Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents are prevalent in Washington, with many of these accidents resulting in life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one was injured in a preventable accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team will examine your case, determine if you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit, and relentlessly pursue the maximize settlement on your behalf. When you work with a Countryman Injury Law attorney, you can expect to be treated with compassion and respect at every step of the process. To learn more about how we can advocate for you, consider contacting us at (425) 492-4445 today.

Having spent a decade representing personal injury victims, we have seen firsthand the pain that a careless person or company can inflict. At Countryman Injury Law, we employ proven legal strategies to protect our clients’ interests and secure the greatest amount of compensation possible for their injuries. To learn more about how we can help, consider connecting with our team at (425) 492-4445 today.

Washington Pedestrian & Bicycle Accident Statistics

Considering that over a quarter of Washingtonians do not have a driver’s license, walking and cycling are common modes of transportation in the state. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reports that walkers and bicyclists account for nearly 19% of all traffic fatalities and 23% of serious injuries. These numbers continue to increase, reaching a 20 year high in 2021. Even more staggering is the fact that while under 3% of all crashes involve bicycles or pedestrians, they represent 26% of all traffic-related fatalities. With hundreds of pedestrians and bicyclists injured every year, these accidents are exceedingly common in Washington.

What Are the Most Common Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Injuries?

Individuals who are involved in a pedestrian or bicycle accident may sustain serious and traumatic injuries. Without the protection of a vehicle’s metal frame, pedestrians and bicyclists are exposed to a range of dangers on Washington roads. Some of the most common pedestrian and bicycle accident injuries include:

Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
Broken and fractured bones
Internal bleeding
Road rash and other dermal injuries
Facial and dental injuries

What Damages Can I Recover After a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident?

If another driver was at fault for the accident, it may be possible to recover damages, which are monetary awards designed to compensate a person for the harm caused by another party. Section 4.56.250 of the Revised Code of Washington establishes two different types of damages that can be recovered in pedestrian and bicycle accident cases:

Economic damages, which are objective costs and expenses incurred related to the injury. These damages may include costs of medical care, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.
Non-economic damages, which are subjective, non-monetary losses related to the victim’s pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, loss of society, etc.

The damages that you can recover after your accident will depend on the severity of your injuries and the unique circumstances of the collision. It is important to understand that in order to be awarded damages, you must prove that the other party was at fault for the accident.

How Is Fault Proven in a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident Lawsuit?

Fault is defined in Section 4.22.015 of the Revised Code of Washington as acts or omissions that are negligent or reckless toward the person or property of others. Generally, there are three elements that must be met to prove fault, which include:

Duty of care. Drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians have a legal obligation, or duty of care, to avoid causing harm to others on the road.
Breach of duty. If this legal obligation is not fulfilled and harm is unjustly caused to others, this is considered a breach of duty.
Causation of damages. If the breach of duty directly caused injury or harm to others, the victim of the accident may recover damages to cover their losses.

Fault is a critical factor in personal injury lawsuits. In some situations, liability is clear, and it is obvious who is at fault for the accident. In other cases, however, fault is unclear, and it is necessary to prove liability to recover full and fair compensation. Proving fault is complex and difficult, and without adequate evidence, you may be offered a lower settlement for your losses.

At Countryman Injury Law, we use a variety of legal strategies to prove fault in pedestrian and bicycle accidents. We begin by reviewing every situation comprehensively and develop a tailored plan to resolve your case as quickly and efficiently as possible. By avoiding the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to personal injury cases, we are able to take control of the narrative and ensure that you are not taken advantage of by profit-oriented insurance companies. In trial, we dig deep and identify all possible sources of evidence to support – and win – your case.

Do I Need an Attorney to Help Recover Damages After My Accident?

Seeking assistance from an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of pedestrian and bicycle accident cases is recommended, as trying to negotiate a settlement on your own can negatively impact your settlement amount. Insurance companies are motivated by their bottom line and will sacrifice your compensation to reduce their costs and expenses. For this reason, many of our clients were offered unfairly low settlements before contacting us to help.

In the aftermath of a pedestrian or bicycle accident, navigating the personal injury claims or lawsuit process can be overwhelming. Moreover, compiling the necessary evidence to prove fault can be difficult without access to the proper resources. Your attorney will guide you through every phase of the personal injury process, including filing your claim or lawsuit, negotiating your settlement, gathering evidence to support your case, and litigating your issue in court, if necessary. Having legal representation on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case and the amount of compensation you can secure to help you regain control of your life.

How Can Countryman Injury Law Help?

If negligence or carelessness caused your pedestrian or bicycle accident, we are here to help hold the liable parties accountable. At Countryman Injury Law, we prioritize integrity and transparency in every aspect of our legal practice and are committed to handling your case with the utmost professionalism and respect. Through our client-centered approach and effective legal strategy, we have successfully recovered compensation for countless victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents. To discuss your case with an experienced attorney, consider scheduling a free consultation with our team at (425) 492-4445 today.