Vancouver, WA Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Fighting for injured riders throughout Washington State
It’s fun to hop on a bike and go for a ride. People ride alone, with families, with friends, and with biking groups. Some bicycle riders use their bike to get to work or for local errands. All bicycle riders and vehicle drivers need to understand the rules of the road for safe operation of a bicycle. If a car hits a bicycle, the rider is likely to be killed or suffer a brutal catastrophic injury.
At Philbrook Law, our Vancouver, WA bicycle accident lawyers file personal injury claims on behalf of all the injured, and wrongful death claims on behalf of families. We demand complete compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income when you are hurt while riding. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Did you know?
According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center:
- 58% of all bicycle road accidents happen at places other than an intersection
- 69% of bicycle accidents happen on urban roads
- 29% happen on rural roads
What are the rules of the road for Vancouver, WA cyclists?
Cyclists, just like any other people traveling on roadways, have to follow the rules. They’re designed to keep riders safe – especially since people in cars and trucks often act as though they have a greater right to the road than cyclists do. Cyclists have all the rights and duties that a driver does (subject to certain exceptions). When riding on a road or a sidewalk, riders have all the rights and duties that pedestrians have. Bike riders can also receive a ticket if they violate any traffic laws.
Here are some things you need to know if you’re out for a ride:
- Your town might require a helmet. Bicycle riders are not required by the state to wear helmets. Some counties and cities have their own ordinances regarding who has to wear one. In Vancouver, WA all riders of all ages are required to wear helmets.
- Which roads are closed to bicycles. For safety reasons, some of the state’s roads are closed to bicycle riders. Local governments also have their own ordinances for when bicycle riders can and can’t use certain roads or sidewalks – within busines districts.
- When to use bike lanes vs shoulders. Cyclists have the option of riding on a bike path, a bike lane, shoulder, or travel lane, depending on their safety requirements.
- When to ride side-by-side. Bicycle riders can ride side by side, but only two cyclists can ride this way. If your group has three or more, you’ll need to stagger yourselves in a line.
- What precautions to take at night. Nighttime bicycle riders must have a “white front light (not a reflector) visible for 500 feet and a red rear reflector.”
- What your kids are doing. Parents are generally responsible for traffic violations that their children commit.
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Who is liable for a Vancouver, WA bicycle accident?
The cause of your bike crash can often tell us who is liable for the injuries you sustain. Sometimes, there is more than one liable party. Defendants usually include one or more of the following:
- A driver. Drivers should be on the lookout for bicycle riders at crosswalks, on the shoulder of highways, and on all the roads where bicycle riding on a street is permitted. If a driver injures or kills a cyclist due to distraction, intoxication, speeding, or any reason, the driver should be held accountable.
- The government. Washington State, Clark County, or Vancouver itself may be liable for a bicycle accident if they failed to design roads for the safety of bicycle riders. Our lawyers understand the unique requirements for holding governments and governmental agencies such as the Washington Department of Transportation accountable.
- Sellers of alcohol. The Washington dram shop act provides that sellers of alcohol may be liable for a bicycle accident if they served the driver when he/she was visibly intoxicated.
- Another cyclist. While most bicycle accident cases involve a driver or motorized vehicle striking the bicycle rider, some cases involve bicyclists striking each other or striking a pedestrian. The bicycle rider may be liable if he or she was riding recklessly, or being negligent.
- A manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. If the bike crash was caused by a defective part, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. The same is true if your bike helmet was defective, which led you to suffer a more severe injury on impact.
Our skilled Vancouver, WA bicycle accident lawyers fight to hold responsible parties accountable for a bicycle crash.
Common injuries from Vancouver, WA bicycle crashes
Cyclists are likely to suffer catastrophic, even permanent injuries in a collision with a moving vehicle or stationary object, especially when the collision happened at great speed.
- Traumatic brain injury
- Crush injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Loss of vision
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Head, neck, and shoulder injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Infection from “road rash”
Sadly, many bicycle accidents turn deadly. Bicycles are simply no match for the power and size of a car or truck. If your loved one died while riding a bicycle, our fatal accident lawyers file wrongful death claims on behalf of spouses, children, and parents. We demand compensation for financial losses due to the wrongful death and for intangible losses such as the loss of companionship, support, love, and guidance your relative would have given the members of the family.
Seeking damages for a bicycle accident in Vancouver, WA
Bicycle accident victims often need emergency room care and hospital care. Most require treatment with specialists and their general physician. Many victims need months, years, or a lifetime of treatment with physical therapists, psychologists, and other health care providers. It may not be possible to determine the full extent of your injuries right away. That is why accepting a quick settlement is not in your best interest.
Philbrook Law knows how to negotiate with insurance companies so you are treated fairly from the start. We prepare every case we take to go to trial in case settlement negotiations fail. We fight to secure the damages you deserve for your medical bills, property losses, lost income, and pain and suffering. You only have three years to file a claim, so contact us today to get started.
Speak with Philbrook Law if you or a loved one was involved in a bicycle accident
At Philbrook Law, our Vancouver, WA bicycle accident lawyers fight for cyclists and their families. In many cases, we can obtain a strong settlement because we thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident, file claims against all responsible parties, and work with your doctors to document your medical condition including your pain and suffering. To arrange a free consultation at one of our offices in Vancouver or Battle Ground, WA, please call 360-695-3309 or use our contact form. These claims are handled on a contingency fee basis. We proudly represent clients in Portland and throughout Oregon, too.