Riding a bicycle is a great way to exercise, save on commuting costs, and enjoy the outdoors. However, bicycling also comes with risks—drivers don’t always show the level of care that cyclists deserve. 

If you or a loved one has been in a bicycle accident, you may have medical bills and other challenges. The Bellevue personal injury lawyers at Premier Law Group will work to hold the negligent party accountable for awards that cover your losses so you can focus on healing. 

For nearly 25 years, we have helped thousands of clients recover damages for their losses. Our Bellevue bicycle accident lawyer will advocate for you and fight for your deserved compensation. Call for a free consultation to review your legal options and next steps. 

Our Bellevue Bicycle Crash Lawyers Will Fight for Your Recovery

Recovering physically and emotionally from a crash can be stressful for bike riders. At Premier Law Group, we understand the challenges, which is among the reasons we offer clients unmatched support and care throughout the legal process.

Our case results show how serious we are about helping you recover financially. To date, our legal team, with over 55 years of combined experience, has recovered more than $100 million for our clients, including injured cyclists.

We will provide you with legal representation that always puts your needs first. Our bicycle accident attorneys proudly serve clients in Bellevue, Washington, and throughout King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, and the rest of Washington state. 

Top Reasons to Work With Our Bike Accident Attorneys on Your Case

Even if you’ve been seriously hurt, you may not be sure if you need a personal injury attorney. If you want to recover the maximum compensation award possible, though, we strongly recommend that you work with a lawyer. 

The top reasons to work with us include:

  • Fault may be disputed: If a court finds you partially at fault for the accident, your settlement can be reduced based on your level of responsibility.
  • The insurer may deny your claim: Don’t expect automatic approval from the insurer. Insurance adjusters look for reasons to deny claims, such as shifting blame onto you, saying your injuries were pre-existing or less serious than they are, or stating the policy doesn’t cover your situation.
  • You may be offered less than your case’s worth: Even if the insurer approves your claim, its settlement offer may be lower than what you should receive. This is where our law firm can step in, using strong negotiation skills to help secure fair compensation. 

We Will Work to Prove Negligence and Liability in Your Case

Bicycle accident insurance claims can be complicated. If you or your loved one suffered a serious injury in a bicycle accident, we encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible. 

No matter your case’s circumstances, we are ready to take legal action and help you get the best settlement or resolution. Among other things, our Bellevue bicycle accident attorneys will:

  • Conduct a free, in-depth evaluation of your bicycle accident injury claim.
  • Listen to your story to understand what happened and explain your legal rights.
  • Investigate the bicycle accident—gathering important evidence (e.g., a police report, witness statements, traffic camera or surveillance footage, if available, photos, etc.)
  • Order all medical records and medical bills, fully documenting your damages.
  • Handle the insurance companies, allowing you to use your time to focus on getting better.
  • Regularly communicate with you throughout the claims process so that you always know what is going on.

We will provide top-of-the-line legal guidance and service as we seek justice and awards for you or your loved one. Call today to learn how our personal injury attorney can help. The consultation is free.

Who Pays for Your Damages After a Bicycle Crash in Bellevue?

Our Bellevue bicycle collision lawyers are passionate about helping cyclists recover compensation after a serious crash. When you hire our law firm, we will investigate your case to determine who is at fault. 

The value of your bicycle accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, how the crash affects your ability to work, and the extent of your losses. 

Key factors that can influence the worth of your claim include:

  • Medical expenses: This includes current and future medical care costs related to your injuries, such as hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
  • Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for the pay you have lost and any potential future earnings if your ability to work is impacted long-term.
  • Pain and suffering: You may be able to recover compensation for the physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress caused by the accident. We can calculate this based on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your quality of life.
  • Disability or permanent injury: If the accident results in a permanent disability or long-term health issues, this could increase the value of your claim.
  • Property damage: If your bicycle or other property was damaged in the accident, you can include repair or replacement costs in your claim.
  • Wrongful death: If your loved one suffered fatal injuries, our Bellevue wrongful death lawyer can help you seek justice and pursue compensation for your family’s losses, including funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional pain and suffering.

We can assess your case to determine the compensation you could receive based on these and other relevant factors.

Your Legal Options After a Bicycle Accident in an At-Fault State

Washington is an at-fault state. This means that if a driver of a motor vehicle hit you, you maintain the right to file a claim for damages against the driver’s insurance. 

Depending on the situation and the coverage types you carry, you may also have coverage through your insurance policy— even if you were riding your bike at the time of the crash. 

