Spokane Valley Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Spokane Valley, Washington

Bicyclists in Spokane Valley, Washington, are legally considered vehicle operators, meaning they share the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. For instance, cyclists must follow all traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and obeying traffic lights. Failure to follow these laws can result in a ticket, just like for car drivers. However, certain laws apply specifically to cyclists and the motorists who operate near them:

• Cyclists may choose to ride on designated bike paths, bike lanes, road shoulders, or regular travel lanes, depending on what feels safest for them.
• Cyclists may also ride two abreast on roadways, but no more than that.
• When riding at night, cyclists must have white front lights visible from at least 500 feet and red rear reflectors. Red rear lights for added visibility are optional.
• While Washington does not have a statewide helmet mandate, Spokane Valley requires all bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.
• When passing cyclists, drivers must provide at least three feet of clearance or, if possible, move into another lane.
• In crosswalks cyclists are considered pedestrians. It’s illegal to pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian or cyclist, and all intersections in Washington are considered crosswalks.
• Parents and guardians must ensure children riding bicycles do not violate traffic laws.

High-Risk Areas for Cyclists

According to the Washington Department of Transportation, just over 100 bicyclists and passengers were involved in traffic accidents in Spokane County in 2023. Of these:

• Three suspected injuries occurred on W 2nd Avenue
• Three suspected injuries occurred on N Nevada Street, one of them suspected serious
• Two suspected injuries occurred on N. Ash Street
• Two suspected injuries occurred on W Wellesley Avenue near N Ash Street

The Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan acknowledges several areas in need of improvement for cyclists, including gaps in the bike network, discontinuous bike lanes, and unsafe road conditions, particularly on high-traffic roads like Sprague and Mission Avenues. When accidents occur due to inadequate cycling infrastructure, such as missing bike lanes or unsafe crossings, the city may share responsibility. In these cases, our Spokane Valley bicycle attorneys investigate whether poor road design or a lack of safety measures contributed to the accident, holding all liable parties accountable.

Common Causes of Spokane Valley Bicycle Accidents

Even though cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers, they remain vulnerable to external factors beyond their control. Many Spokane Valley bicycle accidents happen when drivers fail to check their surroundings for cyclists, or road conditions pose safety hazards. Common causes of bicycle collisions in Spokane Valley include:

• Failure to Yield: One common cause of bicycle accidents is drivers failing to yield the right of way. This often occurs at intersections, where a driver might rush through a stop sign or turn left across a cyclist’s path without noticing them approaching.
• Dooring Incidents: In areas with street parking, “dooring” is a frequent cause of bicycle accidents. This happens when a vehicle driver or passenger opens their car door without checking for oncoming cyclists, who have little time to react and can crash directly into the door.
• Unsafe Passing: Many bicycle accidents occur when drivers attempt to pass cyclists without leaving enough space. Washington law requires drivers to allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist, but many drivers ignore this rule, putting cyclists in considerable danger.
• Driver Distraction: Drivers who use their phones, adjust their radios, or focus on anything but the road can easily miss cyclists. Even a brief moment of inattention can lead to a driver drifting into a bike lane or failing to stop at a crosswalk, creating a high-risk situation for bike riders.
• Mechanical Failures: Bicycle accidents can result from mechanical failures in motor vehicles, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts. If a driver experiences a sudden mechanical issue, they can lose control and swerve into the path of a nearby cyclist.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces can cause bicycle accidents, especially when cyclists must share the road with vehicles. For instance, a large pothole could cause a cyclist to lose control or fall into the path of an oncoming car.
• Failure to Check Blind Spots: Many bicycle accidents occur when drivers don’t check their blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Cyclists are smaller and less visible than cars, so they are easy to miss if drivers don’t carefully check all angles before making maneuvers.

The cause of a bicycle accident has a significant impact on case strategy and the potential outcomes of your case. As our attorneys investigate the incident, they will use this information to assist in determining liability and the types and amounts of compensation you deserve. Whether the accident is caused by a driver’s failure to yield, unsafe passing, or hazardous road conditions, each scenario requires a specific approach to hold the responsible parties accountable. For example, proving negligence in a dooring incident may involve gathering witness testimony and traffic camera footage, while an accident involving driver distraction could focus on obtaining phone records.

Types of Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Even when wearing proper safety gear like helmets, cyclists can suffer significant harm in traffic collisions due to impacts with vehicles, the ground, or nearby obstacles. Below are some examples of injuries that frequently result from bicycle accidents:

• Broken collarbones
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Road rash
• Fractured ribs
• Punctured lungs
• Dislocated shoulders
• Wrist fractures
• Internal bleeding
• Pelvic fractures
• Facial or dental injuries
• Torn ligaments
• Knee injuries
• Ankle sprains
• Lacerations
• Eye injuries
• Elbow fractures
• Nerve damage
• Whiplash
• Skull fractures
• Broken hips
• Abrasions
• Soft tissue injuries

The type and severity of injuries sustained in a bicycle accident also greatly influence the approach to your case. Serious injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries may require extensive medical evidence and expert testimony to establish the long-term impact on your life. On the other hand, injuries like fractured ribs or broken collarbones could focus on demonstrating immediate medical costs and lost wages. Fully articulating the nature of your injuries helps build a stronger case for full compensation.

