Bothell is a small, healthy, and environmentally conscious suburban city, a perfect match for bicyclists. Bicyclists commute in cities like Bothell, Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Snohomish daily and share roads with motorized vehicles. This proximity means that cyclists are often involved in auto-bicycle accidents.
Unfortunately, these accidents are a common sight all over King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties. Hiring a Bothell attorney can help relieve the pressure off you from navigating the legal process of your case.
Bicycle riders don’t have much protection between themselves and the pavement, only their helmets. Given their vulnerability, auto-bicycle accidents usually result in serious injuries and can even be fatal.
We are local:
Bothell Areas of Practice:
- Bothell Car Accident Attorney
- Bothell Commercial Trucking Accident Lawyer
- Bothell Construction Accident Attorneys
- Bothell Highway Design Defect Attorneys
- Bothell Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
- Bothell Wrongful Death Attorneys
- Bothell Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
- Bothell Traffic Lawyer
- Slip And Fall Lawyer
- Bothell Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
- Bothell Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
- Bothell Personal Injury Lawyer
Understanding Bicycle Accident Laws in Bothell, WA
Bicyclists in Bothell have the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicle drivers, yet they remain some of the most vulnerable road users. Washington state law grants cyclists the legal right to use roadways, but they must also adhere to traffic regulations, including obeying stop signs, traffic signals, and right-of-way rules.
Despite these protections, many drivers fail to respect cyclists’ space, leading to devastating accidents. Understanding local bicycle laws is crucial when pursuing a claim, as it directly impacts liability and compensation.
If a motorist violates traffic laws, such as failing to yield, driving in designated bike lanes, or speeding in shared spaces, they may be held legally responsible for damages.
At The Jones Firm, our bicycle accident lawyers thoroughly investigate each case, using Washington’s traffic laws to establish liability and ensure injured cyclists receive full and fair compensation. Our bike accident attorneys are experienced in navigating complex injury claims and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
Reasons Bicycle Accidents Happen
The most common reasons for auto-bicyclist collisions are
- Motorized vehicles driving in bike lanes
- Defective road conditions
- Motorized vehicle drivers fail to see cyclists when turning
- Motorists running red lights
- Motorists driving over the speed limit
- Defective bicycle components
- Motorized vehicle drivers failing to yield to bicycles in crosswalks
Unfortunately, bicyclists are usually blamed for accidents by both car drivers and police. In reality, it’s far more common for the motorist to be at fault.
Dax Jones, a Bothell bicycle accident attorney from The Jones Firm, does everything in his power to make victims feel confident that their cases are being handled well. Dax’s professional expertise allows him to ferret out the facts that injured individuals would have a hard time finding.
These facts will help The Jones Firm unearth the true story behind the accident, making sure the responsible party is held accountable for all damages caused.
At The Jones Firm, we evaluate every single detail, collect medical records and photos, hire experts, interview witnesses, and investigate the scene of the accident. We use the information we gather to pursue full compensation for our injured clients.
Common Injuries Due to Bicycle Accidents in Bothell
Auto-bicycle accidents can result in grave injuries for cyclists. At The Jones Firm, we have vast experience helping injured cyclists get the compensation they deserve. The most common injuries include:
- Infections due to injury
- Road rash
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken ribs
- Broken and severed limbs
- Head injuries
- Death
Steps to Take Immediately After a Bicycle Accident
A bicycle accident can leave you feeling disoriented and overwhelmed, but taking the right steps immediately after a crash can make a significant difference in your recovery and legal claim.
Whether you’re dealing with minor injuries or a severe accident, here’s what you need to do to protect yourself and your right to compensation.
1. Seek Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, adrenaline can mask symptoms of internal injuries. Get checked by emergency responders at the scene or visit a doctor as soon as possible. Medical records serve as crucial evidence when filing a claim.
2. Call the Police and File a Report
A police report is an official document that details the accident, including witness statements and the officer’s observations. This can be invaluable when proving fault. If the police do not respond to the scene, you should file a report with the local department as soon as possible.
3. Document the Scene
If you’re physically able, take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, the damaged bicycle, and the vehicle involved. Capture traffic signs, road conditions, and any hazards that may have contributed to the crash. These details can help a bike crash lawyer build a strong case.
4. Get Contact Information
Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance details from the driver involved. Additionally, get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident unfold. Witness statements can help corroborate your version of events when dealing with insurance companies or in court.
5. Do Not Admit Fault
Even a simple apology can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police, witnesses, and insurance representatives. Let a bicycle accident law firm handle communication with insurers to avoid any missteps that could impact your claim.
