Bicycle crosswalk accidents are more common than you might think, and they can lead to serious injuries for cyclists. Crosswalks are designed to create a safe space for cyclists, pedestrians on foot, and drivers to cross the street, but wherever motor vehicles share the same space with pedestrians and cyclists, serious accidents can happen. Many bicycle accidents in crosswalks occur because there is confusion about traffic rules or how to navigate crosswalks safely. Distracted driving is also a major issue.
If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle crosswalk accident involving a motor vehicle, contact a local bicycle accident lawyer for crosswalk accidents. You should know the true value of your claim before accepting a settlement offer from the at-fault insurance company adjuster. A bike accident lawyer can help. Call today for a free consultation.
Bicycle Accident Statistics at Crosswalk
According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, every year, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities make up about 19 percent of all traffic fatalities with approximately 6,000 pedestrian deaths and 850 bicyclist deaths. An additional 76,000 pedestrians and 47,000 bicyclists are injured in roadway crashes annually.
In Washington state, cyclists are considered pedestrians in crosswalks. One of the main risk factors for crosswalk pedestrian accidents is driver behavior. Distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield are common causes of pedestrian crosswalk accidents.
The City of Bellingham Agrees to Settlement Amount for Family of Teen Hit by Government Vehicle in Crosswalk
As reported by Jason Upton of MyBellinghamNow.com, the City of Bellingham reached a settlement in December, 2024 with the family of a teenager who was hit by an official government car in a crosswalk with a malfunctioning signal. The city council voted to approve the $325,000 settlement at the meeting it held on Monday, December 16.
The 14-year-old boy’s parents had sued the city earlier in 2024 over the incident that occurred in February, 2022.
According to court documents, the boy was struck by a car and seriously hurt as he was biking across a marked electronic crosswalk on Barkley Boulevard. The car that hit him was an official government vehicle being driven by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
A witness who was crossing at the same time as the boy said that the lights on the crosswalk signal only activated on one side of the street. The parents allege that city employees knew that the crosswalk signal was not working properly.
Council member Michael Lilliquist said during the meeting that the city has accepted responsibility for its part in the crash. Lilliquist also shared that he had heard the boy is recovering well after sustaining “serious harm” in the accident.
Bicycle Accidents Involving a Car
If you or a loved one was injured by a car while cycling, it is vital to report the accident to the police and to seek prompt medical treatment. Document and preserve the evidence from the accident scene if you can and keep receipts and transcripts from all resulting medical care. You should also notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible but do not provide any information to the at-fault insurance adjuster or accept a settlement without first speaking with a bike accident attorney.
It is not uncommon to receive a bike accident settlement that is five to ten times larger with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Call the caring, tireless, and experienced injury attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County, and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
