Spokane has its fair share of dangerous intersections, risky drivers, and too many bike crashes. More people than ever before are out bicycling: for exercise, recreation, to run errands, on the commute to work, or to conserve energy. Yet too often negligent drivers are frequently ignorant of Washington laws that protect bicyclists and provide them the same rights and responsivities to use public roads as motorists.
Bicycle riders are injured or killed by drivers who fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes, turn directly in front of oncoming bicyclists, back out of driveways without looking, sideswipe cyclists traveling on the shoulder, open doors in front of bicyclists, fail to stop at stop signs, drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or otherwise drive in a manner which risks the lives of cyclists.
Bicycle riders involved in accidents on our roads are suffering serious injuries and fatalities. These accidents are, more often than not, the fault of a motor vehicle driver who was not paying close enough attention. In 2014, according to the NHTSA, 50,000 bicyclists were injured in traffic incidents and over 725 were killed. When drivers of cars or trucks do not pay adequate attention and make moves without looking for others, it endangers lives.
The top mistakes that drivers make include:
When handling your case, Sweetser Law Office will hire the best available accident reconstruction experts to prove the at-fault driver was the cause of the accident. We will personally interview every individual who witnessed the incident and thoroughly investigate the crash. We help you understand and navigate the medical treatment process and billing issues. We also can powerfully negotiate with insurance companies to protect you from their attempts to low-ball your claim.
If necessary, we are always prepared to go to trial. Contact us today.