The amount of compensation you can claim in Washington after a bicycle accident depends on the damages you've sustained and the distribution of fault. Various factors, like medical bills, property damage, and missed work hours can contribute to your compensation amount. However, if you are found to hold any percentage of fault, your available compensation amount can be reduced by that percentage.

The fault in a bicycle accident depends on a variety of factors. Generally, when a person fails to maintain a reasonable standard of carefulness, resulting in a collision, that person is likely to hold some or all of the fault. Liability can lie with the motorist or with the cyclist, and can even be distributed among both. If you're unsure about how fault applies to your unique case, contact a Seattle bicycle accident lawyer.

Yes, even if you hold 99% of the fault, this does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation in Washington. However, your compensation amount can be reduced based on your percentage of fault, so it's important to make sure you don't get saddled with undue fault. Additionally, you will still need to gather evidence to support your claim for compensation. For help maximizing your total compensation amount, reach out to a bicycle accident lawyer in Washington.

Prioritize your safety first. Make sure you are out of harm's way, and check for injuries. Call for medical help if necessary. Otherwise, for bicycle accidents, which can be severe, it's a good idea to inform the authorities about the accident right away. From there, you can start gathering evidence, documenting the scene of the crash, and exchanging information with other involved drivers. If a police officer arrives at the scene, request a copy of the accident report—otherwise, you will need to file your own accident report within 4 days of the accident. After you have left the scene of the accident, schedule an appointment with a medical provider, even if you don't feel that you are injured.

It's important to hire a bicycle accident attorney in Seattle because they can help you make your case as strong as possible from the very beginning, navigating potential roadblocks with skill and maximizing your available compensation. The opposing party's insurance may try to deny or reduce the value of your claim, and they can use a variety of tactics to corner you into accepting an unfair deal. A bicycle accident lawyer's professional experience can help you stay one step ahead. Thanks to Senft Legal's contingency fee payment structure, you can access the assistance of a lawyer without taking on financial risk—we only get paid if you win.