A quiet ride through the Manito Park neighborhoods or a commute along the Centennial Trail changes instantly when a driver turns without checking their mirrors. Sudden impacts leave cyclists facing broken components and painful trauma that limit daily function.

Seeking a recovery requires a deep knowledge of state traffic codes and the insurance industry. A Spokane Bicycle Accident Lawyer from our firm provides the powerful assistance you need while you prioritize your physical rehabilitation.

We represent the rights of riders across Eastern Washington, using a legacy of advocacy that began in 1893 to build a strong case. Call our office to discuss your case and find out how our team supports your recovery pursuit.

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Washington Statutes Protecting Spokane Bicyclists

Jacobs and Jacobs Injury Law Group attorneys

Washington laws establish clear rules that define bicycle operation and the rights of riders on the roadway. Grasping these statutes helps you identify how the other driver violated their duty of care.

Our team uses a thorough knowledge of these codes to advocate for people who suffered harm due to motorist negligence. We apply these legal standards to build a factual foundation for your pursuit of a recovery.

Pure comparative fault principles

Washington uses a pure comparative fault system according to RCW 4.22.005. This law allows you to pursue damages even if you share some responsibility for the accident. The court reduces your total financial award by the percentage of fault a jury assigns to your actions.

The three-year statute of limitations 

State law sets a strict time limit for starting a personal injury lawsuit after a bicycle collision. RCW 4.16.080 generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to file your case in court. Missing this date results in the loss of your right to seek any compensation, regardless of your injuries.

Our team starts our investigation immediately to meet all legal deadlines while evidence remains available and witness memories stay clear. Acting quickly allows us to preserve traffic camera footage and digital data that might disappear over time.

Vehicle rights and lane usage

Washington motorists must treat bicycles with the same respect they afford other motor vehicles. RCW 46.61.755 grants cyclists the same rights and duties as drivers of passenger cars. Drivers must provide a safe distance when passing a cyclist and must yield the right of way at intersections.

Many drivers fail to recognize these rights, leading to dangerous collisions on Spokane streets. We gather evidence to show the driver violated these specific traffic laws at the moment of the crash.

Frequent Roadway Hazards for Riders in Spokane

Distraction and roadway hazards contribute to thousands of bicycle injuries in Spokane every year. Identifying the exact cause of your crash helps our firm hold the negligent parties accountable for your losses. We investigate every detail of the scene to build a clear picture of the driver’s mistakes.

Dooring accidents in urban areas

Drivers parked along busy Spokane streets often open their car doors without checking for oncoming cyclists. These dooring accidents frequently throw riders into traffic or cause them to strike the pavement with significant force.

Washington law requires drivers to ensure they do not interfere with the movement of traffic when opening doors. We collect photos of the vehicle and the surrounding area to document these incidents. Establishing this negligence helps us build a strong argument for your recovery.

Left-turn intersection failures

Many serious accidents happen when a driver turns left across the path of an oncoming cyclist. Motorists often look for larger vehicles and fail to notice a bike approaching from the opposite direction. These impacts occur at busy intersections near North Monroe Street or downtown Spokane.

Our team examines traffic camera footage and witness accounts to show the driver failed to yield the right of way. Establishing this failure helps us build a strong argument for your recovery.

Sand and de-icer residue on spring roadways

Spokane winters require the city to use sand and de-icers that remain on the road long after the snow melts. This loose debris creates hazards for bicyclists during cornering or braking.

If a government entity or construction crew failed to clear a known hazard, they might share liability for your crash. We investigate the roadway conditions and maintenance records to determine if negligence played a part. Proving a failure to maintain safe roads strengthens your legal position.

close-up of a bicycle caught under the wheels of a car. Concept of Bicycle Accident With Car

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Why Partner with Jacobs and Jacobs for a Spokane Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Our family firm provides a legacy of advocacy that spans more than 130 years of Washington history.

  • We maintain deep roots in the Puget Sound and Eastern Washington, a tradition that began with B.F. Jacobs in the late 1800s.
  • Our team of more than 50 members works together to support your pursuit of fair treatment and a successful outcome.
  • Tom Jacobs currently handles a high volume of injury claims, reflecting the trust our neighbors place in our work.
  • Our attorneys bring the experience of representing tens of thousands of people to even the most complex bicycle accident cases.
  • Our staff manages the adjusters, the paperwork, and the legal deadlines under our philosophy that we take it from here.
  • Our firm provides flexible meeting options through Zoom or home visits to meet your specific needs in Spokane.

This client-focused support lowers stress through personalized legal strategies for every person we represent. We handle the administrative details so you can devote your energy to your family and your healing.

Documenting Injuries for Your Claim

Bicycle accidents often result in severe physical harm because riders possess almost no protection during an impact. Documenting these injuries correctly remains essential for building a strong legal claim. We focus on how your medical condition affects your claim value and your ability to work.

Brain trauma and evidence requirements

The force of an impact frequently causes a rider’s head to strike a vehicle or the pavement. These conditions often lead to concussions or more severe brain injuries that require cognitive therapy and specialized monitoring.

