Olympia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

You should have been more careful. That’s what the insurance adjuster implied when you called to report that a driver sideswiped you on your morning commute through Olympia. 

Never mind that you had the right of way. Never mind that the driver was looking at their phone instead of the bike lane. Somehow, this became your fault for daring to ride a bicycle on a public road.

Now you’re drowning in medical bills while your cracked ribs make it impossible to sleep through the night, let alone return to work. The driver who hit you near Capitol Lake got a ticket and drove away. You got an ambulance ride, an ER bill, and an insurance company acting like you’re trying to scam them.

This is where we come in. An Olympia bicycle accident lawyer from our firm doesn’t let insurance companies rewrite reality. We’ve spent 130 years holding negligent drivers accountable in Thurston County—long enough to recognize every deflection tactic adjusters use to avoid paying what cyclists deserve.

We know the local roads where these collisions happen. We know which intersections on the Westside see the most doorings. We know exactly how insurance companies undervalue injuries to cyclists because they assume you’ll give up and go away. They’re wrong about you, and we prove it.

While you focus on healing and getting back to your life, we handle everything else—the medical documentation, the property damage claims, and the negotiations that drag on to wear you down—so you have the support of an experienced personal injury lawyer at every step.

You’ve already paid enough—in pain, in lost wages, in sleepless nights worrying about money. Let us handle the rest.

Call our office today. We’re ready to fight for what you’re owed.

Why Choose Jacobs & Jacobs for an Olympia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Residents of Olympia look for a legal team that possesses deep roots and a history of results. Our firm began serving the Puget Sound region in 1893, and we continue that mission today through the leadership of Tom Jacobs. 

Tom uses his 40 years of experience to guide our advocacy and protect your rights as a cyclist. We employ more than 50 members who work together to seek a fair resolution for your claim.

• Our satellite office in Olympia serves the residents of Thurston County with personal attention.
• We possess a 130 year legacy of service that gives us the strength to confront insurance companies.
• Our staff speaks English and Spanish, making our help accessible to every neighbor.
• We only receive payment if we successfully recover money for your claim.

Our firm maintains the resources of a large team while keeping the compassionate approach of a family business. We lift the legal burden from your shoulders so you can spend your time with your family. 

Our history in the local legal community allows us to provide the steady guidance you need after a crash. We have lived and worked in this region since 1893, which gives us a unique knowledge of the local landscape and courts. 

Call our office today to talk about your situation and learn how we help.

Proving Accountability for Bicycle Collisions

Drivers often fail to respect the rights of cyclists on busy roads like Harrison Avenue or near the state capitol. This failure constitutes negligence when it leads to a collision. 

Negligence happens when a person fails to use the care that a reasonable person would use in the same situation. We investigate the facts of the crash to prove who carries the legal responsibility for your injuries. 

Establishing liability serves as the foundation of your recovery. Our team gathers police reports, witness statements, and photos of the scene to build a strong argument for accountability. We look for evidence that the other driver was distracted, speeding, or failing to yield the right of way as required by RCW 46.61.755. 

This work allows us to show the insurance company exactly how the incident occurred and why their client is responsible.

• Negligence: We show that the other party failed to follow traffic safety rules or share the road.
• Evidence: We secure photos and statements while they remain fresh and available to support your claim.
• Accountability: We hold the responsible driver and their insurance provider responsible for the harm they caused.

Our firm handles the paperwork and the investigations while you focus on your medical treatment and physical therapy. We possess the experience needed to manage every detail of your claim from the moment we begin. Call our office today to talk about your case and start the process.

How Pure Comparative Fault Protects Your Rights as a Cyclist

Washington laws establish a system called pure comparative fault to determine the money a person receives after an accident. This law allows for a recovery even if the cyclist shared some of the blame for the crash. 

The court or insurance company assigns a percentage of fault to everyone involved, then the law reduces your recovery by that percentage. RCW 4.22.005 outlines this system for personal injury cases across our state.

Insurance companies often try to place an unfair share of blame on cyclists to protect their profits. They might claim you were not wearing bright clothing or that you were riding outside of the designated lane when you were not. We fight these tactics with facts and documentation.

• Fault Assessment: Courts assign a specific percentage of responsibility to each party based on the evidence we provide.
• Recovery Reduction: Your final amount reflects the share of blame assigned to the other driver.
• Legal Protection: Our team uses evidence to protect you from unfair claims of fault made by insurance adjusters.

Our firm makes sure the facts remain clear during every stage of negotiations. We have managed these challenges for families across the Puget Sound for over 130 years. Accountability remains our primary focus throughout the entire legal process. Call our office today to talk about your case and learn how this law impacts your claim.

