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Whether exploring the magnificent mountains of the Pacific Northwest or simply taking a health-conscious commute to work, bicycle riding is a go-to activity for many Washington residents. While cycling has many physical and mental benefits, this hobby can sometimes lead to devastating consequences.
If you sustained injuries in a bike crash, you deserve to understand the cause of your accident and hold the appropriate parties responsible. A Yakima bicycle accident lawyer could help you sort through who may be liable for your injuries and how much compensation you may be entitled to. Enlist the help of an experienced personal injury attorney today.
Common Injuries Resulting from Bicycle Collisions
Bicycle wrecks can result in injuries to the cyclist and possibly to others in the area if a crash ensues. Injuries sustained in a bike accident can vary from mild to severe depending on the extent of the damage, including:
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Skull fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Dislocations
- Rupture spleens
Individuals who have been injured in a bicycle accident in Yakima should contact an attorney to determine what expenses and other damages they may be entitled to and how to prove those damages in a lawsuit.
Liability in a Bicycle Accident Case
There are a multitude of circumstances that can contribute to a bike crash. While many accidents involving cyclists occur on the road as a result of the negligence of motorists, other factors—such as the condition of the road or the design of the bike itself—can sometimes be responsible.
Bicycle Collisions Implicating Premises Liability
One theory of liability that may present itself in a bicycle wreck is premises liability. Premises liability involves landownership and the legal principle that property owners should be responsible for keeping their property in a reasonably safe condition. When they fail to do so, individuals who enter their property can have accidents that result in substantial injury.
A bicycle accident might implicate the theory of premises liability if the injured party was riding on another person’s property and was injured by a dangerous condition, such as ice on the sidewalk or an unidentified pothole. Premises liability can apply to private and commercial property, as well as to public property.
To prevail in a premises liability claim for a bike accident, a seasoned Yakima attorney must first demonstrate what type of visitor the injured party was. The level of care required by landowners to visitors differs depending on the purpose and permission for being on the property. A skilled legal professional will also have to show that the property owner failed to live up to the duty required of them and that this failure caused the injuries the cyclist sustained.
Bicycle Accidents Implicating Products Liability
If a bicycle crash was the result of a malfunction in the bike itself, rather than due to the presence of a dangerous condition on the property, a Yakima cyclist injury lawyer might choose to pursue a product liability claim. Product liability is an area of law that operates under the principle that those responsible for the production of consumer goods should be held accountable for ensuring their reasonable safety.
In a Yakima product liability case, an attorney will be required to determine whether the problem with the product was due to a defect in the manufacturing, the design, or the warning labels. They could choose who to sue based on this determination—whether that be the manufacturer, the retailer, or the distributor.
Schedule a Consultation with a Yakima Bicycle Accident Attorney
Cycling can be a healthy outlet for recreation and fitness. However, like many active hobbies, there are risks associated with bicycle riding that can ultimately lead to extensive injuries.
Call a Yakima bicycle accident lawyer today to discuss which theory or theories of liability might apply to your case. Let your dedicated attorney argue for your right to compensation and help relieve the financial burdens caused by your crash.
