What to Do After a Bike Lane Accident in Washington

After a bike lane accident in Washington, immediately move to safety if possible and call 911 for medical attention and police response. Contacting the authorities will start the process of creating evidence in your case for a future insurance claim.

Then, document the accident scene and bike lane conditions with photos, gather witness information and driver details, seek medical evaluation, and consult with an experienced bicycle accident attorney.

A qualified Seattle bicycle accident lawyer who understands Washington’s bicycle laws and bike lane regulations can help determine liability and protect your rights as a cyclist. You may be owed significant compensation after an accident, and the following steps can help you get it.

Prioritize Your Health and Safety

Your safety is the top priority following any bike lane accident. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries due to their lack of protection compared to motor vehicle occupants, making prompt medical attention crucial.

Call 911 immediately to request emergency medical services and police response. Even if you feel your injuries are minor, the shock and adrenaline from the accident can mask more serious trauma that becomes apparent later.

If you’re able to move safely, get yourself and your bicycle out of traffic lanes to prevent additional accidents. However, don’t move if you suspect spinal injuries or other serious trauma that could be worsened by movement.

Documenting the Accident Scene and Bike Lane Conditions

Thorough documentation of the accident scene is essential for establishing liability in bike lane accidents. These cases often involve disputes about whether drivers violated traffic laws designed to protect cyclists.

Photograph the accident scene from multiple angles, including the bike lane markings, signage, and overall traffic configuration. Document any obstructions in the bike lane, poor visibility conditions, or infrastructure problems that may have contributed to the accident.

Take pictures of all vehicle damage and your bicycle damage, including close-up shots that show the point of impact. Also, capture images of the driver’s vehicle position, license plate, and any traffic violations that may be apparent from the final positions of the vehicles involved.

Gathering Evidence and Witness Information

Witnesses play a crucial role in bike lane accident cases, as they can provide independent testimony about traffic violations and the circumstances surrounding the collision. Their observations often determine liability in disputed cases.

Collect contact information from all witnesses, including other cyclists, pedestrians, and occupants of nearby vehicles who observed the accident. Your lawyer can contact them later to get a detailed statement.

Take note of any nearby businesses or residences that might have security cameras that captured the accident. This footage can provide valuable evidence, but may be automatically deleted if not preserved quickly.

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Police Report and Official Documentation

Provide the police officer with a clear, factual account of how the accident occurred, including any traffic violations you observed by the driver. Avoid speculating about fault, but do point out relevant traffic laws that may have been violated.

Request a copy of the police report or obtain the report number and information about how to get a copy once it’s completed. This report becomes important evidence for insurance claims and potential legal action.

If the officer doesn’t cite the driver for violations you believe occurred, you can still pursue your case based on other evidence. 

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(800) 708-6000

Seeking Appropriate Medical Treatment After a Bike Lane Accident in Washington

Seek medical evaluation promptly after your bike lane accident, regardless of how minor your injuries initially appear. Bicycle accidents can cause various injuries that may not be immediately apparent.

Head injuries, including concussions, are common in bicycle accidents even when helmets are worn. Any loss of consciousness, confusion, or persistent headaches requires immediate medical attention.

Road rash and other abrasions may seem minor, but can become infected if not properly treated. Deep abrasions may require specialized wound care to prevent scarring and ensure proper healing.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Bicycle accident claims involve both your insurance coverage and the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. Understanding how these policies work together is important for maximizing your compensation.

Your auto insurance policy may provide coverage for bicycle accidents through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, or medical payments coverage, even though you weren’t driving a car.

The at-fault driver’s liability insurance should cover your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payments to cyclists or dispute liability.

Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal representation after a bike lane accident in Washington. These statements can be used to minimize your injuries or shift blame for the accident.

Bicycle-Specific Compensation Issues

High-quality bicycles and cycling equipment can be expensive to repair or replace. Document the value of your bike and gear with receipts, photographs, and expert appraisals to support your property damage claim.

Cyclists may face longer recovery times for certain injuries due to the physical demands of cycling. Road rash, joint injuries, and fractures can prevent cycling for extended periods, affecting both transportation and recreation.

Lost wages calculations may need to account for cycling-related activities if you use your bicycle for work, deliveries, or other income-generating activities.

Protecting Your Rights After a Bike Lane Accident in Washington

Schedule a free consultation with our legal team to discuss your bike lane accident and explore your legal options. Taking prompt action helps preserve crucial evidence and protects your rights against insurance company tactics designed to minimize cyclist claims.

We understand that experiencing a bike lane accident in Washington can be particularly frustrating when you were following traffic laws and using designated cycling infrastructure. We’re committed to helping cyclists seek justice when driver negligence or dangerous conditions cause injuries.

Cyclists have the same rights to safe travel as other road users, and we work diligently to hold negligent drivers accountable for bike lane accidents. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.

Real People. Real Justice. (800) 708-6000