Bicycle Accident Lawyer Serving Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver, WA, is a great place to explore by bicycle. Riders love the wide variety of routes and trails — the region is home to miles of dedicated bike lanes and paths that are perfect for leisurely fun, eco-friendly daily commutes, and intense mountain biking. There are also numerous scenic parks and waterfronts to explore along the Columbia River, and the city has plenty of unique attractions that you can visit on two wheels.
This might seem like a paradise for riders, but there’s a problem. Even though Vancouver caters to those who prefer pedaling, not everyone on the road seems to have gotten the message: This city is also home to many bicycle-related accidents.
Road accidents can leave cyclists severely injured, and the costs associated with medical bills and other expenses can be significant. These setbacks aren’t always easy to bounce back from: Depending on what happened to you, it may be years before you regain a sense of normalcy — if at all.
Working With You to Obtain Equitable Compensation After a Bicycle Accident
If you’ve been in an accident while riding your bike in Vancouver, Palace Law can help. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled at obtaining fair compensation for those injured due to someone else’s negligence or error.
We know just how stressful these situations can be and strive to ensure victims have access to justice regardless of their financial situations or circumstances. We’re also passionate about keeping you informed on how to get back in the saddle — so here’s what to understand.
What are the causes of most bicycle accidents?
Every bicycle accident is different. Understanding the full story is essential to seeking restitution for any injuries you suffered — even those you can’t necessarily see.
With that said, there’s often a common thread to bicycle accidents: Motorist negligence.
Driver negligence or misconduct can take many different forms. For example, a motorist might have failed to yield when making a turn or ran through a stop sign before colliding with you.
Distracted driving is another common contributing factor. This is particularly relevant in the era of cell phones and other mobile devices, but it can also relate to other distractions, such as motorists simply not paying attention to the road.
Poor road conditions can also be a major issue. If someone has to swerve to miss a pothole or poorly marked construction, they might not have time to notice a nearby cyclist before hitting them. Similarly, vehicle defects such as malfunctioning brakes can prevent a driver from stopping quickly enough to avoid slamming into a rider up ahead.
In some cases, drivers outright fail to practice safe, responsible behavior, like not allowing cyclists that extra bit of space they need to maneuver safely or following them too closely. What’s more, these hazards can extend to situations where the vehicle isn’t even moving, like when a car’s occupants open the doors without first checking if there are any bicyclists nearby.
What are the most common bicycle accident injuries?
The type of harm you sustain in a bike wreck depends on numerous factors. For instance, your rate of travel, location, and the kind of protective gear you were wearing all impact what you can expect from the recovery process.
When it comes to bicycle accident injuries, a few types of harm stand out. For instance, broken bones, lacerations, and head trauma are all extremely common. In some cases, you might suffer injuries you wouldn’t expect, like fracturing the bones in your hand and elbow when you reach out to catch yourself during a fall. Broken bones are particularly problematic because they can lead to other injuries, like a fractured rib or a punctured lung.
Other common wounds include:
- Sprains and strains,
- Internal organ damage,
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis or other mobility issues,
- Neck and shoulder pain or injury, or
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that can range from mild concussions to more severe cases of permanent disability or even death.
How Long Do I Have to File a Case?
In Washington State, you have three years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit for personal harm caused by someone else’s negligence – this is known as the statute of limitations. In other words, if you’re injured while riding your bike due to someone else’s negligence but don’t take legal action within three years, you can’t file a claim for compensation.
Compounding this challenging requirement is the fact that the legal landscape doesn’t exactly include obvious guideposts. Because each incident is different, it’s critical to take a case-by-case approach from an informed perspective: You not only need to choose the most appropriate type of claim but also determine what to submit in your filing.
How Palace Law Can Help
At Palace Law, we know how important it is to move quickly when seeking justice after a bicycle-related incident. We also understand how tough this can be for those facing serious injuries.
Our attorneys work closely with you throughout every step of the process, from filing paperwork in court to arguing before a judge on your behalf and negotiating settlements. With four lawyers who have tried over 200 cases each and more than 1,500 positive reviews, our team has what it takes to help get victims like yourself back on their feet after an accident.
If you’ve been injured while biking in Vancouver — or elsewhere in Washington State — you need to act soon. Even if you think your case is clear-cut, it’s critical to plan your argument if you want to seek compensation.
Want to discuss your legal options and strengthen your recovery support network? Learn how we can help get you equitable compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your bicycle accident. Contact the experienced attorneys at Palace Law today.