Olympia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

When a bicyclist is struck by a car or truck, the injuries can be severe or life threatening. For years, the team at Ladenburg Law has assisted victims get the compensation they deserve following a bike crash. For help with filing an injury claim, schedule a consultation with an Olympia bicycle accident lawyer today.

Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Injuries in bicycle accidents can be more serious as the bicyclist has little to protect them from impact. Some of the injuries we’ve seen in our practice include:

• Broken bones
• Abrasions from road rash
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Fractures

Depending on the circumstance, bicyclists may also suffer from facial, eye, or internal injuries. Always seek medical care after a bicycle accident.

Tips for Avoiding Bicycle Crashes in Olympia

While not every collision is preventable, there are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of being struck:

• Ride in a predictable fashion. Doing so helps motorists better adjust and give you space on the road.
• Travel the same direction as traffic. By law, you must ride in the same direction as traffic, and abide by all traffic safety laws.
• Avoid or minimize sidewalk riding. As much as possible, stay off sidewalks. Sidewalks can end without warning or you could encounter a pedestrian, forcing you to move quickly to the street.
• Never ride under the influence. We all know not to drink and drive, but the same holds true with bicycling. Drinking impairs judgment and slows reaction times, both of which can contribute to accidents.
• Stay alert and visible. The National Highway Traffic Safety Commission notes that most accidents involving bicyclists happen between 6 and 9pm. Do what you can to make yourself visible and be aware of the dangers of riding during the early evening hours.

And of course, make sure to always wear a helmet when heading out on your bicycle.

Who Pays for Damages After a Bicycle Accident?

As personal injury attorneys, a big part of our job is to determine fault. When we understand who’s responsible, we can then pursue them for compensation on your behalf. When it comes to bicycle accidents, there may be multiple responsible parties.

For instance:

• A negligent driver – who struck you
• A city or property owner – for failing to address road hazards
• A manufacturer – for bringing a faulty bicycle to market

Sometimes the bicyclist may be partially responsible for the accident, too. Washington is a comparative fault state which means your settlement will be reduced by the percentage you are found to be responsible.

Our Olympia attorneys will investigate what happened and who’s to blame in your bicycle accident.

Our Olympia Bicycle Accident Attorneys are Here to Help

Ladenburg Law is pleased to offer you a free, no-obligation consultation. During this meeting, we’ll want to hear what happened to you so we can determine your legal options.

If you’re unable to make it to the office, let us know. One of our Olympia bicycle accident lawyer will be happy to meet you at your home, hospital, or other preferred location.