Documenting Serious Injuries to Build Claim Value

Bicycle accidents often cause serious physical harm that requires long-term care because riders lack the protection of a vehicle frame. We discuss injuries like a traumatic brain injury only to explain how they change the value of your personal injury claim. 

A traumatic brain injury happens when a sudden jolt to the head disrupts brain function, which frequently occurs when a cyclist hits the pavement. Documentation of these injuries provides the proof necessary to show the insurance company why you need a fair settlement.

Catastrophic injuries like severe road rash, broken bones, or internal damage also require careful records. We use hospital reports and specialist notes to show the extent of the harm. These records allow us to calculate the full cost of your medical treatment and the care you will need in the future.

• Medical Records: These files show the surgeries, emergency visits, and treatments you received.
• Specialist Reports: Documentation from doctors explains the long term care and physical therapy you will need.
• Claim Value: Detailed records help us seek a settlement that covers every part of your recovery.

We handle the process of requesting and organizing these medical files on your behalf. This work allows you to stay focused on your physical recovery without worrying about hospital paperwork. 

Keeping Track of the Washington Statute of Limitations

Washington laws set a strict time limit for filing a bicycle accident claim. RCW 4.16.080 generally gives you three years from the date of the crash to take legal action. 

Missing this three-year limit means the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to any recovery. Building a strong case requires us to act quickly while evidence still exists. Video footage from nearby businesses or fresh witness memories disappear over time. 

We begin work early to ensure that we preserve every detail for your claim.

• The Three-Year Limit: State laws require you to file your personal injury claim case within three years of the incident.
• Evidence Preservation: We secure photos and statements before they are lost or destroyed by the passage of time.
• Legal Deadlines: Our team manages all the filings to keep your case moving forward in the court system.

Our firm tracks all these important dates for you so you do not have to worry. We manage the timelines, so you do not have to worry about legal calendars. 

A Legacy of Service Since 1893

Jacobs & Jacobs has remained a steady presence in the Puget Sound area since 1893. We serve families in Olympia, Kent, and Puyallup with compassion and strength. 

Our history of serving Washington since 1893 shows our dedication to treating our neighbors with respect. We are members of the local community who care about the people here and their safety.

• Our satellite office in Olympia provides a local base for Thurston County families to reach us.
• A team of over 50 members makes sure we have the resources to manage your claim successfully.
• Primary offices in Kent and Puyallup support our work across the entire region.

We provide honest and hopeful guidance throughout the legal process. Our team is ready to listen to your story and help you find a path forward. We possess the experience needed to hold major companies and insurance providers accountable for their mistakes. 

Call our office today to talk about your situation and your legal options.

Injured? Get the Compensation You Deserve!

Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim. Our experienced injury attorneys fight for your maximum compensation—so you can focus on healing. No fees unless we win!

Schedule A Free Consultation

FAQs

Can I still seek a recovery if I was not riding in a bike lane?

Washington laws allow cyclists to use the road even where no bike lane exists according to RCW 46.61.770. You still possess the right to seek a recovery for your injuries if a driver was negligent. 

We gather evidence to show that the driver failed to share the road safely as required by state statutes. Call our office today to talk about your case.

What happens if a car door opened in front of me and caused a crash?

Opening a car door into the path of a cyclist constitutes a violation of traffic safety rules in many situations. We hold the person who opened the door accountable for your injuries and the damage to your bicycle. These claims require careful documentation of the scene and witness statements to prove liability. Call our office today to talk about your situation.

Does the law allow me to seek a recovery if a pothole caused my crash?

City or county governments carry a responsibility to maintain roads in a safe condition for all users. You may have a claim if a known road hazard like a severe pothole or poorly designed drainage grate caused your accident. These cases often involve different deadlines and requirements than claims against private drivers. Call our office today to talk about your situation.

Will the insurance company pay for my broken bicycle and gear?

Property damage claims usually cover the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle and any damaged equipment. This includes your helmet, riding shoes, and any electronics mounted to your bike. These losses are part of the broader category of economic and non-economic damages that may be available in your case. We help you document the value of these items to ensure the insurance company pays a fair amount. Call our office today to talk about your claim.

What if I was hit by an e-bike or another cyclist?

Personal injury laws apply to collisions between different types of riders as well under RCW 4.22.015. We investigate the insurance policies that may cover the person who caused your injuries. These cases often involve homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies rather than auto insurance. Call our office today to talk about your case and learn how we help.

Call Jacobs & Jacobs Today

Your recovery requires a legal team that provides strength and capable assistance. We manage the legal details and the investigations so you can focus on your health and your family. 

Call our office today to talk about your case and learn how we provide the advocacy you need. We have the history and the resources to help you seek accountability for the harm you suffered. We will take it from here.