Cycling is a great way to get around Seattle. From scenic paths around the water to challenging hill climbs, traveling on two wheels is a popular option for avoiding city traffic and taking in all the sights. An enjoyable ride can turn tragic in an instant when a distracted driver swerves or impatient motorists speed by bike lanes. If you or a loved one was hurt while riding your bike, learn what your legal options are by contacting Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC. Bicyclists have a right to share the road, so if a driver hits you, our Seattle, WA bicycle accident lawyer can help you get the maximum compensation you need and deserve.
The most common bicycle accidents are sideswipes, doorings, and rear-end collisions. Drivers either aren’t paying attention because they are too busy talking on the phone, or are recklessly going too fast. Other than a helmet, bikers have zero body protection, leading to catastrophic injury in an accident.
Broken bones, skid burns, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage are some of the injuries our Seattle bicycle accident lawyer sees most often when presenting these types of cases. To pursue compensation, we first have to prove that the driver was at fault for the crash. Our lawyer determines liability by investigating the scene, reviewing police reports, requesting traffic footage, and interviewing witnesses. In complicated claims, we may bring in an accident reconstructionist to build a crystal clear picture of what happened. These visuals are helpful in bike accident cases tried in front of juries.
Next, we calculate damages like medical bills, missed wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. The amount of compensation we seek depends on the severity of your injuries and how negligent the at-fault party was. For example, if an intoxicated driver hit you, our personal injury lawyer may request a judge to award punitive damages.
If you lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, you or your family may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims are designed to provide financial justice in the form of settlement awards that cover funeral expenses, medical treatment, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and more.
In the state of Washington, there is a statute of limitations for filing personal injury and wrongful death claims. Our lawyer will make sure your case is filed within the deadline. Failing to do so would prevent you from being able to sue, which is why taking legal action right after an accident is recommended.
Healthcare needs after a bike crash can be extensive. This care is necessary, but costly. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay, and you shouldn’t be in an unstable financial situation because of it. That’s where our legal team can help. As top Washington personal injury attorneys, we have made it our mission to stand up for the rights of victims and maximize their claims.
Clients choose our firm because our attorneys deliver:
Straightforward and honest legal advice
Strategies based on decades of personal injury and trial experience
Aggressive negotiations and fierce advocacy
Maximum settlement awards
Our lawyer’s track record speaks for itself. For example, we won a $245,000 settlement on behalf of a bicyclist who was injured by a car. We have the knowledge, experience, and skills to get the result you want in your injury case.
If you’ve been in a crash, don’t leave money on the table. Instead, contact Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC to get the legal guidance and support you need to get the compensation you deserve. To get started, contact our office and schedule a free consultation with our Seattle bicycle accident lawyer. We have 24/7 live call answering, so whenever a crash happens, we are available to assist.
If you’re searching for a Seattle, WA bicycle accident lawyer, Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC offers strong legal representation for injured cyclists across the region. Bicycle accidents often lead to severe injuries, especially when collisions involve motor vehicles, commercial trucks, or unsafe roadway conditions. Our team handles a wide range of bicycle injury claims, working to secure compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the long-term consequences of these traumatic incidents.
We represent cyclists who have been hit by cars, whether while riding in a designated bike lane, crossing at an intersection, or navigating urban streets. Many of these accidents stem from distracted driving, failure to yield, or speeding. We pursue liability against negligent drivers and their insurers.
When a driver or passenger opens a car door directly into a cyclist’s path, the injuries can be severe. We handle claims involving broken bones, concussions, and serious soft tissue injuries caused by this type of negligence. Our Seattle bicycle accident lawyer has even been involved in cases where this was done intentionally, so we are familiar with even the most severe scenarios.
If the at-fault driver flees the scene, we help victims pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or explore other options based on the available evidence. These cases require immediate investigation and coordination with law enforcement.
Cracks, potholes, uneven pavement, and missing signage can cause devastating bike accidents. We evaluate whether local governments or contractors failed in their duty to maintain safe cycling infrastructure. If multiple parties failed to keep you safe, we will work to hold all accountable.
We pursue claims involving defective brakes, tire blowouts, or poorly designed components. Product liability cases require technical investigation and expert analysis, which we coordinate on behalf of our clients.
Crashes involving delivery vans or freight trucks often cause serious harm. We investigate driver qualifications, company safety records, and vehicle maintenance to build a strong liability case.
