Every year, bicycle accidents kill or seriously injure almost 140,000 Americans. The economic losses alone, mostly hospital bills and missed work, exceed $23 billion a year. The noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering, lost enjoyment in life, and emotional distress, are difficult to calculate. That’s especially true since a disproportionate number of these victims are small children on small bicycles. Most drivers frankly aren’t maintaining a proper lookout for such riders.
Victims who think that politicians or police officers will protect them may need to think again. Motorists often oppose designated bicycle lanes, lower speed limits, and other safety measures. Furthermore, many law enforcement officers view bicycle crashes as civil matters which aren’t police business.
When politicians and other officials refuse to protect people, the dedicated Everett, WA, bicycle accident lawyers at Strong Law pick up the slack. In short, we are on your side. No matter how other people feel about the collision, we do what it takes to obtain maximum compensation for victims and survivors. Since no one can turn back the clock and reverse the events that led to the crash, the best survivors and victims can do is move on. At Strong Law, our professional team helps you do just that. Call us today at (206) 737-3496.
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The Strong Law Approach to Bicycle Accident Claims
This team includes lawyers, investigators, and other professionals who know what it takes to obtain maximum compensation for Everett, WA, bicycle accident victims. Teamwork is what helps us win 98 percent of the personal injury cases we handle.
Other law firms have high success rates as well, mostly because they only accept straightforward cases that settle quickly. In contrast, our tough Everett, WA, bicycle accident lawyers don’t hesitate to take on difficult cases. For us, no case is too easy or too hard. We help all personal injury victims put their lives back together.
We begin every case with a conversation. We want to know your needs and goals in a particular situation. This insight helps us piece together a winning strategy that upholds your legal and financial rights.
We are more than just talk. Bicycle accidents often cause serious injuries, such as whiplash, that are difficult to diagnose and treat. So, our Everett, WA, bicycle accident lawyers connect victims with top-notch doctors who know how to diagnose and treat such injuries. At Strong Law, nothing is more important to us than your well-being.
Once we address these priorities, we collect evidence that supports your claims and refutes possible insurance company defenses. Then, when medical treatment is at least substantially complete, we begin settlement negotiations with the insurance company. We believe in giving people the chance to do the right thing before we take matters to the next level.
That being said, we don’t hesitate to press the issue in court. Our Everett, WA, bicycle accident lawyers never look for the easy way out. Right now, we invite you to browse through some client testimonials from people whose lives have been changed for the better by Strong Law.
How Much Does a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Everett, WA, Cost?
We mentioned the staggering economic cost of bicycle accidents above. The math works out to about $165,000 per victim in economic losses alone. Typically, employer-sponsored and other group health insurance plans do not cover injury-related costs. Most families cannot possibly afford to pay these expenses out of pocket. So, in the wake of a Snohomish County bicycle accident, car crash, truck accident, or other personal injury, the last thing victims need is another big bill to pay.
Therefore, our Everett, WA, bicycle accident lawyers do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters. We also front other litigation costs, such as filing fees and expert witness fees. Plus, the aforementioned medical assistance usually costs nothing upfront as well. We have professional relationships with experienced physicians, so these professionals usually agree to defer billing until the case is resolved.
On a related note, our Everett, WA, bicycle accident lawyers are good negotiators as well as good litigators, so we often convince medical and other providers to reduce their fees. This reduction could mean victims get to pocket additional settlement money, thanks to Washington’s complex collateral source rule.
Nuts and Bolts of Your Legal Claim
Speaking of complex rules, even a seemingly simple legal claim is subject to many complex rules, not to mention stiff opposition from insurance company lawyers. Fortunately, our Everett, WA, bicycle accident lawyers are up to the task.
Most bicycle accident and other injury claims involve the ordinary negligence doctrine. In Washington, this doctrine has four basic elements:
- Duty: Most people have a duty of reasonable care in most situations. For example, most drivers have a legal duty to avoid accidents when possible and always drive defensively. Commercial vehicle operators as well as licensed professionals, like doctors, must adhere to a higher duty of care in most cases.
