A bicycle accident can happen quickly and leave a cyclist dealing with injuries, medical treatment, bicycle damage, insurance questions, and uncertainty about what to do next. For someone injured in a Bellevue collision, understanding how bicycle accidents happen can also help clarify what information may be important when reviewing an injury claim with a bicycle accident lawyer.
The Jones Firm’s Bellevue practice includes bicycle accident cases. Its website identifies several circumstances that can contribute to bicycle accidents, including motorists driving in bicycle lanes, drivers failing to see cyclists while turning, speeding or running red lights, motorists failing to yield to bicycles in crosswalks, defective bicycle components, and defective roadway conditions. Not every bicycle accident has the same cause. Some involve a collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle. Others may involve a defective bicycle component or a roadway condition. Because the circumstances can differ, identifying what happened is an important part of understanding an accident claim.Why Do Bicycle Accidents Happen in Bellevue?
Bicycles and motor vehicles share roads and intersections, but they do not provide the same level of physical protection to the people using them. The Jones Firm’s bicycle accident page specifically points to several situations that can result in bicycle accidents in Bellevue. These include motorists entering bicycle lanes, drivers failing to notice bicycles when turning, speeding, running red lights, and failing to yield to bicycles in crosswalks. The firm also identifies defective bicycle components and defective roadway conditions as potential causes. Understanding these different causes matters because the circumstances surrounding an accident can affect what evidence needs to be examined.Common Causes at a Glance
| Cause of Bicycle Accident | What May Happen |
|---|---|
| Motorist enters a bicycle lane | A cyclist may be struck while traveling in the lane |
| Driver fails to see a cyclist while turning | A turning vehicle may cross the cyclist’s path |
| Speeding | A driver may have less time to respond to a cyclist |
| Running a red light | A vehicle may enter an intersection against the signal |
| Failure to yield in a crosswalk | A vehicle may fail to give a cyclist the required right of way |
| Defective bicycle component | A component failure may contribute to a crash |
| Defective roadway condition | A road surface or other condition may contribute to a fall or collision |
Motorists Driving in Bicycle Lanes
One cause identified by The Jones Firm is motorists driving in bicycle lanes. A cyclist may use a designated bicycle lane expecting vehicles to remain outside that space except where the law allows otherwise. When a motor vehicle enters the cyclist’s path, the available space and reaction time may be limited. A collision can occur if a driver enters the lane without adequately checking for cyclists. Washington law also recognizes that bicycles have rights and duties on roadways. Under RCW 46.61.755, people riding bicycles on roadways generally have the rights and duties applicable to vehicle drivers, subject to the bicycle-specific provisions in Washington law. The circumstances of an individual bicycle lane collision therefore matter. Investigating the accident may involve looking at where the bicycle and vehicle were positioned, how the collision occurred, road markings, photographs, witness information, and other available evidence.Drivers Failing to See Cyclists While Turning
Turning vehicles are another situation identified by The Jones Firm. A driver making a turn may focus on other vehicles, traffic signals, pedestrians, or the intended direction of travel. A cyclist traveling through the same area can be overlooked. A collision may happen when a vehicle turns across a cyclist’s path. This type of accident can occur at an intersection or another location where a vehicle changes direction. Determining what happened may require examining the timing and movement of both the bicycle and vehicle. Evidence can include photographs, witness accounts, traffic information, vehicle damage, bicycle damage, and statements about what each person observed.Why Intersections Require Careful Review
Intersections can involve several movements at the same time. A bicycle may be traveling straight while a vehicle is turning. Another vehicle may be approaching from a different direction. Traffic signals may also affect the movements of everyone involved. For this reason, it is important not to assume the cause of a bicycle accident simply from the fact that a collision occurred at an intersection. The facts should be documented and reviewed individually.Speeding and Running Red Lights
The Jones Firm identifies speeding and running red lights among the situations that can contribute to bicycle accidents in Bellevue. A driver traveling too quickly may have less time to recognize and respond to a cyclist or changing traffic conditions. Similarly, entering an intersection against a traffic signal can create a conflict with cyclists and other road users who are proceeding lawfully. When a bicycle accident involves a traffic violation, information about the roadway and the events immediately before the collision may become important. Potential evidence may include:- Witness statements
- Photographs or video
- Traffic signal information
- Accident reports
- Vehicle damage
- Bicycle damage
- Statements from people involved in the accident
Failure to Yield to Bicycles in Crosswalks
Another cause listed by The Jones Firm is a motorist failing to yield to a bicycle in a crosswalk. Washington law specifically addresses crosswalks involving bicycles. RCW 46.61.235 states that an approaching vehicle must stop and remain stopped to allow a bicycle to cross in certain circumstances when the bicycle is within the applicable portion of the roadway. The law also contains provisions concerning a bicycle or pedestrian suddenly entering the path of a vehicle when the vehicle is too close to stop safely. Therefore, the exact circumstances surrounding a crosswalk accident remain important. If a cyclist is injured in a crosswalk collision, photographs of the location, traffic controls, vehicle positions, bicycle damage, and other available evidence may help preserve information about the accident.Defective Bicycle Components
