For the sixth consecutive year, the League of American Bicyclists has selected Washington as the most bicycle-friendly state in the country. This group has supported funding for biking legislation, bike programs and policies, infrastructure, education and planning since 2008.
Washingtonians have embraced bicycling as, not only a recreational past time and means of exercise, but as a legitimate mode of transportation that both enhances the quality of life and protects the environment. While the physical, economic, and environmental perks of cycling are plentiful, there are also an alarming number of bicycle accidents every year resulting in injury or death to cyclists.
Bicycle Accidents in Washington State and Across the Nation
The state has allotted nearly $18 million toward bicycle safety programs and the improvement of school routes. It is this dedication to improving infrastructure and growing ridership that consistently makes Washington the most bicycle-friendly state in the nation.
Despite this attention to safety, however, there were approximately six deaths from bicycle accidents in 2010. Bicycle accidents are an ever-present problem, particularly in Seattle. There are numerous intersections throughout the downtown area that are prone to bicycle accidents, and riders should be especially attentive in these areas.
Nationwide, there were 677 deaths from bicycle accidents reported in 2011. That number is down from 830 in 1995. There has also been a significant decrease in the number of injuries reported annually; 61,000 reported in 1995 compared to 38,000 in 2011, but there is still much work to do in order to raise awareness and remind drivers to share the road.
Alarming too is the number of hit-and-run bicycle accidents across the country. It is because of these hit-and-run accidents that three out of five at-fault drivers are never brought to justice.
Contact the Phillips Law Firm
Both minor and serious bicycle accidents happen every day, even though drivers are required to exercise reasonable care when sharing the road with cyclists. If a reckless or negligent driver has caused you or a family member to be injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries.
If a negligent driver injures you or someone you love, an experienced Seattle bicycle accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle personal injury lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.
The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington.
