Riding your bicycle in Bellingham should be an enjoyable and safe experience. As a cyclist, you have just as much right to use the roads, bike lanes, and intersections as anyone driving a car. Unfortunately, not all drivers pay attention or share the road responsibly. When drivers are negligent, it can lead to serious bicycle accidents that leave cyclists badly hurt.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle crash, the legal team at Walton Law is here to help. We are experienced bicycle accident attorneys in Bellingham who fight to get cyclists the compensation they deserve from the driver who caused their crash. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake.
Bellingham Bicycle Accident Guide
Why Choose Walton Law for Your Bicycle Accident Case
Our founding lawyer, Christopher C. Walton, is highly respected in the legal community. He has been named a Super Lawyer every year since 2013, which means other attorneys recognize his skill and dedication. Martindale Hubbell, a company that rates lawyers, also gave him their highest rating possible.
Our track record speaks for itself. We have successfully represented clients who were seriously hurt in bicycle accidents caused by negligent drivers. We have the knowledge, resources, and determination to take on complex cases and insurance companies with deep pockets. We won’t back down until we get you the best possible outcome.
You can find our Bellingham office at 2219 Rimland Drive #301. We are conveniently located near some of the city’s most dangerous intersections for bicyclists, such as East Magnolia and Cornwall, Northwest Avenue and Maplewood Avenue, and East Champion and North Forest. But you don’t have to come to us – we are happy to come to you for a free consultation wherever is most convenient, like your home or hospital room.
According to a recent study, those three intersections – East Magnolia and Cornwall, Northwest Avenue and Maplewood Avenue, and East Champion and North Forest – see the highest number of bicycle crashes in Bellingham. But accidents can happen anywhere, even in the 61.1 miles of bike lanes throughout the city.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Some of the most common ways bicycle accidents happen include drivers failing to yield to cyclists when turning left, cyclists riding against traffic, car doors opening into a cyclist’s path, rear-ending, T-boning, and poorly maintained roads. Drivers often don’t treat cyclists with the same care and caution as they do other cars, and that negligence can cause catastrophic injuries.
Proving Liability in a Bicycle Accident Case
To win your case, we will work to prove the driver was negligent. That means showing:
- The driver had a duty to drive safely and share the road with you
- The driver breached that duty by doing something careless, like not yielding or getting distracted
- The driver’s actions directly caused your injuries
- You suffered damages from the accident
Proving negligence can be tricky, especially when you’re up against a big insurance company that will try to blame you for the crash. That’s why you need Walton Law’s skilled Bellingham personal injury attorneys on your side. We will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather strong evidence, and argue your case persuasively. We even work with experts in accident reconstruction, bicycle safety, and medicine to help prove the extent of the driver’s negligence and how badly you were hurt.
In the state of Washington, comparative negligence laws mean that your compensation can be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault for the crash. Insurance adjusters may try to use this against you to pay you less. But our attorneys know how to fight back against these tactics and protect your rights.
Damages in Bicycle Accident Cases
After a bicycle accident, you may be able to collect damages for things like:
Medical bills, including ER visits, surgeries, and physical therapy- Lost wages from missing work
- Reduced earning potential if you can’t work as much in the future
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Losing enjoyment of life
- Scarring and permanent disability
- Damage to your bicycle and other property
If the driver was drunk or acting intentionally reckless, you may also be able to seek punitive damages. These are meant to punish the driver for their extra bad behavior. If your loved one tragically died in the accident, we can also file a wrongful death suit on behalf of their estate and family. No matter what damages you’re facing, we will carefully evaluate your case to determine what full and fair compensation should look like, then aggressively advocate to get that amount for you.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident in Bellingham, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and your legal rights. First, always call 911 to report the crash right away. Get checked out by a doctor, even if you think your injuries aren’t that bad. Some problems may not show up right away. If you can, collect evidence at the scene, like photos and witness contact info. Get the driver’s insurance information, but don’t discuss fault or give a statement to their insurance company before talking to a lawyer. Then, contact an experienced bike accident attorney as soon as you can.
At Walton Law, your initial consultation is always free. We will listen to what happened, answer your questions, and give our honest advice on what to do next. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start building a strong case on your behalf.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims
If the driver who hit you was uninsured or didn’t have enough insurance, you may still be able to get compensation through your own car insurance. Most policies have something called uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for situations like these. Our attorneys can help you file this type of claim and negotiate with the insurance company to make sure you get the full amount you’re entitled to.
Contact a Bellingham Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Christopher C. Walton, Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Bellingham
After a serious bicycle accident, you need an advocate you can trust. The compassionate, dedicated legal team at Walton Law is here to help injured cyclists in Bellingham. We understand the immense impact a crash can have on your health, your ability to work, and your quality of life. We will give you the personalized attention and tireless representation you deserve.
Don’t try to handle this alone. Call Walton Law today at (360) 543-1010 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with one of our knowledgeable bicycle accident attorneys. We can set up appointments on evenings and weekends, and we can travel to you if needed. Getting started is the first step towards getting the justice and compensation you’re owed.
Walton Law, A.P.C. – Bellingham Office Location
2219 Rimland Dr Suite 301,
Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: (360) 543-1010