Key Steps After a Bicycle Accident in Spokane Valley

Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries, and the actions you take afterward can affect your ability to heal and seek compensation for your losses. Here’s what you should do if you are involved in a bicycle accident in Spokane Valley:

• Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible: Seek medical care immediately, even if you think you only have minor injuries. Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately, so a thorough medical exam will ensure your best chance of recovery and documentation of your care will be important for building a strong case.
• Document the Accident Scene and Your Injuries: Take pictures or video of the crash site, any visible injuries, and the condition of your bicycle. Photos can provide valuable evidence, showing the relative positions of the vehicles, the road conditions, and any damage to your bike.
• Gather Contact Information from Any Witnesses: If any witnesses saw the accident, ask them for their names and phone numbers. Witness statements can support your version of events and establish fault if you pursue a claim against the driver or another party.
• Keep Detailed Records of Your Expenses: Save all medical bills, repair estimates, and proof of income losses if your injuries prevent you from working. Keeping these documents will help you prove the extent of your losses if you file a compensation claim.
• Watch What You Say to the Insurance Company: Avoid making official statements to insurance representatives until you have spoken with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters will pay close attention to everything you say, listening for anything they can use to minimize your payout.
• Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Get in touch with an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. They can explain your legal options, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if you choose to file a lawsuit.

Determining Who Is at Fault in Bicycle Accident Cases

Determining who is liable in a bicycle accident case affects your ability to seek compensation for your injuries and related losses. Liability might not always be immediately clear, so our bicycle accident lawyers will examine all potential causes of the accident and the roles different individuals or entities played. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, liability could fall on one or several of the following parties, influenced by Washington’s pure comparative negligence laws.

A Motor Vehicle Driver

In many cases, the driver of a motor vehicle is at fault for a bicycle accident. This can happen if a driver fails to yield the right of way, runs a red light, or makes a turn without checking for cyclists. For example, a driver might cause a collision if they pull out of a driveway without noticing a cyclist approaching. The driver’s failure to follow traffic laws or stay alert could make them legally responsible for the crash.

A Vehicle Manufacturer or Repair Shop

Some bicycle accidents result from mechanical failures of vehicles or their parts. For instance, if a car’s brakes fail due to a defect, causing the driver to hit a cyclist, the manufacturer of the faulty brakes could be liable. Similarly, if a repair shop improperly services a vehicle, and its error leads to a mechanical failure resulting in a bicycle accident, the repair shop could be responsible.

A Construction Company

If a construction project leaves debris or hazards in the road, the company managing the site could be liable if its carelessness leads to a bicycle wreck. For example, if a construction crew fails to properly mark a road closure or leaves equipment on the road, a cyclist could crash into it. If the construction company didn’t follow safety guidelines or adequately warn road users, it could be liable.

A Property Owner

Property owners can be liable if unsafe conditions on their properties cause bicycle accidents. This could include hazards like uneven driveways, broken fences, or trees that block visibility for drivers and cyclists. For example, if a driver pulls out of a parking lot and strikes a cyclist because overgrown bushes obscured their view of the street, the property owner could share responsibility.

A Government Entity

If poor road conditions cause an accident, the government entity in charge of maintaining the road could be liable, especially if the issues were known but not addressed. For example, if a city fails to fix a large pothole in a bike lane and a cyclist crashes because of it, the local government could be responsible for failing to keep the road in safe condition.

Proving Liability for Bicycle Accident Claims

Proving who is responsible in a bicycle accident injury case is critical to seeking compensation. A knowledgeable bike accident attorney can investigate the incident and obtain evidence of fault, such as:

• Witness Statements: Testimonies from people who saw the accident can confirm the events leading up to the accident and provide unbiased accounts of the driver’s or cyclist’s behavior.
• Video Footage: If cameras capture the incident, video evidence can provide clear, visual proof of how the crash happened and who was at fault.
• Photos: Photographs of the accident scene can show important details, such as road hazards, vehicle positions, and weather conditions at the time of the accident.
• Medical Records: Medical documentation can link your injuries to the accident and show the severity of the harm you suffered.
• Expert Testimony: In some cases, lawyers call on professionals like accident reconstruction experts to explain how a collision occurred.
• Driver’s Phone Records: If distracted driving is suspected, your lawyer could seek the driver’s phone records to show whether they were using their phone at the time of the crash.

Compensation for Bicycle Accident Injuries

At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our attorneys work diligently to help you recover from the financial strain of a bicycle accident. We gather evidence, consult with medical professionals, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that all aspects of your losses are covered. Whether it’s immediate medical costs or long-term care needs, we fight to secure the full compensation you’re entitled to, including:

• Medical expenses, such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and prescription copays
• Future medical costs for ongoing treatment, physical therapy, and other long-term care needs
• Income losses, including wages you lost due to time off work and lost future earning potential
• Subjective losses, such as the physical and emotional suffering you endured due to the accident
• Lost quality of life, including reduced ability to enjoy everyday activities and hobbies

How a Spokane Valley Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you suffer injuries in a Spokane Valley bicycle accident, hiring an experienced bicycle accident attorney can make a significant difference in your recovery. A personal injury lawyer can explain your legal rights and handle all the legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing.

In some cases, negotiations might not result in a satisfactory settlement. If this happens, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. They will argue your case, present evidence, and work to secure the compensation you deserve. Having a lawyer on your side can significantly reduce the stress of the legal process and increase your chances of a positive outcome.

Time Limits for Filing a Bicycle Accident Injury Lawsuit in Washington

In Washington, you have three years to file a lawsuit if you suffer injuries in a bicycle accident. If you wait too long and miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries, no matter how serious they are. Acting quickly allows your attorney to gather evidence, protect your rights, and build the strongest case possible to secure the compensation you deserve.

Let Russell & Hill, PLLC Fight For You

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Spokane Valley, you don’t have to face it alone. The Spokane Valley bicycle accident lawyers at Russell & Hill, PLLC are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait—contact our office today for a free consultation at (509) 350-4452 and take the first step toward protecting your future.