As a cyclist in Snohomish County, you have the same rights to use the roads as any other vehicle. But when drivers fail to operate their cars safely or pay attention to their surroundings, it can lead to devastating bicycle accidents. Cyclists can suffer severe, life-changing injuries. If this happened to you or a loved one, you need an experienced Snohomish County bicycle accident lawyer to fight for your rights.
Snohomish County Bicycle Accident Guide
- Why Choose Walton Law for Your Bicycle Accident Case?
- Compensation in Bicycle Accident Cases
- Proving Liability in Bicycle Accident Cases
- Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
- Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Snohomish County
- Contact a Snohomish County Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Walton Law Today
Why Choose Walton Law for Your Bicycle Accident Case?
Walton Law is a well-respected personal injury law firm with an office in Snohomish County. Our founding attorney, Christopher C. Walton, is a skilled trial lawyer who has been named a Super Lawyer every year since 2013. He knows how to build strong cases and go up against big insurance companies in court.
We have a long history of successfully representing bicycle accident victims and their families in Snohomish County and beyond. Our knowledgeable Snohomish County personal injury attorneys understand the unique challenges of these cases. We know the tactics insurance companies use to try to deny claims or pay people less than they deserve. With our extensive experience and resources, we are ready to take on even the toughest cases.
You can find our Snohomish County office at 6100 219th St SW #480 in Mountlake Terrace. It’s just a few minutes away from the popular Interurban Trail. We also have an office in Bellingham to help clients in the northern part of the county. But you don’t have to come to us – we are happy to travel to wherever is most convenient for you, whether that’s your home, the hospital, or somewhere else. Your initial consultation is always free.
Compensation in Bicycle Accident Cases
After a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to a wide range of damages. This includes compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses related to the crash, like ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages if you had to miss work to recover
- Reduced future earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Losing the ability to enjoy activities you used to love
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability
- Damage to your bicycle, clothing, and safety gear
If you tragically lost a loved one in the accident, we can also help you file a wrongful death claim. This can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
There’s no set formula for calculating damages in a bicycle accident case. The amount you may receive will depend on factors like how serious your injuries are, how much work you had to miss, how strong the evidence is against the driver, and your ability to return to normal life. Rest assured, our seasoned attorneys will carefully analyze every detail to determine the maximum compensation you’re owed. Then, we will aggressively pursue every penny in negotiation or in court.
Proving Liability in Bicycle Accident Cases
To win your bicycle accident case, we will need to prove the crash was the driver’s fault. All drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles carefully and share the road safely with cyclists. When they breach that duty by doing something negligent or reckless, like speeding, running a red light, or texting behind the wheel, they can be held liable for the damages they cause.
Proving liability often requires in-depth investigation and evidence like police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements. It may also involve consulting with experts in fields like accident reconstruction, bicycle safety, or life care planning. At Walton Law, we have the skills and resources to build the strongest possible case for you. We know how to demonstrate the driver’s fault and the full extent of your damages.
While you may think the driver’s negligence is obvious, it’s important to realize that Washington follows a comparative negligence standard. That means your compensation can be reduced by your own percentage of fault, if any. The insurance company may try to wrongly blame you for the accident to avoid paying out. But our experienced lawyers know how to fight back against these unfair accusations and protect your right to full compensation.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
We see many different causes of bicycle accidents in Snohomish County. Some of the most common include:
- Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to cyclists, especially when turning
- Passing cyclists too closely or aggressively
- Distracted driving, like texting, eating, or fiddling with the radio
- Speeding or otherwise driving recklessly
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Opening a car door into a cyclist’s path
- Not checking mirrors or blind spots for bikes before making a turn or changing lanes
No matter how your bicycle accident happened, if a negligent driver was to blame, you likely have grounds for a legal case. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and explore all your options for seeking justice and compensation.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Snohomish County
If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle crash, the most important thing to do is seek medical attention right away. Some serious injuries, like head trauma or internal bleeding, may not be immediately obvious. Always let a doctor check you out to be safe. If possible, also try to gather evidence from the scene before it disappears. Take photos of the damage to your bike, the driver’s car, and any visible injuries. Get names and numbers of any eyewitnesses. Make sure to get the driver’s contact and insurance information as well.
Be very cautious when speaking to insurance companies after an accident. Remember, their goal is to pay you as little as possible. They may ask you to give a recorded statement or sign papers. Never do this without speaking to a lawyer first. The insurance adjuster may try to get you to say something that hurts your case. Instead, let them know you are hiring an attorney who will handle all communication on your behalf.
The sooner you contact a skilled bicycle accident lawyer, the better. There are strict deadlines for filing injury claims in Washington. And crucial evidence can disappear as time passes. When you hire Walton Law, we will get started right away to meet all the necessary deadlines and build a strong case for you. The initial consultation is free, so there’s no risk in reaching out to learn about your legal options. Our attorneys are ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and discuss next steps.
Contact a Snohomish County Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Walton Law Today
After a bicycle accident turns your life upside-down, you need a strong advocate in your corner. The dedicated legal team at Walton Law is here to help injured cyclists and their families in Snohomish County. We know the road ahead may feel overwhelming, but we will be with you every step of the way. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burdens so you can focus on healing and putting your life back together.
Best of all, you don’t have to pay us anything upfront to get started. We work on contingency, which means our fee comes as a percentage of your final settlement or verdict. If we don’t win for you, you don’t owe us anything. You have nothing to lose by scheduling a free consultation.
If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a bicycle accident in Snohomish County, don’t wait to get the legal representation you need and deserve. Call the skilled bicycle accident attorneys at Walton Law today at (866) 338-7079. We are ready to fight for the full and fair compensation you’re owed.
Walton Law, A.P.C. – Snohomish Office Location
6100 219th St SW #480
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Phone: (866) 338-7079