Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Handling Personal Injury Claims in the Seattle Area and Throughout Washington Since 1995

My name is Chris Thayer and I am a personal injury attorney practicing in downtown Seattle. I handle personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death claims throughout the greater Seattle area, including Issaquah, Mercer Island and Kirkland.

I am here to help you.

Call for a free consultation (206) 340-2008

Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorney

Seattle Bicycle Accident AttorneyWith the increasing awareness of the impact that internal combustion engines have on our environment, and the ongoing challenges associated with volume of traffic and congestion in the greater Seattle area, more and more people are turning to bicycles for their commute to and from work on a daily basis. In addition to commuters, recreational bicycling is very popular here in the Pacific Northwest. The result is an increasing number of bicyclists sharing the road with cars and trucks which, unfortunately, has resulted in more accidents and more injuries from collisions with motor vehicles. Even with appropriate safety gear, including reflective clothing, helmets and lights, a bicyclist is no match for a 4,000 pound SUV, and the resulting collisions often lead to tragic injuries for the cyclist.

Part of the problem is that motor vehicle drivers, often fail to see the bicyclists, they literally “look right through them” – as they are looking for cars and simply fail to register that a bicycle and rider have the same rights as a motor vehicle in terms of duty to yield, etc. A common scenario is for a driver to make a turn without seeing the bike rider (either oncoming or in the same lane), effectively cutting off the cyclist and causing an accident. Another type of bike accident involves getting ’doored’ where a person in a parked car opens their door into moving traffic and hits a passing biker causing damage and injury. Many bikers have been thrown into the middle of the street and suffered horrible injury when they then get run over by a passing car or truck; all because the driver of the motor vehicle failed to see the cyclist.

Motor vehicle drivers must be attentive to all bicycle riders as they have the same rights and responsibilities while riding on a roadway that a car does (http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike/laws.htm).

As cyclist myself, I am especially sensitive to the plight of injured bicyclists. I know that my clients are not encased in 3,000 lb. steel cages with air bags and seat belts and that every time you ride on the street you are taking a calculated risk. I understand this and I am prepared to fight for the rights of those who have been injured while riding their bike.

In many cases, a bicycle accident results from a motorist’s negligence or inattentiveness while operating his or her vehicle. The following are some common types of collisions that a cyclist may be injured in:

Professionally trained staff members work with our bike accident clients to help ensure that they receive full and fair compensation for their claim:

What Causes Bicycle Accidents?

Although statistics can be hard to come by, as bike accidents are not always reported to law enforcement, there appear to be several common scenarios that lead to serious bicycle accidents with motor vehicles:

Some bike accidents are caused by defective design, repair or manufacture of the bicycle itself, which can lead to a product liability claim. If you suspect that your bicycle may be dangerously defective for any reason, it is essential to preserve the bicycle and have it examined by an expert if you are to pursue any claim.Bicycle Injuries

Bicycle accidents commonly result in a variety of very serious injuries that can affect the rider for a lifetime. Common serious injuries from bicycle accidents include:

These types of injuries common to bike accidents may deprive a cyclist not only of his or her good health, but to the bicyclist’s capacity to earn a living, and the ability to care for his or her family. Bicycle accident victims often require costly medical care. The need for this care in cases involving catastrophic injuries may continue throughout the cyclist’s entire life.

Bicycle Accidents: Expert Witnesses to Help your Case

Determining liability for a bike accident case often requires the use of expert witnesses, whose knowledge and ability to communicate to a judge or jury can make a difference in your outcome. Expert witnesses may be needed to analyze and testify about:

Expert witnesses can also be helpful in evaluating and explaining your injuries and the impact that these injuries may have on your life in the future, including the need for future care and treatment. If you have been involved in a serious bicycle accident, it is important that you consult with an attorney who has experience working with these types of experts and dealing with the issues that commonly arise in bicycle accident claims. Please contact me to set up a free initial consultation so we can discuss your potential claim.

Compensation for Your Injuries

Because injuries sustained in a bike accident can be substantial, bicyclists and their families may lose the quality of life they previously enjoyed. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be able to recover your past and future lost wages, expenses for doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers, and other expenses related to your bicycle accident. You also may be entitled to money that would compensate you for any pain, suffering, disability and disfigurement you have and may continue to suffer.

Consult With an Experienced Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorney Promptly

Accident scenes change quickly and witnesses’ memories fade in short period of time. To preserve evidence that may be of great importance to your bicycle accident case, there are several actions that should be considered immediately. You should save all of the clothes that you were wearing at the time of the accident and do not wash them, no matter how soiled – as they may be useful evidence to demonstrate your damages and injuries. If possible and safe to do so, photograph the scene of the accident, your bicycle, all vehicles involved and yourself at the scene (especially any bruising or abrasions). You also need to preserve the bicycle. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can arrange for the safe storage of your bicycle for later inspection for potential defects and to present as evidence to a jury of the violence of the accident. It is essential to conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene, and interview eyewitnesses while facts are fresh in their minds.

Prompt action by an experienced Seattle bicycle accident attorney familiar with bike accidents, can make a big difference in the outcome of your potential case. Please contact me for a free initial consultation to discuss your potential bicycle accident case. I can help you with the legal and insurance issues, while you and your healthcare providers take care of your injuries, your physical recovery and getting you back on your bike.

Are you seeking a reliable, experienced insurance attorney in Seattle? Chris Thayer is the Seattle insurance lawyer that you can trust to handle your insurance cases with professionalism, competence, and empathy. With more than 15 years of experience representing clients in all types of disputes surrounding property damage and liability claims, Chris is your go-to insurance claim attorney in Seattle.

Chris began his insurance law career as an associate at one of the most established firms in the city and quickly rose to become a partner. During his tenure there, he quickly developed a reputation for being a top-notch litigator and negotiator who could effectively represent clients’ interests. His impressive track record has earned him recognition among industry peers and awards from legal organizations such as the Washington State Bar Association.

When it comes to insurance cases, Chris understands how important it is for clients to have someone on their side who can fight for what is rightfully theirs. He works tirelessly to ensure that his clients have access to justice no matter what kind of case they are dealing with. Whether it’s an auto accident claim or an issue concerning homeowners’ insurance policies, Chris will use every available resource to ensure that his client receives the best possible outcome.

In addition to providing his services as an insurance claim attorney in Seattle, Chris also offers personal injury representation for those who have been injured due to another party’s negligence or carelessness. He knows how difficult it can be for victims of accidents or injuries to get fair compensation from insurance companies — this is why he will do everything necessary to secure just compensation on behalf of his clients. If a case goes beyond negotiation or litigation and must be taken before a judge or jury, then he will represent them with zealous advocacy at trial as well.

At Seattle Insurance Lawyer we understand that sometimes people don’t really know exactly what they need when they are looking into legal help involving their property damage or liability claims; this is why we strive to provide resources and guidance along the way so that our potential clients get the information they need before deciding if our services are right for them. We offer free consultations so that everyone can get answers about their specific situation without any cost or obligation involved — simply fill out our online form today and one of our skilled attorneys will reach out shortly!

No matter what kind of legal issue you may be facing with regards to your coverage and protection needs, Chris Thayer is here to help guide you through the process of settling your dispute fairly and efficiently so that you can move forward with peace of mind knowing you have gotten justice served on your behalf. Contact us now if you would like more information on how we can assist you!