Bicycle Accidents

Fighting for injured riders throughout Washington State

At Philbrook Law, our Vancouver, WA bicycle accident lawyers file personal injury claims on behalf of all the injured, and wrongful death claims on behalf of families. We demand complete compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income when you are hurt while riding. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

Did you know?

According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center:

• 58% of all bicycle road accidents happen at places other than an intersection
• 69% of bicycle accidents happen on urban roads
• 29% happen on rural roads

What are the rules of the road for Vancouver, WA cyclists?

Cyclists, just like any other people traveling on roadways, have to follow the rules. They’re designed to keep riders safe – especially since people in cars and trucks often act as though they have a greater right to the road than cyclists do. Cyclists have all the rights and duties that a driver does (subject to certain exceptions). When riding on a road or a sidewalk, riders have all the rights and duties that pedestrians have. Bike riders can also receive a ticket if they violate any traffic laws.

Here are some things you need to know if you’re out for a ride:

• Your town might require a helmet. Bicycle riders are not required by the state to wear helmets. Some counties and cities have their own ordinances regarding who has to wear one. In Vancouver, WA all riders of all ages are required to wear helmets.
• Which roads are closed to bicycles. For safety reasons, some of the state’s roads are closed to bicycle riders. Local governments also have their own ordinances for when bicycle riders can and can’t use certain roads or sidewalks – within busines districts.
• When to use bike lanes vs shoulders. Cyclists have the option of riding on a bike path, a bike lane, shoulder, or travel lane, depending on their safety requirements.
• When to ride side-by-side. Bicycle riders can ride side by side, but only two cyclists can ride this way. If your group has three or more, you’ll need to stagger yourselves in a line.
• What precautions to take at night. Nighttime bicycle riders must have a “white front light (not a reflector) visible for 500 feet and a red rear reflector.”
• What your kids are doing. Parents are generally responsible for traffic violations that their children commit.

Who is liable for a Vancouver, WA bicycle accident?

The cause of your bike crash can often tell us who is liable for the injuries you sustain. Sometimes, there is more than one liable party. Defendants usually include one or more of the following:

• A driver. Drivers should be on the lookout for bicycle riders at crosswalks, on the shoulder of highways, and on all the roads where bicycle riding on a street is permitted. If a driver injures or kills a cyclist due to distraction, intoxication, speeding, or any reason, the driver should be held accountable.
• The government. Washington State, Clark County, or Vancouver itself may be liable for a bicycle accident if they failed to design roads for the safety of bicycle riders. Our lawyers understand the unique requirements for holding governments and governmental agencies such as the Washington Department of Transportation accountable.
• Sellers of alcohol. The Washington dram shop act provides that sellers of alcohol may be liable for a bicycle accident if they served the driver when he/she was visibly intoxicated.
• Another cyclist. While most bicycle accident cases involve a driver or motorized vehicle striking the bicycle rider, some cases involve bicyclists striking each other or striking a pedestrian. The bicycle rider may be liable if he or she was riding recklessly, or being negligent.
• A manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. If the bike crash was caused by a defective part, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. The same is true if your bike helmet was defective, which led you to suffer a more severe injury on impact.

Our skilled Vancouver, WA bicycle accident lawyers fight to hold responsible parties accountable for a bicycle crash.

Common injuries from Vancouver, WA bicycle crashes

Cyclists are likely to suffer catastrophic, even permanent injuries in a collision with a moving vehicle or stationary object, especially when the collision happened at great speed.

• Traumatic brain injury
• Crush injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries

• Loss of vision
• Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
• Head, neck, and shoulder injuries
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Infection from “road rash”

Sadly, many bicycle accidents turn deadly. Bicycles are simply no match for the power and size of a car or truck. If your loved one died while riding a bicycle, our fatal accident lawyers file wrongful death claims on behalf of spouses, children, and parents. We demand compensation for financial losses due to the wrongful death and for intangible losses such as the loss of companionship, support, love, and guidance your relative would have given the members of the family.

Seeking damages for a bicycle accident in Vancouver, WA

Bicycle accident victims often need emergency room care and hospital care. Most require treatment with specialists and their general physician. Many victims need months, years, or a lifetime of treatment with physical therapists, psychologists, and other health care providers. It may not be possible to determine the full extent of your injuries right away. That is why accepting a quick settlement is not in your best interest.

Philbrook Law knows how to negotiate with insurance companies so you are treated fairly from the start. We prepare every case we take to go to trial in case settlement negotiations fail. We fight to secure the damages you deserve for your medical bills, property losses, lost income, and pain and suffering. You only have three years to file a claim, so contact us today to get started.

