Davis Law Group, P.S.

Is There a Bicycle Accident Epidemic in the Metro Seattle Area?

In recent weeks, there have been several bicycle accidents with motor vehicles, which have been reported widely in local media. Police reports will show that there have been numerous other accidents that have not been reported in the news. The media generally covers the most tragic cases. The following high profile bicycle collisions have all taken place after June 1.

1. Summary: A 49-year-old man in Kirkland was hit on his bicycle by an 18-year-old driving a truck.
Date: July 22, 2011
Location: Kirkland, WA
Injuries: One fatality
Davis represents the family of the deceased.

2. Summary: Mike Wang was hit by a hit-and-run driver operating a white SUV when he was riding his bike home from work on Dexter Avenue and Thomas Street in Seattle. The SUV fled the scene and still has not been located.
Date: July 28, 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Injuries: One fatality

3. Summary: A 71-year-old bicyclist was attacked by 3 young men in a car while in Pierce County. The attackers were driving by in a car when they pushed and hit Ron Wingerson, causing the bicyclist to fall down with critical injuries.
Date: July 2, 2011
Location: South Prairie, WA
Injuries: Six cracked ribs and a fractured pelvis
Davis represents the victim.

4. Summary: A 70-year-old bicyclist died this morning after being hit by an SUV. The cyclist was crossing the lanes of Logan Ave. around 5 p.m.
Date: August 4, 2011
Location: Renton, WA
Injuries: One fatality

5. Summary: A witness reports that a driver hit a bicyclist and fled the scene. The witness led police to the truck that was believed to have caused the collision. The truck and cyclist were traveling in the left lane heading southbound when the driver hit the bicycle from behind around 2 a.m. this morning. They have the vehicle but the driver has not yet been found.
Date: August 5, 2011
Location: South Seattle, WA
Injuries: Taken to Harborview, but did not suffer any life threatening injuries.
 

Seattle bicycle accident attorney Chris Davis has represented many high profile bicycle accident cases.

"After a collision with an automobile, for example, a cyclist can help his or her claim by understanding local laws and legal concepts that may apply to their case,” Chris Davis said. “These concepts include the term 'right of way,' the reciprocal duty of care that the motorist and bicyclist each has toward the other, and the different situations when a bicyclist is treated as a motorist versus a pedestrian under the law. The book also teaches bicyclists about the different sources of insurance coverage and benefits that may apply to their claim.”

Wheels of Justice: Washington State Bicycle Accident Law, written by Davis is a resource to those who have been victims in bicycle accidents.

Cycling saves energy, provides a greener alternative to motoring and is a part of a healthy lifestyle, yet nearly 1,000 people are killed every year in bicycle.