Seeking Compensation For a Wrongful Death Bike Accident
As cities like Bellingham, WA have become more bike friendly the number of bikes sharing the road with cars has grown. With more bikes on the road, the risk for bike versus car accidents increases. According to federal data shared on Streets Blog USA, cyclist fatalities rose 10 percent while traffic fatalities overall fell one percent in 2018. This was the second year in a row to see an increase in cyclist fatalities. When a bicycle versus car accident happens because of the reckless or negligent behavior of a driver, it is often the unprotected cyclist who pays the price.
If you have lost a loved one in a wrongful death bike accident, you may be wondering how to get back on your feet. Grieving the loss of a loved one is hard enough but when that person provided financial or other services to the family the stress is compounded. A wrongful death bike accident lawyer can discuss your legal rights, place a value on your claim and may be able to help you recover compensation for your losses. Consultations are free and wrongful death clients pay only a percentage of their settlement.
Common causes of fatal bike accidents
In many cases, fatal bike accidents are caused by the negligence of drivers on the road. Drivers must be alert and aware of bikes around them in order to avoid a crash that could change lives forever.
Common causes of fatal bike accidents:
Drivers turning right. Most blind spot accidents involving cars and bikes happen when a car is turning right because most bike lanes are on the right. When a car turns right and strikes or blocks the path of a cyclist it is a recipe for a serious accident.
Drivers turning left. With drivers focused on crossing over traffic to make a left-hand turn, it is common for drivers to forget to look for cyclists who may be coming up alongside the vehicle.
Clipping accidents. When a driver overtakes a cyclist on the road too closely, they are risking “clipping” the cyclist and causing them to crash.
Dooring accidents. In places where cars are allowed to park alongside the road next to a cycling lane, there is a risk that a driver will swing the door open into an oncoming cyclist. This can cause the cyclist to hit the door or swerve out into traffic and get hit by another vehicle.
Who is legally responsible for a wrongful death bike accident?
Most cities protect the right of cyclists to share the road with cars, including Bellingham. Liability for a fatal bike accident caused by the negligence of a driver will fall onto the driver or more specifically, their insurance company. In some cases, a standard car accident claim is appropriate while other situations may lead to a wrongful death lawsuit. An experienced car accident lawyer and wrongful death attorney will be able to decide on the best course of action to help the family of the victim seek compensation for the loss of their loved one.
Seek the help of a wrongful death lawyer
If you lost a loved one due to the reckless/negligent behavior of another, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced wrongful death attorney fight for justice on your behalf. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a wrongful death lawyer. Call the most experienced practicing wrongful death attorneys Bellingham has at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing grieving family members 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!
