Bicycles & Pedestrian Accidents

According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 70,000 pedestrians and 40,000 bicyclists in the United States are injured every year. Pedestrians and bicyclists are less protected than motor vehicle drivers are; as such, the injuries they sustain are often more serious.

Bicycle Accidents

Generally, there are four main causes of bicycle accidents:

• Rider error: Defendant motorists often attempt to claim the bicyclist was at fault and caused the accident. Under Washington state bicycle laws, bicyclists must adhere to the same laws as motorists. A bicyclist who is at fault for causing an accident usually cannot recover from the driver or must accept reduced recovery.
• Motorist error: In bicycle accidents involving automobiles, the car's driver is often at fault. Motorist fault includes drunk driving, speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield to the bicyclist's right of way.
• Defective product: The bicycle or its parts might have been defective and caused an accident to occur. In these cases, we can help you seek recovery from the manufacturer of the defective part or the bike shop that may have improperly repaired the bike. It is important to keep all of the parts of the bicycle if an accident has occurred so that they can be examined for evidence of potential defect.
• Roadway defect: After a bike accident, it is important to take note of the scene of the accident in case there was a problem with the roadway that caused the accident to occur. Since roadways government entities control roadways, these cases require special expertise.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians should exercise reasonable care, such as using crosswalks, only crossing on green lights, and paying attention to traffic conditions when crossing the street or walking into traffic. In addition to filing a lawsuit for negligence, a pedestrian hit by a motorist can recover from the driver's car insurance policy under the Personal Injury Protection (PIP), if the driver has elected to purchase it, or his or her own car insurance PIP coverage, if purchased.

Seek Experienced Counsel

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents often result in serious and catastrophic injuries, particularly head trauma/traumatic brain injuries. These cases are often complicated and require an attorney with expertise handling difficult and complex cases. We have the resources, experience, and dedication to represent clients who have been injured in these types of accidents. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, contact the Corrie Yackulic Law Firm, LLC today.