Sara
"I worked with Bill Pickett and he was willing to fight, and fight hard for me as his client and is the reason I was able to walk away with a win. Would recommend to anyone and everyone, incredibly professional and knowledgable."
Maureen
Norma
Adam
The Unique Risks Faced by Cyclists
Cyclists share the road with much larger and faster vehicles, making them highly vulnerable in the event of a collision. Without the protective structure of a vehicle, cyclists face direct exposure to the impact of accidents, which often leads to severe and life-changing injuries.
- Head Injuries: While helmets significantly reduce the risk of head trauma, they cannot fully prevent traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in high-impact collisions. TBIs can result in long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, or chronic headaches, affecting the victim's ability to work or perform daily activities.
- Spinal Cord Damage: Injuries to the spine can have devastating consequences, including partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often necessitate intensive rehabilitation, adaptive devices like wheelchairs, and lifelong medical care, drastically altering the victim’s quality of life.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a crash frequently results in fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. These injuries may require surgeries, physical therapy, and prolonged recovery periods, limiting mobility and the ability to work during the healing process.
- Severe Cuts and Abrasions: Road rash, caused by sliding on pavement, and deep lacerations can lead to painful infections and permanent scarring. In some cases, victims require reconstructive surgery to repair damaged skin and tissues.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from collisions can damage internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs, requiring emergency medical intervention and, in severe cases, long-term health monitoring.
At Larson Griffee & Pickett, we understand the profound physical, emotional, and financial challenges these injuries present. Our compassionate legal team is dedicated to advocating for your rights, ensuring that you receive the resources and support needed to recover and rebuild your life.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents often stem from preventable circumstances, such as driver negligence or hazardous conditions. The most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers preoccupied with phones or other distractions frequently fail to notice cyclists until it’s too late.
- Failure to Yield: Many drivers overlook cyclists at intersections or during lane changes, causing dangerous collisions.
- Dooring Accidents: Parked cars present a unique threat when doors open suddenly into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
- Poor Infrastructure: Cracked pavement, debris, and insufficient bike lanes create additional risks for cyclists.
- Reckless or Impaired Driving: Speeding, alcohol, and drug use significantly increase the likelihood of serious accidents.
Our attorneys take a meticulous approach to investigating these factors, ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence.
Understanding Liability in Bicycle Accidents
Determining liability in a bicycle accident is crucial to building a strong legal case. At Larson Griffee & Pickett, we delve into every detail to identify all responsible parties. Liability often falls on drivers, but it can extend to others, such as:
- Government Agencies: If poor road maintenance or unsafe bike lanes contributed to the accident, municipal or state entities may share responsibility.
- Manufacturers: Defective bicycle components, such as faulty brakes or poorly designed frames, can lead to catastrophic failures and crashes.
- Other Cyclists or Pedestrians: In some cases, reckless behavior by other road users can directly cause accidents.
By pinpointing liability, we strengthen your claim and ensure every accountable party is held responsible.
Comprehensive Legal Services for Bicycle Accident Victims
At Larson Griffee & Pickett, we take a thorough and strategic approach to each bicycle accident case. Here’s how we help:
1. Detailed Accident Investigation
Our team conducts a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident. We collaborate with experts to reconstruct the scene, gather surveillance footage, and identify witnesses who can support your claim.
2. In-Depth Medical Documentation
Accurate medical records are essential to building a strong case. We work closely with healthcare providers to document the extent of your injuries and forecast future medical needs. This ensures that your claim reflects the true cost of your recovery.
3. Negotiations with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often aim to settle quickly and for less than you deserve. Our experienced attorneys negotiate assertively on your behalf, ensuring that all damages—including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—are covered.
4. Litigation When Necessary
If negotiations don’t lead to a fair settlement, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial. We have a proven history of securing favorable verdicts for injured clients in Yakima and are ready to fight for you in court.
Get Started
Some attorneys will settle bicycle accidents early in the process because they feel it is not worth their time.
