Tacoma Bicycle Accident Attorney
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, about 25-30 percent of the state’s adult population do not drive, making walking and biking a necessary means of transportation. Many Washingtonians ride a bicycle on their commute to work, and many children get to school on bicycles as well. Walkers and bicyclists accounted for 18.6 of all traffic fatalities between 2013 and 2017, along with 22.5 percent of all serious injuries. This number has increased since 2017. In the state of Washington, about 70 percent of bicyclists killed in traffic involve a crash where the posted speed was 30 mph or higher. When a bicycle accident occurs, it is imperative that you speak to an experienced Tacoma bicycle accident attorney as quickly as possible.
The city of Tacoma is a bike-friendly city with lots of beautiful trails, particularly around the Pierce County area. Unfortunately, a bicycle accident can occur at any time. At Palace Law we will fight for your rights and for your future, taking on the insurance company on your behalf.
Why You Should Call Palace Law Following Your Tacoma Bicycle Accident
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, you may be seriously injured. Other than a helmet, if worn, most bicyclists have absolutely no protection in an accident—no seatbelt, no glass and steel cage, no airbags. What this means is that the injuries suffered by bicyclists can be catastrophic, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. In fact, the eventual outcome of your Tacoma bicycle accident can be significantly impacted by speaking to an attorney from Palace Law. When you choose Palace Law following your bicycle accident you get:
- An experienced law firm with more than 1,500 positive client reviews
- Four lawyers that have tried more than 200 cases each
- A free initial consultation, and affordable rates
- 24/7 availability
- Attorneys who can come to you when you are too injured to travel
- More than 200 years of collective experience
We will aggressively fight on your behalf to ensure you are not left with severe injuries, unable to work, and medical expenses you cannot pay.
What are the Typical Factors in Bicycle Accidents?
Each bicycle accident has unique circumstances and can be the result of a number of different factors, many of which are driver-related. Drivers may make unsafe lane changes, fail to look for cyclists, or drive too close to bicycle lanes and shoulders. Other causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving is a leading cause of all types of vehicle collisions, including those that involve bicycles. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, changing car controls, and turning around to see what the children are doing in the back seat are all forms of driver distraction—and can be deadly.
- Following bicyclists too closely or leaving less than three feet between the car and the bicyclist can create a dangerous situation leading to a collision.
- Excessive speed on the part of drivers can limit the amount of time they have to stop or otherwise make a road decision.
- Unsafe lane changes and weaving in and out of traffic make drivers less likely to see bicyclists.
- Failure to yield or running a red light or stop sign can pose severe risks to bicyclists.
- Impaired driving caused by alcohol or drugs can lead to a bicycle accident.
- Driver fatigue causes slower response times, therefore can lead to an accident.
Whatever the cause of your bicycle accident it is important that you speak with a knowledgeable Tacoma bicycle accident attorney as quickly as possible to ensure your rights are fully protected.
What are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?
Bicyclists hit by an automobile are likely to suffer grave or even fatal injuries. Bicyclists, like motorcyclists and pedestrians, simply have no protection when hit by a vehicle. The most common injuries experienced by bicyclists following a car accident include:
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries. While it is always a good idea to wear a bicycle helmet, not all bicyclists do (and in a severe accident the helmet may not protect the bicyclist from a head injury).
- Facial injuries can occur, including injuries that can even cause permanent disfigurement. Lost or broken teeth, a fractured jaw, eye and vision damage, or a broken nose can all be caused by a bicycle accident.
- Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash and torn ligaments, are common following a bicycle accident.
- Severe trauma can lead to internal organ damage or bleeding or broken ribs.
- Back injuries are common among bicyclists hit by a vehicle, including damage to the spinal cord which could be serious enough to cause paralysis.
It is extremely important that you receive immediate medical attention following a Tacoma bicycle accident. Receiving medical treatment quickly can make a difference in the long-term outcome of your injuries.
What to Do Following a Bicycle Accident in Tacoma
Unfortunately, drivers that hit a bicyclist will sometimes flee the scene of the accident. This can complicate the issue of financial responsibility. Following a bicycle accident, you should contact the police if you are able, and seek immediate medical attention. If you are physically able, take photos of the scene of the accident, including the driver’s vehicle, especially the license plate. Do not talk to the driver other than to exchange information, making sure you have the driver’s contact and insurance information. After you have been medically checked out and are home, take the time to write down every single detail you can remember regarding the accident. The smallest detail can make a difference to your case later on. Keep a folder with all medical expenses relating to the accident and contact an experienced Tacoma bicycle accident attorney as quickly as possible.
How a Tacoma Bicycle Accident Attorney from Palace Law Can Help
At Palace Law, our legal team is well-versed in all types of personal injuries, including bicycle accidents. We know how to approach your case to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We will conduct a comprehensive investigation of your bicycle accident, ensuring the insurance company pays fully for your injuries and losses. We will keep you updated as your case progresses, lifting the burden of dealing with the insurance company from your shoulders. Contact Palace Law today.