Speak with Philbrook Law if you or a loved one was involved in a bicycle accident

At Philbrook Law, our Vancouver, WA bicycle accident lawyers fight for cyclists and their families. In many cases, we can obtain a strong settlement because we thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident, file claims against all responsible parties, and work with your doctors to document your medical condition including your pain and suffering. To arrange a free consultation at one of our offices in Vancouver or Portland, OR, please call 360-695-3309 or use our contact form. These claims are handled on a contingency fee basis. We proudly represent clients in Portland and throughout Oregon, too.

Related Articles:

• Bicycle Laws in WA
• Washington’s Vulnerable Road User Law: What Cyclists Need to Know
• Injured While Delivering Food on Your Bike?
• Washington State Encourages E-Bike Purchase and Use, But Should It?

Rated 5 Stars by Our Clients

Read firsthand accounts from the clients our personal injury attorneys have represented in complex personal injury claims.

“You will not be disappointed. After my first meeting with Matthew I felt confident they were the team for my case. Tiffany provided great communication and assistance during the info gathering phase and also throughout the settlement phase. Thank you so much for going the extra mile.”

“They were able to find his insurance. I highly recommend hiring Matt and Tiffany. They took all of the insurance stress off my shoulders so I could concentrate on helping my son who had many broken bones and surgeries.”

“I reached out to them and within minutes, we had a great conversation. You can tell how much they care about their clients. They also went above and beyond to get the best results for my situation. Would highly recommend. You won't find anyone better!”

“Amanda especially was such a huge help. They handled two back-to-back car accident settlements for me, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. The entire team was professional, responsive, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate their hard work and highly recommend them!”

“Not our fault! The other driver turned left in front of as after he was waved on by another driver. We both had minor to moderate injuries. Our Ford F150 Lightning became undriveable. We went to urgent care! One year later, we were having difficulty in reaching a settlement with the other drivers insurance company after they gave us a low offer. We felt we needed legal advice or assistance. We met with Tiffany Henson, who reviewed our case. She gave us the advice we needed to negotiate with the other insurance, rather than try to take it to court. Tiffany offered to review our letter and gave us further advise. After the insurance company reviewed our letter and statements they doubled the settlement amount and made all of the stipulations we had requested! We can not thank Tiffany enough for her caring personable attitude toward us. Her advise was right on and saved us from more anxiety and stress. If you have an injury accident do not hesitate to contact Philbrook attorneys. They will treat you right.”

“That’s how great these people are. Driving home one night in my shiny new car I was suddenly sandwiched inbetween 2 much larger vehicles. The damage didn’t seem like much at first, but ended up being four years of treatment & life long conservative care. I wasn’t a case that was easy to get treatment for and I felt very lost before I was recommended the Philbrook law team. I actually fired an attorney who had left me with more questions than answers and hired this office. It was the best choice I could have made for myself. They stood by me every step of the way. Thousands of questions and appointments all the way to discovery and settlements. I have recommended them to hundreds of people and will continue to at any given chance. Not once in 4 years did I question if I was in good hands. They really go above and beyond for their clients and I can’t thank them enough. I truly miss hearing from them. I’m sure not everyone can say that about their attorneys. Give them a call, you won’t regret it.”

“I had never needed to hire a lawyer for anything so I didn't know what to expect and I was nervous. Matt and his team were awesome. They helped me throughout the whole process with every question and concern. They were timely, knowledgeable, patient and courteous. I appreciate the hard work everyone contributed to my case and getting me a fair settlement.”

“They did everything to get what I deserved, They work for the best of my interest, and I really have the best experience with her, everyone in there is very polite and respectful. I hope that I will never have the need to hired them again but if I have to I will. If you're reading this review and you're looking a lawyer to represent you in a car accident matter, then don't look any further, they are the best.”

“My recovery treatment took well over a year and took up a lot of time outside of other life stuff. Once they took over my case, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders and they took on all the burden from there on out. My insurance tried to settle for an absurdly low offer and Philbrook law got a settlement beyond my imagination. And they made it so quick and easy. I would recommend Philbrook law to anyone needing an accident lawyer. They were so efficient and stayed in touch through the whole process. Their whole team works hard to ensure people get the justice they deserve. Couldn't be happy with my settlement outcome!”

“It was very thoughtful, kind and helpful to have good advice, especially after asking another local firm and them not knowing what to do! I will definitely use this law firm in the future. Thank you!”

~ D. Pierce

by our clients

See All Reviews

×