- Breach: Essentially, a breach of duty is a lack of care. Among motorists, aggressive driving, like speeding and tailgating, violates the duty of care. So does impaired driving, like operating a motor vehicle while fatigued or under the influence of drugs. The higher the duty of care, the easier it is to establish a breach of duty in court.
- Cause: This general element has two specific elements. Everett, WA, bicycle accident lawyers must establish factual cause. If Jim didn’t see a pedestrian because the sun was in his eyes, the lighting contributed to the crash, but his inattention caused it. The second element, legal cause, is foreseeability (possibility) of injury. The connection between the breach and the damages cannot be too indirect.
- Damages: Usually, the victim must sustain a tangible injury that money can compensate for. Since Washington is a tort state, the tangible injury could be personal injury or property damage. Money cannot fully compensate victims for emotional distress, but, quite frankly, money helps.
Comparative fault, in one form or another, is one of the most common insurance company defenses in personal injury claims. Basically, this legal loophole shifts accident blame from the negligent party to the victim.
For example, in a bicycle accident, the insurance company might claim the victim turned in front of the negligent driver. Or, in a fall injury claim, the insurance company might argue that the victim didn’t watch where she/he was going.
In Washington, even if a victim was partially or mostly responsible for an injury, the victim might still be entitled to compensation.
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“Very professional, and treated me as an equal.”
Just wanted to say thank you to Jed and his team at Strong Law. Not only was I happy with the outcome, but the entire process as a whole. I would definitely recommend this firm to anyone. Thanks again.
“Unbelievable work!”
I had a claim involving my own insurance company. I tried to negotiate with them, and they completely denied my claim – two times. I then hired Strong Law, and the change was instant. The insurance company immediately began negotiating, and Jed was able to secure an unbelievably good settlement. I will never again attempt to take-on an insurance company without Strong Law in my corner. Thank you!”
“I got justice and awesome compensation.”
“I hired Strong Law after my car accident. Jed and his team worked hard on my case. They were professional and compassionate through my surgery and as I recovered, and they were awesome on communication. I got justice and awesome compensation. I would recommend Strong Law to anyone in my situation.”
Contact a Diligent Everett, WA, Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was hurt or killed in a bicycle accident, you basically have two choices. You can face the problems these cases create all by yourself and accept the insurance company’s settlement offer, whether it is fair or not. Or you can reach out to an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Everett, WA, from Strong Law, and get the compensation you need and deserve, not to mention a partner who will help you recover from your injuries.
Reach out to us now for a free consultation. Call Strong Law today at 206-737-3496. Our professional team routinely handles matters in Washington and other states.
FAQs About Bicycle Accidents in Everett, WA
Our clients have lots of questions about bicycle accidents in Snohomish County. Below are a few of the most common questions.
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents?
A few bicycle accidents are single-vehicle collisions. Some riders hit curbs or other fixed objects. Driver error, usually aggressive driving or driver impairment, causes about 98 percent of these collisions. An Everett, WA, bicycle accident lawyer can obtain compensation in court if the driving error was negligence, or a lack of care.
Where do bicycle accidents happen most?
As mentioned, many bicycle accident victims are children. Therefore, many of these wrecks happen in residential areas or near schools. The good news for victims is that impact speeds are usually lower in these collisions than in freeway collisions. The bad news is that victims have so little protection that the lower impact speed often doesn’t reduce the injuries sustained.
What is the most common bicycle injury?
Head injuries are the most common bicycle accident injury, followed by broken bones and internal injuries. Thin bicycle helmets often protect riders from head injuries in single-vehicle collisions. However, they offer little protection against oncoming cars. Normally, head injuries are permanent. Doctors can treat the symptoms, but they cannot “cure” the injury.
What to do after falling from a bike?
Regardless of the circumstances of the case, injury victims should always reach out to an Everett, WA, bicycle accident lawyer. Although there are thousands of lawyers in Washington, only a select few can successfully resolve an injury claim. At Strong Law, our Snohomish County bicycle accident lawyers have the right combination of experience, accessibility, and dedication. Our experienced lawyers have obtained life-changing results for victims just like you. We have multiple office locations in Washington, and we exclusively focus on personal injury claims.
Why do lawyers take so long to settle injury cases?
