Bicycle Accident Attorney in Renton, Washington
Riding a bicycle is a great way to get some exercise while also being more environmentally friendly as you get from one destination to the next. While riding a bicycle may be fun, cyclists run a high risk of danger when they head out for a ride. Even if a cyclist wears bright or reflective clothing to make themselves visible, negligent drivers of motor vehicles may not notice them. When a motor vehicle hits a person riding a bicycle, the results may be fatal. In fact, there are about one thousand cyclists killed due to a bicycle accident in the United States each year. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Renton bicycle accident, you may want to partner with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer.
At Premier Law Group, our Renton, Washington bicycle accident lawyers are aggressive, results-focused advocates for injured victims. If you or your family member was hurt in a bicycle accident, we are here to help you navigate the legal claims process and recover the fair financial compensation that you deserve. We are proud to provide our clients with the top-of-the-line service they deserve as we help them through this difficult time.
What is the Statute of Limitations in a Bicycle Accident Injury Claim?
There are strict deadlines built into the personal injury claims system. The statute of limitations matters. Under state law (RCW 4.16.080), you must bring a bicycle accident injury lawsuit within three years. There can be rare exceptions to the three year rule, which is one reason it is crucial to speak to an attorney as soon as possible about your specific facts. If you do not file your claim before time runs out, your case can be dismissed without ever getting a real hearing. Do not wait to take action. An insurance company will start building its defense immediately after an accident, so you need to have a lawyer on your side, too. Call our Renton bicycle accident attorneys to start the claims process today and to get us fighting for you.
An Overview of Bicycle Accident Liability in Washington
Washington is a fault-based personal injury jurisdiction. If you were injured in a bike collision, the party deemed responsible for causing the accident can be held liable for the resulting damages. As an example, if your accident occurred because of a driver who was texting while behind the wheel, you may be able to hold that driver liable for the full extent of your damages.
Under Washington law (RCW 46.61.755), traffic regulations apply to cyclists. At the same time, all motorists have a duty to watch out for the safety of those riding bikes. In other words, we need to know how and why an accident occurred to determine who is responsible. Every bike collision requires a comprehensive investigation. Our Renton, WA personal injury lawyers will gather and prepare all of the evidence needed to hold a negligent defendant legally liable for an accident.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer serving Renton, call (206) 285-1743
GET A FREE CASE EVALUATION
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Renton, Washington
When a person is struck by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle, the victim may be left severely injured and unsure of what their next steps should be. The following steps are crucial in ensuring your safety and well-being following the accident:
- Call emergency services
- Do not leave the scene of the accident
- If you are able to move, check yourself for injuries
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, your damaged bicycle, and any visible injuries
- If witnesses approach you, ask for their contact information
- Get the contact and insurance information from the driver who hit you
- Give your statement for the accident report to emergency personnel
- Seek medical attention even if you do not immediately feel injured
Once you are on the road to recovery, you should seek the help of one of our skilled bicycle accident lawyers as soon as possible to begin working on your accident claim.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries Sustained in Renton
Even when bicyclists take all the necessary steps to be as safe as possible, there is no way to control the actions of others. One of the main causes of bicycle accidents is driver negligence and when a motor vehicle strikes a person riding a bicycle, the consequences may be seriously damaging. Common injuries suffered by bicycle accident injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Crushed limbs
- Burns
- Loss of limbs
- Back, neck, and spine injuries
- Paralysis
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Death
If you have suffered an injury because of a negligent driver, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation for your losses.
Possible Financial Compensation for a Bike Accident
One of the first questions that people ask our personal injury lawyers is: How much is my case worth? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question—the value of a case depends on a wide range of different factors. Under Washington law, injured bicyclists can recover compensation for economic and non-economic losses. Sadly, the insurance company is not going to make that process easy. They will try to resolve your injury case for the lowest amount possible. At Premier Law Group, our Renton bicycle accident attorneys fight to help our clients recover every penny that they deserve. You may be eligible to get financial damages for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Health care bills and related expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Long term disability
- Wrongful death damages
If you are unsure what damages you may be eligible to collect, our knowledgeable legal team may be able to help you understand what you are owed based on the details of your bicycle accident claim.
How Our Renton Bike Accident Injury Lawyers Can Help
We provide honest, straightforward legal guidance that injured victims can rely on. As a starting point, our legal team will evaluate your case and let you know if you even need to hire an attorney at all. Minor cases may be better dealt with on your own. If you can benefit from professional representation—which is often the case if you suffered a serious injury—we will help you navigate the process and recover the financial compensation that you deserve. Among other things, our Renton, WA bicycle accident lawyers will:
- Conduct a free, comprehensive evaluation of your personal injury case
- Investigate the bicycle accident—collecting the police report, witness statements, your medical records, and any other relevant evidence
- Negotiate with defendants and insurance companies for a fair and full settlement
- Build a well-supported and persuasive bike accident injury claim
We offer fully personalized representation to each and every client. While most personal injury cases are settled outside of court, litigation is always a possibility—and you must be prepared for it. Our trial-tested Renton bicycle accident lawyers are ready to take your claim as far as it needs to go to get you the best possible outcome.
Contact our Renton Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation!
Being injured in a bicycle accident may leave victims severely injured or may even result in death. If you have been injured in a Renton bicycle accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation in the form of damages for your losses. To get help building a strong claim, partner with our experienced bicycle accident lawyers.
At Premier Law Group, our Renton personal injury lawyers represent injured victims with compassion and excellence. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the personalized representation they deserve. To set up a free consultation, contact us here or call (206) 880-7518.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.