How Helmets Impact Bicycle Accident Cases
When cars collide with bicycles, the impact can be devastating, even if the cyclist was wearing a helmet. These kinds of accidents often leave the cyclist with crippling or even fatal injuries. Victims of bicycle accidents deserve compensation and justice, regardless of whether they were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
You may be wondering how helmet use affects your rights after a devastating bicycle accident. We’re here to help address that issue and any other questions you may have. At Dean Standish Perkins & Associates, you will find skilled and experienced legal advocacy from injury attorneys with decades of experience.
Is Helmet Use Required In Washington?
Currently, there are no Washington laws at the state level requiring bicycle helmets. Some cities do have local ordinances requiring them, but not wearing a helmet even in those cities should not adversely impact your case. Read on for more detail.
Can Not Wearing A Helmet Derail Your Personal Injury Case?
The short answer is no, it shouldn’t. Washington is an “at-fault” state when it comes to auto insurance claims. That means the insurance of the party who was at fault in causing the accident will be responsible for compensating you for your injuries.
If another driver crashed into you or doored you, your lack of a helmet has nothing to do with their negligence. Wearing a helmet would not have prevented the crash. The driver can’t claim that you contributed to the accident simply by not wearing a helmet.
Watch Out For Sneaky Insurance Tactics
Despite the law being on your side, that may not stop insurance adjusters from trying to pressure or bully you into accepting a low-ball settlement on account of your not wearing a helmet. Don’t give in to their ploys.
Our lawyers can stand up for you, including going to court if needed. We are no strangers to opposing powerful insurance companies. We will shield you from their underhanded tactics and fight for your rights.
Learn How We Can Help
After a bicycle accident, you deserve aggressive advocates who are familiar with the legal landscape of these claims. We’ve got you covered.
Call our Issaquah office at 206-981-5043 or reach out online for a free consultation so you can get to know our lawyers and talk about your case. There are no strings attached.