We document the impact of a brain injury on your memory, concentration, and emotional stability. This information helps us seek a settlement that covers the cost of long-term cognitive support. Brain injuries require detailed records from specialists to prove the severity of the damage to the insurance carrier.

Fractures and orthopedic recovery records

Riders often suffer multiple fractures in the limbs, ribs, or collarbone during a collision. These injuries require surgeries, pins, and months of physical therapy before you can return to your normal routine.

We track every surgery and rehabilitation session to build a complete record of the physical toll. This documentation shows the insurance company the full extent of the harm the driver caused. Consistent treatment records help us demonstrate the necessity of the compensation we seek on your behalf.

Surface trauma and permanent scarring

Severe skin abrasions occur when a rider slides across asphalt during a crash. These injuries lead to permanent scarring and a high risk of infection if not treated properly. The physical pain and the emotional impact of permanent disfigurement represent important parts of your claim.

We ensure that the visual evidence of these injuries remains preserved through high-quality photography. This helps show the full scope of the suffering the driver’s negligence caused.

Practical Steps to Support Your Recovery Pursuit

The actions you take in the days following an accident help preserve your right to seek a recovery. Our team helps you manage administrative details, allowing you to focus on your health and family.

Specific steps help our team build a more robust argument for your financial recovery. Developing a detailed record of the collision’s impact strengthens your legal position throughout the claim process:

  • Keeping every medical bill, pharmacy receipt, and invoice for medical equipment in an organized file.
  • Maintaining a daily log of your pain levels and physical tasks you can no longer perform.
  • Saving the bicycle and all safety gear you used at the time of the crash as physical evidence.
  • Avoiding any discussion of the accident or your injuries on social media platforms.
  • Referring all calls from the driver’s insurance adjusters directly to our office.
  • Documenting all lost wages and missed work opportunities through payroll records.
  • Taking photos of any visible bruising, lacerations, or other physical marks of the crash.
  • Writing down your own account of the accident while the memory remains clear.
    Following these steps protects the integrity of your claim and prevents insurance companies from twisting your words. We use this information to calculate the full financial and personal impact of the accident. Your diligence in saving these records helps our team pursue the most suitable outcome for your case.
Bicycle and helmet lying on road and car

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FAQ for Spokane Bicycle Accident Lawyer

What if my accident happened because of a dog?

Dog owners in Washington are generally responsible if their pet causes a cyclist to crash by chasing them or running into their path. These cases involve homeowners insurance policies rather than vehicle insurance. We help you identify the owner and their insurance provider to seek compensation for your medical bills and property damage. Washington law holds owners accountable for the actions of their pets when they interfere with public safety.

Can I seek a recovery if the driver never hit my bike?

No-contact accidents occur when a driver’s negligence forces you to swerve or crash to avoid a direct impact. These claims are possible but often require witness testimony or video evidence to prove the driver’s fault. We work to find the proof needed to show that the driver’s actions were the primary cause of your crash. These cases often involve uninsured motorist coverage if the negligent driver leaves the scene.

Am I eligible for compensation if I was not wearing a helmet?

Washington does not have a statewide helmet law, though some local cities have their own requirements. Failing to wear a helmet does not prevent you from seeking damages for your injuries. However, the opposing side might argue that the lack of a helmet contributed to the severity of certain injuries. We focus on the driver’s negligence as the primary cause of the accident regardless of the safety gear you wore.

How do hit and run accidents work for bicyclists?

Hit and run incidents are frustrating, but your own auto insurance policy may provide a path for recovery. Uninsured motorist coverage often applies to cyclists who are hit by a driver who flees the scene. We review your insurance policies to identify every available benefit that helps cover your medical costs. Finding the responsible party through witness accounts and video footage remains a top priority for our investigators.

What if a poorly maintained road caused my bicycle crash?

Government agencies have a duty to keep public roadways in a reasonably safe condition for all users, including cyclists. If a deep pothole or dangerous debris in Spokane caused your injury, you might have a claim against the city or county.

These cases involve strict notice-of-claim deadlines that require immediate action. We investigate the maintenance history of the location to see if the hazard was reported previously.

Finding Strength After a Serious Collision

The weeks following a bicycle collision involve physical pain, insurance calls, and significant uncertainty about your financial future. Managing these burdens while trying to recover from an injury adds unnecessary stress to a time when you should focus on your health.

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Tom Jacobs – Spokane
Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Our firm has provided a pillar of strength for the residents of Washington for over 130 years, and we extend that same commitment to the Spokane community. We believe that no one should have to face insurance companies alone, especially when dealing with an injury that was not their fault.

Our family-led team at Jacobs & Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group brings a legacy of trial experience and compassionate support to your case. We provide the direct assistance needed to manage the paperwork and the aggressive tactics of insurance adjusters.

If you’ve suffered an injury on a bicycle and need guidance, contact our office to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you.

Jacobs and Jacobs Injury Law Group – Spokane Office

Address: 12709 E Mirabeau Pkwy,

Spokane Valley, WA 99216

Ph: (509) 316-2456