system, which means individuals can recover compensation if they are up to 99% responsible for an incident. However, the compensation amount will be reduced depending on a person’s percentage of fault.

For example, suppose you are involved in a bicycle accident and incur $10,000 worth of medical bills and lost wages. However, if it is determined that you were 20% responsible for the incident for some reason, you would receive $8,000 instead of the full $10,000 to account for the 20% of the responsibility.

Experienced bicycle accident attorneys can review your case, work to reduce the percentage of fault assigned to you, and help you recover the highest compensation possible.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bike Accident Claim in Washington State?

From the date of your personal injury accident, you only have a certain amount of time to file a claim. This is referred to as a statute of limitations. Generally, under RCW 4.16.080, you have three years to file an injury claim for your bicycle accident.

What Our Clients Have to Say

 

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“Elk & Elk is the best to work with. I needed help with my case and they not only fought with me, but they went above and beyond for me.” – D. F.

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Contact Our Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

If you suffered an injury in a bicycle accident because of another’s negligence, you deserve to learn about your legal rights and options. Take the steps towards a better financial future by reaching out to our bike accident attorneys in Seattle today. Securing damages for the issues you have suffered can improve your quality of life, so allow our injury law firm to help.

Call our Seattle law office of Elk & Elk at 1-844-ELK-WEST (1-844-355-9378) or schedule your free case review and learn how we can help you.