The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) reports that dozens of cyclists are seriously hurt in crashes in the state each year. As a bicyclist in Washington State, you have important legal rights, especially when in or around crosswalks and/or bike lanes. Here, our Seattle bicycle accident attorney explains the key things to know about your legal protections as a cyclist in Washington.
A Guide to Bike Lanes and Cyclists’ Rights in Washington
Washington is rapidly growing the number of miles of bike lanes in the state. There are many bike lanes in Seattle and throughout the wider region. Of course, bike lanes are not available in every place. For that reason, Washington law expressly grants cyclists the right to use roadways. However, bike lanes carry additional protections for cyclists. Under RCW 46.61.770, cyclists riding slower than normal traffic must generally use a bike lane if one is available or otherwise stay as far to the right as practicable. There are exceptions for when a cyclist is passing, turning, or avoiding a safety hazard. Here are some key things cyclists should know about bike lanes:
- Cyclists Have the Right to Exclusive Use of a Bike Lane: Motor vehicles cannot lawfully drive or park in designated bike lanes. Blocking a bike lane is a traffic violation under local ordinances, and cyclists may report such infractions. The regulation is designed to ensure safe passage and to reduce the risk of collisions.
- Cyclists Have an Obligation to Yield When Exiting Lanes: Cyclists leaving a bike lane to turn or avoid hazards must yield to vehicles in the adjacent travel lane. RCW 46.61.425 requires that such movements be made safely and with proper signaling. If you are a rider who is leaving a bike lane, make sure that you yield the right of way to both vehicles and pedestrians. It is important to err on the side of safety.
- Cyclists Have an Equal Right to the Road When No Lane Exists: Where no bike lane is present, cyclists have the same rights as motor vehicles to occupy a lane. As a bicyclist in Washington, you are not required to “hug the curb” if conditions make it unsafe.
Takeaway: You should ride in a bike lane when one is present. You have the exclusive right to use that lane as a cyclist. Vehicles should not block your path. When you leave the bike lane, make sure that you yield to any oncoming traffic and/or pedestrians.
A Guide to Crosswalks and Cyclists’ Rights in Washington
Bicyclists are also likely to navigate crosswalks. In Washington, there are specific rules and regulations in place to ensure that cyclists (and pedestrians) are able to traverse through crosswalks as safely as possible. Under RCW 46.61.235, drivers must stop for pedestrians and bicyclists in crosswalks. Here are key points bicyclists should know:
- The Rules When Walking a Bike in a Crosswalk: A cyclist who dismounts and walks their bike has the same rights as a pedestrian. Vehicles must stop and yield the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Given the law, it is often best for bicyclists to walk their bikes across, especially in busy areas.
- The Rules When Riding Through a Crosswalk: In Washington, Cyclists riding across a crosswalk retain certain rights but must also exercise due care. RCW 46.61.755 requires cyclists to follow the duties of pedestrians when in a crosswalk, but they cannot suddenly leave a curb in a manner that creates immediate danger. Courts in Washington have held that riding does not strip a cyclist of protections, but the circumstances matter.
- The Rules When Going Through a Signalized Intersection: At intersections with pedestrian signals, cyclists must obey the signal. Entering against a “Don’t Walk” signal can undermine a liability claim if a collision occurs. Observing signals strengthens a cyclist’s legal standing if struck by a negligent driver. Drivers in Washington owe both cyclists and pedestrians a duty of care.
Injured Cyclists Need Full and Fair Financial Compensation
Hurt in a bike accident in Seattle? Under Washington State law, you have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including for any intangible losses. However, in practice, getting personal injury compensation can be challenging. Insurance companies defend most bike accident claims. Insurers fight hard to pay out less in settlement negotiations. They are not on your side after a bad accident. Our Seattle bicycle accident lawyers can help. We are always ready to go the extra mile to help injured victims secure the maximum financial compensation. Along with other damages, you may be entitled to get a settlement or verdict for:
- Bike repairs or bike replacement;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other health care costs;
- Physical therapy and mental health support;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering and mental distress;
- Disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a loved one.
How Our Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help
Hurt in a bicycle accident at a crosswalk or in a bike lane in Seattle or elsewhere in Washington? It is imperative that you take immediate action to protect your rights and your interests. Do not take on the legal claims process alone. At Seattle Car Accident Law Firm, we prioritize the needs of victims and their families. Our team has a strong record of case results in personal injury claims, including bike accident cases. Your initial consultation with our Seattle bike accident attorney is free and fully confidential.
Call Our Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
At Seattle Car Accident Law Firm, our Seattle bicycle accident attorneys are strong, experienced advocates for victims’ rights. If you were hurt in a bicycle accident, we can help. Call us at (564) 444-7708 or contact us online for a free, no obligation initial appointment. From our Seattle office, we represent injured cyclists in King County and throughout the state of Washington.
