The weather is getting nicer, and we all want to be outside. Although riding a bicycle to get around Stanwood, Washington is typically an option that’s beneficial to one’s health and finances, that can change if you are ever involved in a bicycle accident.
You may be a careful cyclist. However, it’s still possible to be involved in an accident if someone else is negligent.
Contact a Stanwood bicycle accident attorney at Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys if you are ever harmed in a bicycle accident that you believe occurred because another party was careless. We can help you potentially recover financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Stanwood
Sometimes, bicycle accidents occur randomly, and no one is to blame. A cyclist can lose control of their vehicle and find themselves injured as a result.
That’s not always the case. Many bicycle accidents occur because of someone else’s negligence. That someone is often a careless motorist who may cause a bicycle accident in Stanwood because they are:
- Speeding
- Not obeying traffic signs and signals
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving when they are too tired to do so safely
- Failing to check for bicyclists when changing lanes or making turns
- Using their smartphone or other such devices when they should be paying attention to the road
- Failing to yield the right of way
A victim in a Stanwood bicycle accident resulting from the negligence of a driver can seek compensation for such losses as their medical bills by filing a claim or lawsuit to collect from their insurance.
It is wise to consult with a Stanwood bicycle accident law firm before taking legal action. Initially, it’s important to gather evidence of negligence by coordinating with legal professionals who have the resources and training necessary to conduct a thorough investigation.
It’s also vital to correctly identify the liable parties when seeking compensation in these circumstances. Although a motorist is often the negligent party responsible for causing a Stanwood bicycle accident, there are exceptions.
Perhaps a component of a bicycle fails due to a defect the designers or manufacturers overlooked. If this defect causes an accident, they may be the liable parties. Additionally, it’s possible a responsible and careful motorist might nevertheless “cause” a bicycle accident if a defect in their vehicle (such as a brake defect) prevents them from avoiding one.
In some instances, it’s even necessary to account for road conditions when determining liability in a Stanwood bicycle accident case. Local government agencies have a responsibility to ensure road hazards are properly addressed in a timely manner. They may be found liable if an accident occurs because they failed to do so.
How a Stanwood Bicycle Accident Law Firm Helps
As a cyclist, you are particularly vulnerable on the road, due to the fact that you are far more exposed than you would be if you were driving or riding in a car or other such enclosed vehicle. That means the injuries you may sustain if you’re ever involved in an accident have a high chance of being serious.
They will certainly require costly medical treatment. They might even prevent you from working. That’s not to mention the pain and suffering you could experience as a result of your injuries.
You deserve to receive compensation for such losses when your accident was the result of negligence. A Stanwood bicycle accident attorney at Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys can help you pursue the compensation for which you may be eligible. Learn more about how we can help by calling us at 800-529-0842 to schedule your free consultation.