6. Preserve Evidence
Keep your damaged bicycle, helmet, and clothing as they were after the accident. Do not attempt to repair or discard them. These items can serve as physical evidence that supports your injury claim.
7. Contact a Bike Injury Lawyer
Before speaking with the at-fault party’s insurance company, consult a bike wreck lawyer. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but an experienced bike crash attorney can ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At The Jones Firm, we understand the complexities of bicycle accident cases and work tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights. If you’ve been injured in a bike crash, we are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you need to recover.
What Are My Options if I’m Involved in a Bicycle Accident in Bothell?
Although most people believe injured cyclists can only turn to their health insurance, injured bicycle riders have many options available. Bicyclists who are found at fault will not be eligible for compensation. However, most accidents are the responsibility of motorized drivers.
Here are some of the most common bicycle accident scenarios in Bothell:
Scenario #1: The at-fault driver has PIP coverage on his car insurance policy.
If the driver that is responsible for the accident has personal injury protection (PIP) on his insurance policy, injured cyclists can access it to cover their expenses. This includes all current and medical bills, plus lost wages due to inability to work.
Scenario #2: The at-fault driver does not have PIP coverage on his insurance policy, and the bicyclist has uninsured motorist coverage through their insurance.
If the responsible driver does not have PIP, cyclists can turn to their auto insurance policy as long as it has uninsured motorists’ coverage. If you have PIP or uninsured motorist coverage, you will be able to access your insurance policy to cover general and special damages, including medical bills.
Scenario #3: Neither the at-fault driver nor the bicyclist has the necessary elective coverage on their policies, but the bicyclist has health insurance.
If neither the cyclists nor the motorist has PIP or uninsured motorist coverage, both parties can turn to their respective health insurance policies. You will receive full compensation for all medical bills, current and future, although you will not receive any compensation for lost wages or inability to work.
Scenario #4: The at-fault driver does not have PIP, and the bicyclist does not have uninsured motorist coverage or health insurance.
In the unfortunate event that neither cyclists nor motorists have PIP or uninsured motorist coverage, and the injured cyclists do not have health insurance, they will have to cover all medical expenses out of pocket. In this case, there is no party with whom to file the personal injury claim.
Choosing a Bicycle Accident Attorney You Can Trust
Countless individuals fail to receive the monetary compensation they deserve to cover their medical bills and other losses. This is mainly due to unwarranted fears and misconceptions about bicycle accident claims. Some of the most frequent examples we encounter are:
- Fear that the claims process will require too much time and energy – Unless you are planning to take on your injury claim yourself, this fear is unwarranted. As long as you work with experienced attorneys like The Jones Firm, you will be delighted at how easy it is to file a personal injury claim. At The Jones Firm, we handle all aspects of your personal injury claim. We make the right phone calls, file paperwork on time, and meet with insurance company representatives on behalf of our clients. Our clients are always pleased with how simple the process is, and most importantly, they are happy to receive significantly higher monetary compensation.
- Fear of being perceived negatively for filing a claim – Many bicycle accident victims refuse to file a claim because they are worried it will be perceived negatively. They believe people will see it as a way to extort money or “finagle” the system. Others are worried about being perceived as weak, so they prefer to hide their excruciating pain. In these cases, victims usually suffer long-term, severe injuries or disabilities that could otherwise be avoided. Filing a claim does not make you seem weak or manipulative; on the other hand, it’s the safest, most prudent thing to do following an auto-bicycle accident.
- Fear that filing a bicycle accident claim will put them on a “watch list” for insurance companies that will charge them unfair rates in the future. Individuals who are not at fault in an auto-bicycle accident will not see any unfair raise on their insurance policy. As long as you are not at fault, you will not be penalized for the occurrence.
Getting the Compensation Our Clients Deserve
The Jones Firm has more than 10 years of experience as bicycle accident attorneys in Bothell and across Snohomish, Pierce, and King Counties. Our lead attorney, Dax Jones, helps victims and their families through the tough time following a bicycle accident.
His mission is to take all the stress of the personal injury claim away, allowing you to focus on making a fast recovery. Dax will handle all documentation, paperwork, investigations, phone calls, meetings, and other proceedings on behalf of his clients, assuring you the best result for your claim.
Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney Today!
Contact The Jones Firm today to request a free consultation. Dax Jones meets his clients whenever and wherever convenient for them in Pierce, Snohomish, and King Counties. Unlike most law firms, our free consultations are not limited to 30 minutes, so contact us today!
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