Seattle Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
The number of pedestrians and cyclists throughout Seattle is growing for several reasons. Seattle itself is expanding, with newcomers arriving every day. Along with population growth comes traffic jams people wish to avoid. More people also are living in Seattle without a car, and relying on their feet, bicycles, scooters and public transportation.
Seattle is also expanding its light rail and working to ensure a majority of the city has quick access to local and express buses. Yet as you and many others focus on using public transportation or walking or biking to work and to run errands, you are forced to worry about sharing space with cars.
You may be careful to look out for cars and trucks. You may do what you can to protect yourself. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to keep a lookout for pedestrians and bike riders. These careless drivers are the ones most likely to crash into you and cause you serious injuries.
When you suffer serious injuries because of a careless or reckless motorist, we recommend you contact our Seattle bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers at Menzer Law Firm. We are highly experienced in representing injured pedestrians and cyclists after a Seattle or King County, WA crash. We will fight hard for you to receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
Some of the most common reasons for bicycle- and pedestrian-vehicle collisions include:
- Distracted driving, including texting or talking on the phone
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Driving in designated bike lanes
- Failing to use turn signals
- Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians or cyclists in crosswalks
- Running stop lights or stop signs
- Failing to check blind spots
- Opening a vehicle door into a cyclist’s path
- Following a cyclist too closely
- Driving impaired due to drugs and/or alcohol
We recommend calling our Seattle bike and pedestrian accident attorneys as soon as possible after a collision. We will promptly begin an investigation into the crash to identify the at-fault driver and the underlying cause of the accident. With this evidence in hand, we can pursue compensation for your injuries.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Injuries
As a cyclist or pedestrian in Seattle, you have far less protection than drivers and passengers in vehicles. At most, you may have on a helmet and some other safety gear. However, such safety gear will not be enough to protect you from serious or catastrophic injuries, especially if the vehicle is moving at high speeds at the time of the collision.
Call us at Menzer Law Firm if you suffered accident-related injuries, including:
- Broken bones, including complex and open fractures
- Ligament sprains or muscle or tendon strains that require medical treatment
- Lacerations
- Facial and dental injuries
- Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or other neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Traumatic brain injury
- Severe road rash
- Crush injuries
- Nerve damage and pain
- Internal organ damage
- PTSD and other psychological trauma
Pursuing Compensation After a Seattle Pedestrian or Bike Crash
When you are suffering serious injuries because of a negligent driver, it is important to talk with a Seattle bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyer about your right to pursue compensation. When another person’s careless, reckless, or willful conduct is the reason you are injured, then you have the right to demand compensation through an insurance claim and/or a personal injury lawsuit.
Mike Menzer and his team are here to fight for you to receive the maximum compensation possible for your:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Reduced earning capacity
- Loss of normal life
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
Fatal Seattle Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Because of a pedestrian- or bicycle-vehicle collision, a loved one may sustain fatal injuries. When you are suffering the unexpected loss of a parent, spouse, or child, we recommend you contact our pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyers in Seattle as soon as possible.
We will carefully review the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s fatal accident and determine whether you and your family have a valid legal claim under Washington’s wrongful death law.
You may have the right to file this type of lawsuit if you are a surviving spouse or child of the decedent or if you are the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. If your loved one did not leave behind a spouse or child, then you may file if you are a surviving parent or sibling.
Through this lawsuit, you, the person’s Estate, and the other surviving family members may have the right to demand compensation for:
- The decedent’s medical bills
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of decedent’s wages
- Decedent’s pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of the decedent’s love, care, companionship, society, and services
Call Menzer Law Firm as soon as you can to discuss pursuing wrongful death compensation after a fatal bike or pedestrian accident.
Need Legal Help After a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident?
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian or bike crash with a car, contact Menzer Law Firm through our online form or call (206) 903-1818 to schedule your free consultation.