Not every bicycle accident is caused by another driver. The Jones Firm’s bicycle accident page also identifies defective bicycle components as a potential cause. A bicycle contains numerous components that must work together for the bicycle to operate properly. If a component fails, the cyclist may lose control or experience a crash. When a cyclist believes a bicycle component contributed to an accident, it is important to preserve the bicycle and the component involved rather than immediately discarding or replacing it. Keep purchase records, photographs, repair information, and other documentation that may help establish what happened. Determining whether a defective component actually contributed to an accident can require a fact-specific investigation. A bicycle accident lawyer can review the available information and explain what legal issues may apply.Defective Roadway Conditions
Road conditions can also contribute to bicycle accidents. The Jones Firm identifies defective roadway conditions as another potential cause of bicycle accidents. A cyclist may encounter a roadway condition that affects the ability to maintain control. Depending on the circumstances, evidence about the condition of the roadway at the time of the accident may become important. If a roadway condition contributed to your accident, document it as soon as it is reasonably safe to do so. Photographs can help preserve the condition of the roadway. Notes about the location, direction of travel, and circumstances of the accident may also be useful. Because roadway conditions can change, timely documentation may be particularly important.What Injuries Can Result From a Bicycle Accident?
Cyclists have limited physical protection when involved in a collision. The Jones Firm identifies several injuries that may occur in bicycle and auto accidents. These include traumatic brain injuries, injuries to the cranium, spinal injuries, back injuries, broken limbs, severed limbs, road rash, infections resulting from injuries, and death. The seriousness of an injury can vary considerably from one accident to another.Head and Brain Injuries
A cyclist involved in a collision or fall may sustain an injury to the head or brain. The Jones Firm lists traumatic brain injuries and injuries to the cranium among possible bicycle accident injuries. Medical evaluation is important when a cyclist experiences symptoms or believes a head injury may have occurred.Spinal and Back Injuries
The firm’s bicycle accident information also identifies spinal and back injuries as possible consequences of a bicycle accident. These injuries can affect movement and daily activities. Appropriate medical evaluation can help determine the nature of an injury and what treatment may be necessary.Broken Limbs and Road Rash
A cyclist may also suffer broken limbs or road rash during a collision or fall. The severity of these injuries depends on the circumstances of the accident. If medical treatment is necessary, keep copies of medical records and bills connected with the accident.What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?
The steps taken after a bicycle accident can help preserve information about the collision and your injuries. The Jones Firm recommends several steps for injured cyclists. These include calling 911 and reporting the accident, obtaining the driver’s and witnesses’ contact and insurance information, photographing the scene and injuries, seeking medical attention, keeping medical records and bills, and documenting symptoms and recovery.Report the Accident
If you are involved in a serious bicycle accident, contact emergency services when appropriate. An official accident report may provide important information about the collision.Gather Information
If you are physically able and it is safe, obtain information from the driver and witnesses. Do not focus on arguing about responsibility at the scene. Instead, preserve relevant information.Take Photographs
Photograph the bicycle, vehicle, accident location, visible injuries, roadway conditions, and other relevant evidence when it is safe to do so.Seek Medical Attention
Do not ignore an injury because symptoms appear minor at first. Seek appropriate medical care and follow medical instructions.Keep Records
Keep medical bills, records, photographs, insurance communications, repair information, and other documents related to the accident. You can also keep notes about symptoms, treatment, missed work, and how the injury affects your daily activities.How Insurance Can Affect a Bicycle Accident Claim
Insurance coverage can become an important issue after a bicycle accident. The Jones Firm’s bicycle accident page discusses several insurance situations involving injured cyclists. These include circumstances involving the at-fault driver’s Personal Injury Protection coverage, a cyclist’s own uninsured motorist or PIP coverage, and health insurance. The applicable coverage depends on the policies and circumstances involved. This is one reason an injured cyclist should identify all potentially relevant insurance policies. A cyclist may have questions about the driver’s policy, their own automobile insurance, medical coverage, and how different forms of coverage may apply. The specific policy language and facts of the accident matter.When Should You Speak With a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
