Traffic Violations That Cause Bicycle Accidents

There are countless traffic violations that cause bicycle accidents, and many of them arise from human error. Running red lights, speeding, and distracted driving all cause thousands of collisions each year. Injured claimants in these situations may wonder what options they have for pursuing financial justice.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of a traffic violation that caused a bicycle accident, our car accident lawyer is here to help. At Herschensohn Law, we know how to navigate the claims process and pursue compensation for our clients. Call (206) 588-4344 today to speak to a team member about your options and learn how we can help.

Our Bicycle Accident Lawyer Seeks Compensation for Our Clients

Attorney Zach Herschensohn has a reputation for handling bicycle accident cases and winning. He has recovered millions of dollars for our clients who suffered injuries due to carelessness or recklessness. We represent clients hurt in Kent, Auburn, Bellevue, and the greater Seattle metro area.

Herschensohn Law has a robust team of legal professionals who are knowledgeable and experienced in handling client concerns, building cases, and offering support. You can count on our team to fight for the maximum payout available based on the facts of your case, as you can see from our case results.

Furthermore, we do not charge upfront fees for any case we handle. Our clients only pay our attorney’s fees only after we secure compensation for their losses. This way, you never pay out of pocket to secure legal help. 

We Have Recovered Hundreds of Thousands for Our Clients

Our team is dedicated to getting our clients the money they need and deserve. Over the years, we have recovered the following settlements and verdicts:

• $850,000 for a man who fractured his pelvis in a no-contact bicycle accident
• $245,000 for a cyclist who suffered brain damage after a collision with a car

How Our Team Intends to Manage Your Bicycle Accident Case

When you partner with Herschensohn Law, you can trust our team to:

• Gather supporting evidence. We need evidence to demonstrate the other party’s negligence and the cost of your damages. Supporting information in your case could comprise the accident report, your medical records, and statements from witnesses.

• File your claim. Washington operates on a fault-based system, meaning that, after a crash, you can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer. Filing a claim requires us to know your case’s filing deadline and prove negligence.

• Initiate legal action, if necessary. We resolve many traffic accident cases through insurance negotiations. However, we keep litigation an option if the insurance company refuses to settle. Filing a lawsuit comes with many obligations. Yet, we can manage all of them.

Damages Recoverable After a Car Versus Bicycle Collision

When our clients suffer injuries because of careless drivers, our attorney pursues compensation to help them pay for their medical care, lost income, and other damages. We investigate the case to determine what happened and who is responsible. We also identify their recoverable damages and calculate fair settlement value for their cases.

Compensable losses in your case could comprise:

• Medical care costs, both current and future
• Ongoing care and support expenses
• Income losses for time missed at work
• Reduced earning ability if they cannot return to their work
• Property damage
• Miscellaneous-related expenses
• Pain and suffering

We also represent families when bicyclists pass away from their injuries. Our wrongful death attorney knows Washington’s wrongful death laws and how to apply them to your case.

You Only Have a Limited Time to Seek Damages

Our lawyer regularly files lawsuits and insurance claims to seek compensation in Seattle-area bicycle accident cases. We will review your case and help you plan an approach that gives you the best possible chance of recovering damages. However, you need to act quickly. Under RCW 4.16.080, we generally only have three years after the crash to begin a lawsuit. Sometimes, exceptions to this law give us less time to act.

By connecting with our team at your earliest convenience, we can preserve your right to damages and file your case in accordance with the statute of limitations.

Traffic Violations That Cause Bicycle Accidents

Traffic laws are in place to regulate the movement of cars and prevent accidents. When a driver violates one of these laws, collisions can occur. Some reasons for bicycle accidents include:

Unsafe Lane Changes

Under RCW 46.61.140, drivers must maintain their lane until they ensure the adjacent lane is clear and signal their intention to move over. This occurs when passing, moving over to turn, and merging. Unsafe lane changes are a common cause of all types of traffic accidents. This happens because the driver fails to look, does not see a vehicle in their blind spot, or otherwise fails to recognize there is someone in the adjacent lane.

Bicycles are more difficult to see because of their small size. In addition, they are sometimes hard for a distracted driver to recognize if they are looking for a car in the next lane. In other words, it is possible to look and still not see the cyclist. Double-checking for bicyclists, motorcycles, and other small vehicles is always a good idea before moving into another lane.

Failure to Yield

Per RCW 46.61.185, motorists must yield to oncoming traffic when turning left or making a U-turn. This is true for any turn unless there is a turn arrow showing at a traffic signal. When a driver fails to yield, a T-bone collision often results.

When the oncoming vehicle is a bicycle, it generally hits the turning vehicle broadside. This can throw them off the bike and cause catastrophic injuries.

Opening Doors Into Traffic

Under Washington law, RCW 46.61.620, parallel parked drivers must ensure there are no bikes in the bike lane or other traffic coming before opening their door. This is especially important for cyclists. Dooring accidents are more common than many people realize and frequently lead to serious injuries for bicyclists.

Not Giving at Least Three Feet When Passing

A few years ago, Washington State changed the law concerning passing cyclists who share the road. Per RCW 46.61.110, motorists must give at least three feet of clearance when passing anyone sharing the road. This applies to bicyclists, pedestrians, and others. Failure to do so is one of the most common reasons why bicycle collisions occur in neighborhoods and more rural areas.

Speak to a Team Member About Your Bicycle Accident for Free

Herschensohn Law provides free legal consultations for victims of bicycle accidents in Kent, Seattle, Auburn, Bellevue, and the nearby areas. Today, we can discuss your accident, injuries, and legal options for free today. You have rights, and we can help you protect them. Let us hold the at-fault driver accountable.

Call (206) 588-4344 to learn more.