As outlined above, personal injury claims have a lot of moving parts. If there is any question in any area, insurance company lawyers use that as an excuse to delay the process. Furthermore, meaningful settlement negotiations cannot begin until medical treatment is at least substantially complete. If a case settles too soon, the victim may be financially responsible for all future medical expenses.
Step # 1
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How Strong Law will handle you case
Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the circumstances surrounding the accident to establish facts and liability.
Determine the extent of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Engage in discussions with the opposing party or insurance companies to reach a fair settlement outside of court.
If negotiations fail, proceed to court where legal arguments and evidence are presented before a judge or jury for a final decision.
Insider experience
We know how to fight big insurance companies
Prior to representing accident victims, Jed worked for GEICO insurance company as one of its in-house attorneys – representing the insurance companies. After learning the inner workings of insurance companies, he quit and began representing accident victims.
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Absolutely ZERO upfront fees
We want to help you get the legal advice you need with no upfront fees. There is no obligation to use our law firm and we only get paid if you win your case.
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Our team of legal experts pride themselves on going above and beyond for our clients. We provide you answers and solutions to the legal issues you may experience from your accident.
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Frequently asked questions
Have other questions? Get in touch with our team at info@stronglawattorneys.com
What Is the Value of My Case?
The value of an injury case depends upon many factors related to the extent of your injuries and any other losses associated with your claim. You may have medical bills, lost income, costs associated with pain and suffering, among other possible damages. To learn the possible value of your case, contact the team at Strong Law. In a free case evaluation, we’ll let you know how much your case may be worth.
What Are Your Hours?
Strong Law is open five days a week between 9am and 5pm. In addition, we offer after hours return calls, weekend calls, and online chat.
What Kinds Of Cases Are Personal Injury?
Call us to know for sure, but a good rule of thumb is when an “accident” that happened to you because of the acts of or misdeeds of another party. Examples are: Auto accidents; motorcycle accidents; semi-truck accidents; wrongful death; medical malpractice; slip, trip and fall; boating accidents, faulty equipment, nursing home abuse; and many others.
Will I Be Charged To Consult Or Talk With You?
No, not ever. Strong Law is a contingency personal injury firm offering specialized experience along with access when you need it. Our goal is to gain the best settlement and provide comfort in the process, so easy access to us is part of our best practices.
What Does Contingency Mean?
Contingency in a legal matter means an expense to the client based on the outcome of a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty. Said another way, Strong Law gets paid only if your case settles.
Can You Give Me An Assessment Of My Case?
Absolutely. While we cannot guarantee anything, nor do we imply a settlement, our willingness to take your case (and do it on contingency) is our voice that we feel your case has strong merit. After speaking with you, we can provide a merit assessment over the phone. However, we caution that accepting your case does not promise anything, your outcome is reflected in the law firm you choose.
What Should I Do If I’m Having Problems, Like Their Insurance Company Is Calling Me?
Always secure an attorney first. If you sign up with Strong Law now, you can advise their insurance company that you have representation and give them our name and contact information. From that time forward, they should not be contacting you again; it’s the law. If you do not sign with an attorney, like Strong Law, you will need to speak with them and represent yourself to resolve your injury. We strongly urge against this; insurance companies are skilled at ensuring their best interests over yours.
What Are Common Reasons For Insurance Injury Denials?
Make sure you receive medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident, otherwise insurance may argue your pain is from an unrelated incident.Insurance companies will be going out of their way to find some proof that the accident was your fault. Don’t be intimidated.If you have preexisting medical conditions that make you more likely to suffer an injury, it is not uncommon for insurance agencies to deny claims based on this.
How Long Does A Case Take To Settle?
It depends on many factors like medical care, future needs, evidence, proof of liability, and many others. Some cases take months while others can last a couple years. Ultimately, our goal is to represent you and what is going to be best for you in the long run.
Why Can Cases Last Years?
Because the law dictates it. There are many layers to make sure the insurance companies treat you with optimal care. For example, there will be time spent for medical treatments you might need. There is time to gather the needed medical reports and discover any long term impacts this injury will have on your life today and into the future. There is time for the other side to review our demands, research, and respond as well. It can feel like a long time, but we follow the law and strategize for the best benefit to you. We are with you the whole time.