At LGP Law, our Yakima lawyers take every case seriously – from start to finish – to ensure you get everything you deserve.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
A bicycle accident can lead to significant financial and emotional burdens. Our legal team works tirelessly to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Covering emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for missed work and compensation for reduced earning capacity if your injuries impact your career.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages that reflect the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from your accident.
- Recovering Property Damage Costs: Includes reimbursement for repairs to your bicycle, replacement of your helmet, and any personal property harmed during the crash.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or reckless behavior, additional damages may be awarded to deter similar actions.
Long-Term Impacts of Bicycle Accident Injuries
The aftermath of a bicycle accident often extends far beyond immediate medical care. Victims may face:
- Chronic Pain: Lingering physical pain from injuries such as fractures or nerve damage can affect daily life and employment.
- Emotional Trauma: Many victims struggle with anxiety, PTSD, or depression after severe accidents.
- Financial Strain: Beyond medical bills, long-term costs like rehabilitation, therapy, and career adjustments can be overwhelming.
- Lifestyle Changes: Permanent disabilities or mobility challenges may necessitate home modifications, assistive devices, or caregiving support.
At Larson Griffee & Pickett, we advocate for compensation that reflects the full scope of your losses, including ongoing expenses and diminished quality of life.
Why Choose Larson Griffee & Pickett?
When you partner with Larson Griffee & Pickett, you gain more than legal representation.
You gain a team that genuinely cares about your recovery.
Here’s why we’re the top choice for cyclists in Yakima:
1. Decades of Expertise
With a proven track record in managing personal injury claims, we’ve developed a deep understanding of bicycle accident claims and the legal strategies needed to achieve success.
2. Client-Focused Service
We believe in open communication and personalized service. Our team keeps you informed every step of the way, answering your questions and addressing your concerns promptly.
3. Proven Results
Our track record includes substantial settlements and verdicts for injured clients. We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for every case we handle.
4. No Financial Risk
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. You only owe a fee if we win your case, ensuring that high-quality legal services are accessible to all.
Get Started | Free Consultation
Some attorneys will settle bicycle accidents early in the process because they feel it is not worth their time.
At LGP Law, our Yakima lawyers take every case seriously – from start to finish – to ensure you get everything you deserve.
Bicycle Safety Tips for Yakima Cyclists
While we’re here to support you after an accident, prevention is the first step to staying safe on the road. Yakima cyclists can minimize risks by following these essential safety tips:
- Wear Proper Safety Gear: Always wear a well-fitted, certified helmet to protect against head injuries. Bright clothing and reflective accessories increase visibility, especially during early mornings, evenings, or adverse weather conditions. Adding lights to your bike can further enhance your presence on the road.
- Obey Traffic Laws: Treat your bike as a vehicle and follow all road signs, signals, and traffic rules. Stopping at red lights, using hand signals, and yielding to pedestrians are crucial to avoiding accidents and ensuring a smoother flow of traffic.
- Stay Alert: Pay close attention to your surroundings at all times. Avoid distractions such as using headphones, texting, or engaging with mobile devices while riding. Keeping your focus on the road helps you anticipate hazards and react quickly.
- Perform Routine Maintenance: Regularly inspect your bike’s brakes, tires, and lights to ensure they are in good working condition. Check for loose bolts or chains and address any issues immediately to prevent mechanical failures during your ride.
- Choose Safe Routes: Plan your journey to include bike-friendly paths, designated lanes, or low-traffic areas whenever possible. Avoid roads known for heavy vehicle traffic or poor visibility to reduce your exposure to potential dangers.
By taking these proactive measures, cyclists can enjoy the benefits of biking while reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. At Larson Griffee & Pickett, we advocate for safer roads and are here to support you if an accident occurs.
Get Started | Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident, you deserve experienced legal support to guide you through the recovery process. At Larson Griffee & Pickett, we’re here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Call us today for a free consultation. Leave the legal challenges to us, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery and future.