Distracted Driving Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Kent, WA
The Evergreen State has consistently ranked amongst the best states to bicycle, including being listed as the number one state in every ranking from 2013 through 2019 by the League of American Bicyclists, per the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
The state of Washington aims to provide the infrastructure to continue to make bicycling a safe form of transportation for everyone. However, there are certain problems that bicyclists can face on the road. One of the most common is distracted drivers. If you have been injured by a distracted driver in Kent, WA, while riding your bicycle, a personal injury lawyer at Herschensohn Law can help you seek compensation for your losses.
Call us today at (206) 588-4344 to learn more in a free consultation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), crashes involving distracted drivers result in an average of nine fatalities in the United States every day. In 2019, approximately one in five of the people killed in a crash involving a distracted driver were bicyclists or pedestrians.
Despite the efforts of the federal government and local law enforcement, distracted driving continues to be a very serious danger on our roadways. According to the CDC, there are three main types of distraction.
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions are anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road. These distractions can include:
- Texting
- Emailing
- Another accident
- Selecting music
Manual Distractions
A lot of visual distractions are also manual. Manual distractions include anything that takes a driver’s hands off the steering wheel, such as:
- Eating
- Texting
- Emailing
- Selecting music
- Using a navigation system
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions are any distractions that cause the driver to take their mind off driving. They could include:
- Speaking on the phone, even if its hands-free
- Fatigued driving
- Conversation with a passenger
If you are injured by a distracted driver, you can recover compensation for the damages they caused. These damages may include the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Property damage costs
- Loss of income if you miss work because of your injuries
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and scarring
Due to the lack of protection bicycle provides, bicyclists may suffer serious, sometimes fatal, injuries in a crash. In that event, the decedent’s personal representative can file a wrongful death case. Recoverable damages in this type of action may include final medical care costs, funeral and burial expenses, lost financial help, and/or loss of consortium.
How to Recover Damages
A bicycle accident attorney at our firm can guide you through the lawsuit process and use their knowledge of Washington law to help you recover compensation.
The first step in recovering damages is proving negligence, which consists of these components:
- Duty of care: The other party had a duty to remain focused on the road.
- Breach of duty: The other party gave into distraction, taking their eyes or mind off the road or their hands off the wheel.
- Causation: This distracted driving led to a bicycle crash.
- Damages: You have had monetary and non-monetary damages as a result.
Evidence, such as the police report, photos, video surveillance, and eyewitness accounts, can help satisfy the criteria in each of these elements, thereby establishing your right to recover compensation.
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Herschensohn Law worked by my side for almost four years when I was in an auto accident and were outstanding in everything they did! They went above and beyond to make my lawsuit as easy and stress free as possible for me while consistently showing genuine care for my wellbeing. They even recommended amazing health care professionals for my injuries! Anything/everything I may have been confused/concerned about was addressed/explained so I felt comfortable with each move made in my lawsuit. Professional, courteous and attentive are just a few words I would use to describe this law firm and although I hope to never be in a similar situation again - if I do, Herschensohn Law will be my first call!”
“Zach and his team performed beyond my expectations! I couldn't have had a better firm in my corner!”
“This was such a great experience.”
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
Between recovering from your injuries and navigating the claims process, pursuing compensation from the other party could prove stressful and difficult. However, if you get a Kent, WA, bicycle accident attorney with Herschensohn Law on your side, you can solely focus on getting better. Meanwhile, they can take on these tasks for you:
- Collecting and presenting various forms of evidence
- Establishing fault and liability
- Meeting state deadlines
- Reviewing applicable laws
- Taking phone calls and emails for you
- Fighting for a fair settlement
- Representing you in a trial, if necessary
We understand that you may have plenty of questions about this process. That’s why we keep you updated on how your case progresses. Should you still have questions, we want you to reach out to us. With Herschensohn Law, you won’t be left in the dark.
How Our Distracted Driving Attorney Receives Payment
Our bicycle accident attorney doesn’t take any upfront or out-of-pocket costs to start your case. Our firm finances your case from beginning to end, and we only take payment if we recover compensation for you.
Sometimes, bicycle accident victims file suit to recover damages. If you decide to go this route, you must be aware of the time limits the state imposes. According to RCW 4.16.080, you typically have three years to file a lawsuit. Waiting longer than that risks your right to hold the other party accountable for your damages.
If you inform us about your case soon enough, our attorney can help you avoid missing the deadline.
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
You must follow state and local traffic laws, but you also have the same rights as vehicle drivers. At Herschensohn Law, we are committed to seeing our clients treated fairly. If you are injured because of another party’s negligence, you should not have to suffer the consequences.
We can help you recover damages while you rest and recover from your injuries. When you are ready to seek legal measures against a distracted driver in Kent, Washington, call us today at (206) 588-4344. We offer free case reviews.
Our results speak for themselves
After a worker was electrocuted on a construction site and suffered life-changing injuries, we fought and won on their behalf.
When a retired man was killed in a truck accident, we made sure his grieving family got fair compensation.
When a defective medical device harmed our client, we fought to ensure they had the financial compensation needed to recover.
Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details
When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.