When a driver fails to watch for a cyclist, the consequences are often be severe. At Coluccio Law, our Seattle bicycle accident attorney represents riders who have suffered brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and other serious harm because a driver failed to yield, entered a bike lane, turned across their path, or was distracted. Attorney Kevin Coluccio brings more than 40 years of personal injury litigation experience and limits his caseload so clients receive direct, personal attention. If an insurance adjuster has already contacted you, talk to us before giving a statement or accepting an offer.
Why Choose Coluccio Law for Your Bicycle Accident Claim?
We look beyond the immediate collision to identify the driver’s decisions, roadway conditions, and other factors that caused the accident.
When you work with Coluccio Law, you benefit from:
- Decades of Washington trial and litigation experience
- Nearly $500 million recovered for injured clients and their families
- More than 1,800 cases successfully handled
- Experience handling serious injury and wrongful death cases, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
- Free consultations and no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you
What Causes Most Seattle Bicycle Accidents?
Most bicycle accidents are predictable and preventable. They happen when drivers ignore bike lanes, pass too closely, fail to yield, turn across a cyclist’s path, or drive distracted or impaired.
Washington law specifically protects bicyclists when vehicles pass them. Under RCW 46.61.110, drivers on multilane roads generally must move completely into the left lane when it is safe to do so. On one-lane roads, they must slow down and, when practicable, leave at least three feet of space.
Poorly designed streets and intersections can also put cyclists at risk. Bike lanes may narrow or end abruptly, and confusing intersections can force cyclists and vehicles into the same space. When unsafe design or maintenance contributes to a bicycle crash, a government entity may share responsibility.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?
Get medical attention first. Bicycle accidents can cause concussions, internal injuries, fractures, and other injuries that are not immediately apparent. Follow your treatment recommendations and keep records of your care.
If you are taken for treatment before speaking with police, the driver may be the only person who gives an account of the crash. The initial report can then unfairly place blame on the cyclist. Preserving your own evidence can help correct an incomplete or inaccurate account.
Start an accident file and keep:
- Medical bills and related expenses
- Police or incident reports
- Photos or videos of the scene, your bicycle, and your injuries
- Witness contact information
- Records of missed work
- Insurance and legal correspondence
Keep your damaged bicycle, helmet, clothing, and other equipment until they have been documented.
What Are Your Rights When the Insurance Company Calls?
You have the right to speak with a lawyer before talking to the driver’s insurer or accepting a settlement.
An adjuster may ask for a recorded or written statement or make an early offer that requires you to release your right to seek additional compensation. Do not settle before you understand the extent of your injuries, future medical needs, and how they may affect your ability to work.
Your own auto insurance may also provide coverage while you are riding a bicycle. Personal injury protection (PIP) may help with medical expenses and lost wages, while underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may apply if the at-fault driver lacks enough insurance. We can determine which coverage is available.
What Is a Seattle Bicycle Accident Claim Worth?
Compensation may include:
- Medical bills and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Damage to your bicycle and other property
There is no standard settlement amount. Your claim depends on your injuries, financial losses, available insurance, future needs, and how the accident affects your life.
Washington follows a pure comparative fault rule. You can recover compensation even if you are partly responsible, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Talk to a Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Evidence can disappear quickly after a bicycle accident. Video may be overwritten, witnesses can become harder to locate, and insurers may begin building their version of events immediately.
Coluccio Law will investigate the accident, preserve evidence, identify available insurance coverage, and pursue compensation for your losses. If you were seriously injured while cycling in Seattle or elsewhere in Washington, contact us for a free consultation. There is no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Have Been Wearing a Helmet to Bring a Claim?
No. Washington does not have a statewide bicycle helmet law, and the King County Board of Health repealed the requirement that applied in Seattle in 2022. Not wearing a helmet does not prevent you from bringing a claim. For head injuries, an insurer may argue that a helmet would have reduced the harm, but the effect depends on the specific injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Washington?
Most Washington personal injury lawsuits have a three-year statute of limitations. Claims against government entities also have special notice procedures that must be completed before filing suit.
Can I File a Claim After a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident?
Potentially. Your own insurance may provide coverage if the driver cannot be identified. Witnesses, surveillance footage, and other evidence may also help identify the vehicle or driver.
