Bicycle Accident Attorney in Spokane for Your Legal Needs

Personal Injury Representation for Spokane Cyclists Since 1980

When a collision leaves you injured, the insurance process moves fast and rarely in your favor. Adjusters for the at-fault driver work to minimize payouts, and cyclists without legal representation routinely recover less than the full value of their claim. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Spokane investigate the crash, handle all insurer communications, and pursue compensation covering both your current losses and future care.

Maxey Law Office has represented personal injury and wrongful death clients since our founding in 1980, and three generations of the Maxey family practice law here. We serve clients throughout Spokane, North Idaho, and the surrounding region. If you can’t travel to us, we’ll come to you. We offer home and hospital visits for clients who can’t make it to the office, and free initial consultations for every new bicycle accident case.

To schedule a free consultation with our bicycle accident attorneys in Spokane, contact us today at (509) 652-3330.

Injuries Spokane Cyclists Commonly Sustain

Unlike vehicle occupants, cyclists have no frame, seat belt, or airbag to absorb impact. Serious injuries can result even from low-speed collisions. Common injuries include traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion, skull fractures, spinal cord damage, broken bones such as the collarbone, ribs, arms, and legs, road rash, deep lacerations, and psychological conditions including PTSD.

Some injuries, including internal bleeding and concussions, aren’t immediately apparent after a crash. Delaying medical care gives an insurer grounds to dispute whether the accident caused your condition. Seeking prompt evaluation protects both your health and your claim. Injury severity is one of the three primary factors in determining claim value, alongside the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage and your documented medical and wage losses.

Washington Bicycle Laws & the Spokane Helmet Ordinance

Under RCW 46.61.755, cyclists on Washington roadways have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers. Several specific rules govern how cyclists and drivers must share the road:

• Helmet Requirements – Washington has no statewide helmet law. The City of Spokane requires riders of any age in public areas within city limits to wear a helmet under SMC 10.17.030. Spokane County’s separate ordinance applies only to riders ages 3 through 15. Not wearing a helmet can’t be the sole basis for denying a claim, but an at-fault driver may still raise helmet use to reduce the amount sought under Washington’s comparative fault rules.
• Right to the Road – Cyclists must ride as far to the right as is safe, except when avoiding hazards or preparing to turn left.
• Passing Distance – Drivers must leave at least three feet of clearance when overtaking a cyclist under RCW 46.61.110.
• Lighting Requirements – Cyclists riding at night must have a white front light and a red rear reflector.
• Traffic Laws – Cyclists must obey all traffic signals and signs as motor vehicle operators do.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Spokane

Understanding why a crash happened is the foundation of any liability claim. Common causes include driver distraction, failure to yield at intersections, dooring, speeding, DUI, following too closely, and poor road conditions. Spokane winters leave sand and de-icing residue on roadways well after snow melts, creating cornering and braking hazards that may involve government entity liability.

Determining Liability in a Bicycle Accident

More than one party can share responsibility for a bicycle accident. Potentially liable parties include:

• Negligent Drivers – A motorist who was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent may be held responsible.
• Government Entities – If poor road conditions contributed to the crash, a government entity may be liable for failing to maintain safe roads.
• Bicycle Manufacturers – If a defective component caused the accident, the manufacturer or retailer may be held accountable.
• Pedestrians – In some cases, a pedestrian who acts recklessly or steps into a cyclist’s path may share responsibility.

Washington follows a pure comparative fault rule under RCW 4.22.005. A cyclist who is partially at fault can still pursue compensation; the amount sought is reduced proportionally by their percentage of fault, with no cutoff that bars recovery entirely. Insurance adjusters routinely try to assign a higher share of fault to the cyclist to reduce the payout. We counter that by gathering evidence to challenge the assignment.

Damages Available in a Spokane Bicycle Accident Claim

Washington doesn’t cap non-economic damages in personal injury cases, which means the full extent of your losses can be argued and pursued. Economic damages can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity for permanent disabilities, treatment-related transportation costs, and property damage to your bicycle. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement.

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may provide a path to pursue compensation, even though you were on a bicycle rather than in a car. When a bicycle accident results in a fatality, wrongful death claims are available to surviving family members. Settlement value typically can’t be fully assessed until you reach maximum medical improvement, the point at which the complete scope of your future medical needs is known.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Spokane

Washington’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident under RCW 4.16.080. Missing that deadline forfeits your right to seek compensation regardless of how serious your injuries are. Acting early also preserves evidence: traffic camera footage, vehicle data, and witness accounts can disappear quickly.

1. Ensure Safety and Call 911 – Get out of traffic and report the accident. A police report creates official documentation.
2. Seek Medical Attention – Get evaluated even if injuries seem minor. Prompt care creates a documented link between the crash and your injuries.
3. Document the Scene – Photograph the vehicles, your bicycle, your injuries, and the surrounding road conditions.
4. Collect Information – Get the driver’s name, insurance details, and contact information from any witnesses.
5. Do Not Admit Fault – Avoid statements that could later be used to assign you a greater share of responsibility.
6. Don’t Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver’s Insurer – Adjusters use recorded statements to reduce claim value. Consult an attorney first.
7. Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney – The sooner you reach out, the more evidence we can work to preserve.

Call (509) 652-3330 or contact us online to request a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Cases in Spokane

How Is Fault Determined in a Spokane Bicycle Accident Case?

Determining fault typically involves evaluating police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence from the scene. Washington’s pure comparative fault rule means even a partially at-fault cyclist may still pursue compensation, reduced by their degree of responsibility. Local factors, including road conditions, adherence to local ordinances, and known traffic patterns, can also factor into the assessment. At Maxey Law Office, we work closely with investigators and draw on our knowledge of Spokane’s streets and infrastructure to build a strong case for our clients.

What Should I Do if the At-Fault Driver Leaves the Scene?

If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run in Spokane, ensure your safety first, then call 911 and give law enforcement all available details about the vehicle or driver who fled. Gather contact information from any witnesses and document as much as you can at the scene. Even if the driver isn’t identified, your own uninsured motorist coverage may provide a path to pursue compensation. We assist clients with uninsured motorist claims and navigate the specific procedures involved to protect your rights after a hit-and-run crash.

How Long Does a Bicycle Accident Case Typically Take to Resolve?

The timeline depends on injury severity, time to reach maximum medical improvement, insurer cooperation, and whether litigation is required. Straightforward cases may resolve in a few months, while cases involving disputed liability or serious injuries often take a year or more. At Maxey Law Office, we maintain ongoing communication with clients so they know what to expect at each phase of the case.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney?

Our bicycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront fees and no attorney fee unless compensation is recovered. Your initial consultation is free, and we’ll explain exactly how fees work before you decide to move forward.

Contact us today and schedule an initial consultation with our legal team to learn your options.