If another party is at fault, you can also file a claim against the liable party. Our law firm may be able to determine and prove fault, calculate your damages, and negotiate your fair settlement. 

Who Can You Seek Compensation from After the Crash?

After a bicycle accident, several parties could potentially be held responsible for your injuries and losses. We must identify the liable party to ensure you pursue compensation from the right source. In Washington state, potentially liable parties include:

  • The vehicle’s driver: If the negligent driver was speeding, running a red light, or distracted, they could be liable.
  • Government entity or road maintenance: Poor road conditions like potholes or missing signs may make the government responsible.
  • Bicycle manufacturer: The manufacturer could be liable if a defect, such as faulty brakes, caused the crash.
  • Vehicle manufacturer: If a defect in the motor vehicle (like brake failure) caused the accident, the vehicle manufacturer may be at fault.
  • A third party: If a pedestrian or another cyclist acted negligently, they could be responsible for your injuries.

We will identify everyone who had a role in the crash and pursue compensation from each if we find multiple parties owe you damages. This includes leading talks with each one’s insurance company and advocating for your full monetary award.

What if You Are Partially at Fault for the Bike Collision?

State law allows for shared fault under a comparative fault system, so you can still seek damages even if both parties are responsible. This means that even if you are partly to blame for the accident, you can still get compensation. 

However, the amount you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. The court will decide each party’s percentage of fault and adjust the award. 

Even if you believe you may be partly responsible for the crash, you can consult with an experienced lawyer. Our personal injury law firm can build your case, prove the other party’s negligence, and minimize your percentage of fault to maximize your potential compensation.

We Will File Your Bellevue Bicycle Crash Lawsuit on Time

Once you are on the road to recovery, you should contact one of our skilled bicycle accident lawyers as soon as possible to begin filing your accident claim. 

In Washington, the time limit for filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit is generally three years from the date of injury, per state law. You could lose your right to sue for damages if you miss the deadline.

If we handle your case, we will manage your case and file it on time and within the statute of limitations window.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident 

If you’re hit by a motor vehicle while riding your bicycle, you may suffer serious injuries and wonder what to do next. Taking these steps is essential for your safety and well-being after a bicycle accident:

  • Call emergency services immediately.
  • Stay at the accident scene.
  • Check your injuries and only move if it’s safe to do so.
  • If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, damage to your bike, and any visible injuries.
  • Collect contact information from any witnesses.
  • Get the driver’s contact and insurance details.
  • Provide your statement to the police for the accident report.
  • Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured right away.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Bellevue?

Determining how bicycle accidents happen is part of preventing them and ensuring that those who have been involved in bike crashes are compensated for their harm. 

Sadly, most bicycle accidents would never occur if it were not for the errors of negligent drivers on the road. Entirely preventable driver negligence is the leading cause of the harm that bicycle accident victims suffer. 

Examples of driver negligence that can result in a cyclist being hit include:

  • Speeding
  • Following too closely
  • Making a right turn in front of a cyclist
  • Making a left turn into a cyclist
  • Failing to provide enough distance between a car and a bicyclist to the right (on the shoulder/bike lane)
  • Driving while intoxicated or impaired
  • Distracted driving

Bicycle accidents often occur because the driver of the motor vehicle doesn’t see the cyclist. While this is usually a result of the driver’s negligence, wearing lights, bright colors, and reflective materials can all help a bicyclist to be more visible.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Bellevue, WA

Even when bicyclists do everything in their power to be safe, they may still fall victim to another person’s negligence. If a bicyclist is struck by a motor vehicle, they may suffer minor, serious, or catastrophic injuries, which include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Head injuries
  • Internal bleeding
  • Internal organ damage
  • Facial injuries
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Spinal cord trauma
  • Paralysis
  • Crushed limbs
  • Broken bones
  • Bone fracture injuries
  • Loss of limb
  • Road rash
  • Burns
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Crush injuries
  • Chronic pain
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Death

We will review your injuries and assess the damages you can request from the liable party.

Call Us Today to Partner With a Bellevue Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Going for a bicycle ride should be a fun way to commute and get some exercise. Unfortunately, many rides end in disaster for bicycle riders when they are struck by a motor vehicle. If you are recovering from a bike injury, our Bellevue bicycle accident lawyers are ready to represent you.

Premier Law Group has helped thousands of clients build strong bicycle accident cases to prove negligent actions and recover the financial compensation they are due. Now, we want to help you. Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn about your legal options.