Bicycle accidents with vehicles commonly cause injuries. Affecting cyclists throughout Kent, WA, these tragic collisions frequently result in bone fractures, head trauma, spinal cord damage, and road rash. How fast the car or truck was going and how the impact occurred determine how injured a cyclist will be. With offices in Kent, Ellensburg, Graham, Seattle, and Chehalis, Herschensohn Law, PLLC, has recovered a $245,000 settlement for a bicyclist injured by a car. Call Herschensohn Law, PLLC at (206) 588-4344 to discuss your legal options with a Washington bicycle accident lawyer.
Summary of Bicycle vs. Vehicle Accident Injuries
Car accidents involving bicycles in Washington frequently cause injuries requiring significant medical treatment and, at times, legal action.
- Head and brain trauma, including traumatic brain injuries, rank among the most severe outcomes of bicycle vs. vehicle accidents.
- As required in RCW 4.22.005, Washington relies on comparative negligence standards, permitting injured cyclists to recover damages even when they are partially at fault.
- Spinal cord damage, fractures, and road rash often require extended medical care and can affect a cyclist's ability to return to work.
Herschensohn Law, PLLC provides bicycle accident attorney services to victims throughout Washington.
Common Bicycle Accident Injury #1: Head and Brain Trauma
Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) rank among the most serious injuries caused by bicycle vs. vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, when a car strikes a cyclist, the head frequently makes forceful contact with the vehicle, the pavement, or both. TBIs, ranging from concussions to permanent brain damage, can produce long-term cognitive and physical impairment. Even cyclists in helmets can sustain a TBI. Symptoms of head trauma include memory loss, dizziness, and mood changes. Understand that head trauma symptoms can sometimes take days to manifest after an accident.
Common Bicycle Accident Injury #2: Collarbone and Limb Fractures
Collarbone and limb fractures happen often in bicycle accidents because people instinctively extend their arms to break the fall. The clavicle, wrist, and forearm absorb much of the impact when a cyclist is thrown from the bicycle. Fractures can range from simple breaks that heal with a cast to complex fractures requiring surgical plates or screws. Recovery time varies, and some fractures lead to permanent range of motion limitations. Furthermore, a fracture involving the growth plate in a younger cyclist adds more complexity and extended monitoring.
Common Bicycle Accident Injury #3: Spinal Cord Damage
Spinal cord damage represents one of the most catastrophic outcomes following a vehicle vs. bicycle collision. Sadly, a cyclist can experience partial or complete paralysis. Motorists are required by law to treat cyclists with care and caution, sharing the roadway safely. Furthermore, courts examining negligence in these cases often apply foreseeability principles from Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad Co., 248 N.Y. 339 (1928). That case addresses whether a defendant's conduct created a foreseeable risk of harm to others. On a final note, rehabilitation for SCIs typically involves extensive physical therapy, and, in severe cases, home modifications and the need for lifelong nursing care.
Common Bicycle Accident Injury #4: Joint Dislocations
A dislocation happens when the bones forming the joint are forced out of normal alignment, often tearing surrounding ligaments and tendons in the process. Dislocated shoulders, elbows, and hips are common bicycle accident with vehicles injuries. These joints in particular are most susceptible to injury in a bicycle vs. vehicle crash because of their range of motion and exposure during a fall. Treatment for a joint dislocation can range from the joint being reset in the emergency room to surgical repair for injuries with significant ligament damage. Unfortunately, some cyclists experience recurring instability in the joint long after the initial injury has healed.
Common Bicycle Accident Injury #5: Road Rash
Road rash describes the abrasions and skin damage that occur when a bicyclist, biker, or pedestrian slides across pavement after being hit by a car. Although often viewed as a minor injury, road rash can remove multiple layers of skin and expose underlying tissue. Deep abrasions such as these easily get infected, especially considering that road rash often covers large areas of the body. In fact, some cases of road rash require skin grafting. Additionally, scarring from road rash can also be permanent.
Common Bicycle Accident Injury #6: Pelvis and Rib Fractures
Surprisingly, pelvis and rib fractures often present more danger than other bicycle injuries because the pelvis surrounds major blood vessels, the bladder, and intestines. A stable pelvic fracture typically allows weight bearing within weeks, while an unstable one can cause significant internal bleeding. Rib fractures pose a similar risk, as three or more broken ribs can cause rib segments to move independently while breathing. Moreover, older cyclists with reduced bone density can, at low speeds, experience fracture patterns similar to those seen in high-speed accidents. Also, EMTs often transport suspected pelvic fracture patients directly to Harborview Medical Center given the risk of blood loss.
Call a Bicycle Accident Injury Lawyer at Herschensohn Law Now!
Washington bicycle accident lawyer Zach Herschensohn has over two decades of experience and has represented injured victims in important court cases like Gibson v. American Construction Company, Inc. Herschensohn Law, PLLC is also a member of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association for Justice. Call Herschensohn Law, PLLC directly at (206) 588-4344 to set up a free consultation with a Washington bicycle accident lawyer.
Helpful Frequently Asked Questions about Washington Bicycle Accident Injuries
The following questions address common legal issues related to bicycle accidents and the injuries cyclists often sustain in Washington.
How Is Fault Determined in a Bicycle Accident with a Vehicle?
In 2026, fault in a bicycle accident with a vehicle is determined by examining traffic laws, witness statements, and the actions of both the driver and cyclist. Washington is a comparative negligence state, meaning an injured cyclist can still recover damages even when partially at fault for the collision. Insurance companies and courts review police reports, roadway conditions, and traffic camera footage when available to assign responsibility.
Can a Cyclist Get a Pay-Out If They Were Not Wearing a Helmet?
A cyclist without a helmet at the time of a collision can typically still recover compensation for injuries caused by a negligent driver. Washington does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets statewide, though certain municipalities maintain local ordinances addressing helmet use. The absence of a helmet does not eliminate a driver's liability for causing the collision.
How Long Does a Cyclist Have to File a Lawsuit in Washington?
Washington requires an injured cyclist to file a personal injury lawsuit within three years of the date of the collision. Missing this deadline can prevent a cyclist from pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Should a Cyclist Do After Being Struck by a Vehicle in Kent?
A cyclist struck by a vehicle in Kent should seek medical evaluation, contact the Kent Police Department to file a collision report, and document the scene with photographs. Prompt medical treatment creates a record connecting the collision to any resulting injuries, which insurance adjusters and courts often review closely when evaluating a personal injury lawsuit. Preserving damaged property, such as a helmet or bicycle frame, can also support a claim for compensation. Witness contact information, gathered at the scene when possible, frequently becomes difficult to obtain once the parties have left the area.
How Can Herschensohn Law, PLLC Help After a Bicycle Accident with a Vehicle?
The compassionate, knowledgeable team at Herschensohn Law, PLLC can help cyclists injured in bicycle accidents with vehicles by investigating the collision, handling insurance communications, and demanding financial compensation. Consider visiting with an experienced Kent, Washington, attorney at Herschensohn Law, PLLC to learn more about your legal rights after a bicycle crash.
