Seattle is one of the best major cities in the entire country for cyclists. At the same time, it is not as safe as it should be. Our infrastructure has gaps. Further, too many motorists fail to take proper safety precautions around bikes. Cyclists on Washington streets rely on state right-of-way laws to stay safe and secure justice after an accident. Here, our Seattle bicycle accident attorney provides a guide to protecting cyclists in Washington State after a crash.
Bicycle Accidents are On the Rise in Seattle
Unfortunately, bike accidents are on the rise in our region. According to data from the People Powered Movement (PPM), Seattle saw 212 bike crashes in 2021, up from 177 in 2020. That is a significant year-over-year increase, and it is part of a long-term trend. There were 158 cyclists who were hurt and four who were killed in motor vehicle collisions in the city in 2021 alone. Even more cyclists were seriously injured in crashes in the surrounding region, including in King County.
What Does Right-of-Way Mean?
The term “right-of-way” refers to the legal right to proceed first in a particular traffic situation. It determines which vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian has priority when paths intersect. For example, at an intersection with stop signs, the vehicle that arrives first usually has the right-of-way. In the absence of signs or signals, traffic laws provide default rules, such as yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks or yielding to vehicles already in a roundabout.
Note: Failing to yield the right-of-way when required is a traffic violation.
Your Guide to the Right-of-Way in Seattle (Bicycles)
In Seattle, bicyclists share the road with motor vehicles and pedestrians. Understanding who has the right-of-way is essential to staying safe and avoiding legal violations. Indeed, a significant number of bicycle accidents in Seattle happened because someone violated the right-of-way. Both Washington State law and the Seattle Municipal Code define right-of-way rules to govern interactions between cyclists and others on the road. Here are key things cyclists should know:
- Bicycles Have the Same Rights and Duties as Motor Vehicles: As a starting point, it is important to clarify that cyclists have the same rights (and responsibilities) as drivers. Under RCW 46.61.755, bicyclists are granted all the rights and are subject to all the duties of a driver of a vehicle. Cyclists must follow the same right-of-way rules as drivers when approaching stop signs, traffic lights, and intersections. For example, if a cyclist reaches a four-way stop, they must yield in the same order as cars.
- Bicyclists Must Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalks: Under RCW 46.61.235, drivers and bicyclists must stop for pedestrians within marked or unmarked crosswalks. To be clear, the statute applies even if the cyclist is riding in a bike lane. In Seattle, SMC 11.44.120 reiterates that bicycles must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, particularly on shared-use paths and sidewalks. Cyclists should slow down and prepare to stop when approaching intersections with pedestrian activity. Pedestrian safety is a high priority.
- Bike Lanes Do Not Automatically Grant Right-of-Way: Bike lanes matter. They reduce the risk that cyclists face. Still, there are many misconceptions about the right-of-way regulations in the context of bike lanes. While bike lanes provide designated space for cyclists, they do not always give priority in every situation. For instance, when crossing a driveway or an alley, a cyclist must yield to cross-traffic unless otherwise controlled by signage or signals.
- Sidewalk Riding Comes With Special Yielding Rules in Seattle: Can a bicyclist ride on a sidewalk lawfully? In Seattle, the answer is “yes”—unless it is specifically posted otherwise. Indeed, under SMC 11.44.160, the City of Seattle permits sidewalk riding. However, there are special right-of-way requirements for cyclists who are on the sidewalk. They must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking them.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for a Bike Accident
In Washington, bike accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their losses, including any non-economic damages. How much compensation can you expect to recover as part of a bicycle accident injury case? The answer depends on a wide range of different case-specific factors. With that being said, you cannot rely on any insurance company to willingly step up and look out for your best interests. They fight hard to pay out less in settlement talks. Our Seattle, WA, bicycle accident attorneys are prepared to help you seek compensation for:
- Bicycle repairs;
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical costs;
- Lost wages;
- Diminished earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Long-term disability;
- Loss of quality of life; and
- Wrongful death.
How Our Seattle Bike Injury Attorney Can Help
Following a cycling accident in Seattle, it is normal to have a lot of questions about your rights, your options, and what you need to do next to get full and fair financial compensation for your damages. At Seattle Car Accident Law Firm, we are strong, aggressive advocates for injured victims. With extensive experience handling bike accident cases, we know how to hold the big insurance companies accountable. If a crash involves an (alleged) right-of-way violation, we are ready to gather all of the evidence that our clients need to prove liability. Our law firm provides free, no-obligation, and completely confidential initial consultations in bike accident cases.
Contact Our Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At Seattle Car Accident Law Firm, our Seattle bicycle accident attorney is a strong, experienced advocate for justice. If you were hurt in a cycling crash, we are here to protect your rights and your interests. Call us at (564) 444-7708 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review. With an office in Seattle, we handle bike accident injury claims throughout the wider region, including in King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, Thurston County, and Kitsap County.
