Walla Walla, WA Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents are unfortunately common, especially in the Pacific Northwest, where motorists often fail to look out for bicyclists. Due to minimal safety features, bicyclists can suffer severe and catastrophic injuries in the event of an accident.

A collision between a bicycle and a vehicle can change your life in an instant. After the accident, your focus should be on recovering, but you may also be struggling with medical bills and lost work time. Fortunately, with the help of a skilled personal injury attorney, you can fight for financial recovery from the responsible parties.

If you have suffered severe injuries due to the negligence of a driver, a Walla Walla bicycle accident lawyer can investigate your crash and represent your interests. They can help you navigate the legal process, determine who is responsible, and pursue compensation for your injuries.

Personal injury law covers a wide range of cases, including bicycle accidents. Experienced attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, do not hesitate to contact a Walla Walla bicycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Call the legal team at Hess Injury Law in Walla Walla to get started on your claim.

Common Causes of Bicycle Collisions

Unfortunately, cars and other motor vehicles cause most bicycle crashes that result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, as cyclists do not have the necessary protection to dampen a collision with a vehicle.

Some of the common causes of bicycle and vehicle collisions include:

  • Motorist makes a right turn and cuts off the bicyclist going straight
  • Motorist cuts off a bicyclist when entering a roadway
  • Motorist “doors” or opens their door suddenly in the path of a bicyclist
  • Motorist runs through a stoplight or stop sign and collides with a cyclist
  • Motorist ignores the right-of-way bike crossing signs
  • Motorist follows too closely behind a cyclist and rear-ends them

An attorney in Walla Walla could help bicycle accident victims who sustained severe injuries in an accident because of a reckless motorist file a claim for the compensation they deserve.

Experienced legal representation could also help review the accident details to determine the amount the injured party should pursue in damages to compensate them fully and fairly for the harm they have endured.

Potential Damages in Walla Walla Cases

An injured party may be able to incur compensatory damages that could cover the following:

An experienced personal injury attorney could help a cyclist fight for the compensation they need and provide evidence on their behalf to hold the guilty parties accountable.

Statute of Limitations for Bike Collision Cases

In general, the Washington statute of limitations allows individuals up to three years to file an injury claim with the court after a bicycle accident that was caused by the negligence of another person or company.

However, there are exceptions that can shorten this three-year timeline. If the plaintiff does not file their injury claim for damages within the allowable time frame, the court may dismiss the case without hearing it. If the case is dismissed, the injured party would not have any option to collect damages for their injuries, even if the claim would have been successful otherwise.

It is essential that the injured party contact a Walla Walla bicycle accident attorney right away after the wreck to avoid any chance of losing compensation. A skilled personal injury attorney can promptly file all petitions with the court and handle the legal work that goes along with the lawsuit on the injured party’s behalf.

Contact a Walla Walla Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

At Hess Injury Law, we are dedicated to serving individuals who have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of others. If you were involved in a bicycle accident, please contact us to discuss your options for pursuing full and fair compensation.

Your situation is important to us, and you can count on our Walla Walla bicycle accident lawyers to stand by you through your case. Schedule a free case consultation to obtain legal advice and information regarding your situation before retaining our attorneys.

FAQ: Walla Walla, WA Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Who is responsible for my medical bills and other expenses after a bicycle accident?

In a bicycle accident, determining who is responsible for your medical bills and other expenses will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, then their insurance company may be responsible for paying your medical treatment and other expenses. If the accident was caused by a defective product or poor road conditions, then the responsible party may be a manufacturer, government entity, or other party. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you determine who is responsible and pursue compensation on your behalf.

Can I file a claim if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

If the driver who hit you fled the scene of the accident, you might still be able to file a claim for compensation. In some cases, your own insurance policy may provide coverage for hit-and-run accidents. Additionally, if the driver is later identified, you may be able to pursue a claim against them. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your chances of obtaining compensation in a hit-and-run scenario.

What if the insurance company denies my claim?

If your insurance company denies your claim, you may still have options for pursuing compensation. Insurance companies may deny claims for a variety of reasons, including disputes over liability or the extent of your injuries. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can review your case, determine the reasons for the denial, and help you appeal the decision or pursue other legal options for obtaining compensation, such as filing a lawsuit.