Top 5 WA State Bike Laws to Remember with More Bicyclists on the Road
Bike sales in Whatcom County have exploded over the last couple of months with families at home due to Coronavirus looking for things to do and keep fit in the beautiful spring weather. There are less bike commuters right now – just like there are less car commuters – so it is safe to say that much of the new bike traffic is coming from people out for a pleasure ride and that it will continue through early fall. Sales of entry level bikes seem to be the most popular, which indicates an explosion of new riders who may not be familiar with the rules and responsibilities of cycling. With more bikes on the roads and trails, this is a good time to remind and teach new cyclists about Washington State bike laws meant to keep everyone safe and accountable.
(more…)
Read More
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.
Read More
Do Bike Lanes Reduce Bike Accidents?
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Active Transportation Annual Safety Report, Washington pedestrian and bicycle deaths doubled over four years between 2013 and 2017. This amounted to 60 deaths in 2013 and 122 in 2017 (pedestrians shouldered most of the increase in fatalities). Pedestrian and bicycle accident injuries went up 31 percent during these years, from 351 in 2013 to 461 in 2017.
Read More
What to Do If You Are the Victim of a Hit and Run Bike Accident
When a driver slams into, opens a door into or forces a bicycle off the road and then leaves the scene of the accident before information can be exchanged, a hit and run bike accident has happened. After the crash, there are steps that a bicyclist can take to ensure that their legal rights are protected and that they receive the full compensation that they are owed.
(more…)
Read More
Prevent a Child Bike Accident with Child Cycling Safety Tips
Most children love to ride bikes but parents must understand that a child bike accident can mean serious injuries. The best way to protect our children is by teaching them child cycling safety through best cycling practices.
If your child was injured in a bike accident through the reckless or negligent behavior of a driver, please contact a bike accident lawyer as soon as possible. You may be able to recover damages for medical bills, pain and suffering and more.
Read More
Avoid Bike Accidents with Cars this Spring
With spring weather comes more bikes on the roads and sidewalks. The reality is that sometimes bike accidents with cars occur and they are particularly common at intersections. This could be because of misunderstandings about the way that cyclists are required to behave in intersections. Laws vary from state to state so it is important for both drivers and cyclists to be aware of the rules of the road in the places they drive. With that said a cyclist is more vulnerable to injury in a car accident with a bike and should take care to behave in expected ways to avoid confusing motorists.
Read More