Many crashes occur at intersections where cyclists are overlooked or denied their right-of-way. We use witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction experts to determine fault.
Families who have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident deserve justice. We bring wrongful death claims seeking compensation for funeral costs, lost future earnings, and emotional suffering.
Bicycle accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or loss of mobility. We work with medical and financial experts to calculate the cost of future care and secure adequate compensation.
With a 9.9 Avvo rating and membership in the American Association for Justice, Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC is trusted by clients throughout the Seattle area. We combine personalized service with deep legal experience, helping injured cyclists pursue accountability after devastating crashes. If you or someone you love has been injured in a bike crash and needs a Seattle bicycle accident lawyer, Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC is ready to help. Contact us today for more information on how we can help.
Cycling offers an eco-friendly and healthy way to get around Seattle, but it also comes with serious risks in areas with heavy vehicle traffic. If you’ve been hurt in a crash and are searching for a Seattle, WA bicycle accident lawyer, it’s important to know what typically causes these accidents and how a legal claim may help. At Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, we help injured cyclists pursue justice and fair compensation.
With a 9.9 Avvo rating and membership in the American Association for Justice, our firm is recognized for strong advocacy and dedication to personal injury victims across Washington. Here are the most common causes of bicycle accidents we handle in our Seattle-based practice:
1. Drivers Failing To Yield
One of the most frequent and dangerous causes of bike crashes is when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists. This often occurs at intersections or when turning across a bike lane. A driver who misjudges a cyclist’s speed, or simply doesn’t look, can cause a devastating collision. Sometimes there can be confusion over a bike lane versus a crosswalk, which can also cause a failure to yield situation as a Seattle bicycle accident lawyer can share.
2. Dooring Accidents
Dooring happens when someone in a parked car opens their door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. These incidents occur frequently in dense urban areas and can throw a cyclist into traffic or cause serious head and neck injuries. Drivers and passengers are legally responsible for checking before opening doors.
3. Distracted Driving
Drivers who are texting, adjusting their GPS, or otherwise not paying attention often miss seeing cyclists entirely. Distracted driving is a major factor in vehicle-bicycle crashes and usually leads to the driver being held liable for injuries. Even a passenger can be considered as a distraction if they are interfering with the driver in anyway.
4. Unsafe Lane Changes
When drivers merge or change lanes without checking blind spots, they may collide with cyclists riding alongside them. Many of these crashes occur because drivers assume there’s only car traffic and fail to account for bikes sharing the road.
5. Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and poorly marked bike lanes pose a serious threat to cyclists. When the city or another agency fails to maintain safe roadways, injured riders may have grounds for a claim against a public entity.
6. Speeding
Speeding drivers have less time to react to cyclists and cause more serious injuries when collisions occur. Even a few miles per hour over the limit can be deadly in a bike crash, especially when cyclists are thrown or pinned on impact.
7. Driving Too Close To Cyclists
Washington law requires drivers to give bikes adequate space, but not all motorists follow this rule. Passing too closely or tailgating a cyclist can result in dangerous sideswipe accidents or force the cyclist into other hazards.
8. Failure To Obey Traffic Signs
Drivers who run red lights, roll through stop signs, or ignore yield signs often strike unsuspecting cyclists crossing the intersection legally. In these cases, the cyclist typically has the right-of-way and may be eligible for compensation for their injuries. Some injuries may include fractures, broken bones, concussions, or even brain injuries.
Being hit while cycling can be physically and emotionally devastating. We work to hold negligent drivers accountable, secure fair compensation, and support your recovery with a team approach that includes medical experts, investigators, and legal strategists.
Even if you’re not sure who was at fault, it’s a good idea to get legal advice before dealing with insurance companies. At Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, we’re ready to help you protect your rights and seek justice after a crash. Contact us today to speak with a Seattle bicycle accident lawyer.
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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.
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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.
Lawyer fees for car accident cases vary. Most work on a contingency basis, taking 25% to 40% of the settlement. Hourly rates might range from $100 to $500+. Additional costs like filing fees can apply. Free consultations help you understand the fee structure.
Most injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, taking 25% to 40% of the settlement or award. This means they’re only paid if they win your case.
In Florida, lawyers typically take a contingency fee of around 33% to 40% of the settlement amount in personal injury cases. This fee structure ensures they are paid only if your case is successful.