An injured cyclist may have questions about responsibility, insurance, medical expenses, property damage, or the legal process. A bicycle accident lawyer can review the circumstances and explain the legal issues that may apply to the individual claim. This can be particularly relevant when the accident involves significant injuries, disputed responsibility, insurance questions, defective bicycle components, or roadway conditions. The Jones Firm specifically lists bicycle accidents as an area of practice and states that Dax Jones is a Bellevue-based auto and bicycle accident attorney. The firm serves Bellevue and other communities in the region.How a Bicycle Injury Law Firm May Assist
A bicycle injury law firm may become involved in several aspects of an injury claim. The Jones Firm’s bicycle accident page describes services that include investigating the accident, gathering evidence, evaluating damages, communicating with insurance companies, negotiating claims, and pursuing litigation when necessary. These steps can matter because an accident claim may involve more than determining how the collision happened. An injured cyclist may also need to document medical treatment, property damage, insurance coverage, and the effects of the injury.Investigating the Accident
An investigation can help organize the available evidence. Depending on the facts, this may include reviewing photographs, accident reports, witness information, vehicle damage, bicycle damage, and information about the roadway.Communicating With Insurance Companies
Insurance communications can become complicated when an accident involves injuries. The Jones Firm states that it handles communications with insurance companies as part of its bicycle accident work. Having legal representation may allow an injured cyclist to direct questions about the legal claim to their attorney while continuing to focus on medical care.Preparing for a Potential Lawsuit
Not every bicycle accident claim necessarily proceeds to trial. However, The Jones Firm’s website states that its bicycle accident practice can include filing a lawsuit and taking a case to trial when an insurance company does not offer a reasonable amount. Whether litigation is appropriate depends on the facts and circumstances of the individual case.Why Evidence Matters After a Bicycle Accident
The cause of a bicycle accident may not always be obvious. A driver may provide one version of events while a cyclist remembers something different. Road conditions may also change after the accident. That is why preserving evidence can be important. Photographs, witness information, accident reports, medical records, bicycle information, vehicle damage, and insurance communications can help create a record of what occurred. The goal is not to assume who is responsible before the facts are reviewed. Instead, the goal is to preserve enough information to allow the circumstances to be properly evaluated.Conclusion
Bicycle accidents in Bellevue can happen for many different reasons. The Jones Firm identifies motorists driving in bicycle lanes, drivers failing to see cyclists while turning, speeding, running red lights, failure to yield to bicycles in crosswalks, defective bicycle components, and defective roadway conditions among the potential causes of bicycle accidents. After an accident, focus on immediate safety and medical care. When possible, report the accident, preserve evidence, collect witness and insurance information, photograph the scene, and keep records related to your injuries and expenses. If you are dealing with a bicycle injury and have questions about the insurance or legal claims process, a bicycle accident lawyer can review the circumstances of your individual situation. The Jones Firm handles bicycle accident matters in Bellevue and provides an initial consultation for people seeking to discuss their legal options. If you need to discuss your situation, contact us today to arrange a consultation.Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Bellevue?
The Jones Firm identifies motorists driving in bicycle lanes, drivers failing to see cyclists while turning, speeding, running red lights, failing to yield to bicycles in crosswalks, defective bicycle components, and defective roadway conditions as potential causes.
Can a bicycle accident be caused by a defective bicycle component?
Yes. A defective bicycle component is one of the potential causes identified by The Jones Firm. The specific component and circumstances of the accident would need to be evaluated to determine whether the defect contributed to the crash.
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?
If you are able to do so safely, report the accident, obtain information from the driver and witnesses, photograph the accident scene and injuries, seek medical attention, and keep records related to the accident.
What injuries can result from a bicycle accident?
The Jones Firm identifies traumatic brain injuries, injuries to the cranium, spinal injuries, back injuries, broken limbs, severed limbs, road rash, infections resulting from injuries, and death among possible bicycle accident outcomes.
Should I keep my damaged bicycle after an accident?
Preserving the bicycle and any potentially relevant component can be useful when a bicycle defect may have contributed to the accident. Keep photographs, purchase information, repair records, and other relevant documentation when available.
When should I speak with a bicycle accident lawyer?
Consider speaking with a lawyer if you have suffered an injury and have questions about responsibility, insurance coverage, medical expenses, property damage, evidence, or the legal claims process.
Does Washington law give bicyclists rights on roadways?
Washington law generally gives people riding bicycles on roadways the rights and duties applicable to vehicle drivers, subject to bicycle-specific provisions. The circumstances of a particular accident determine how those laws apply.
Can insurance coverage apply after a bicycle accident?
Potentially. The applicable coverage depends on the circumstances and available insurance policies. The Jones Firm discusses situations involving a driver’s PIP coverage, a cyclist’s own uninsured motorist or PIP coverage, and health insurance.
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