Bicycle accidents on sidewalks

Don Jacobs — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:49:05 GMT

Many consumers are confused over what rights and responsibilities people who commute by bike enjoy when they share the roadway with vehicles. In Washington, a bicycle ridden upon the roadway is required to obey all the rules of the road required of cars unless incapable of doing so. The posted speed limit may be an example of a law the bicycle operator is incapable of following. But what if the bicycle is being ridden on a sidewalk? Riders should know that certain Washington laws prohibit the operation of a bicycle on a sidewalk if the sidewalk is within a business district. However, if bicycles are ridden outside a business district they do appear to have the right to travel upon a sidewalk. When they do, the law tends to treat them as pedestrians. As such, they are entitled to all of the protections the law affords pedestrians. A recent case handled by this office involved this exact situation. A passenger car was turning into a driveway of a business and had to cross the sidewalk in order to do so. At the same time, a bicycle was traveling on the sidewalk and was struck by the vehicle. Serious injuries resulted. The insurance carrier for the vehicle denied the claim, basing their decision on the illegality of a bicycle being operated on a sidewalk. After researching the law and providing the authority to the insurance company, they agreed their driver had a duty to stop before crossing the sidewalk and yield to anyone lawfully using it as a pedestrian. As a bicycle rider is treated as a pedestrian under these circumstances, the insurance company paid the claim.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Don Jacobs

Over 41,000 killed in auto accidents in 2007

Don Jacobs — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:51:00 GMT

According to the Institute for Highway Safety, over 41,000 people were killed last year on the highways. The figure is down from 2006 where 1,500 more people were killed. Maybe high gas prices have resulted in fewer drivers. California had the biggest decline, 266 fewer fatalities than in the prior year. The District of Columbia and Alaska had the highest percentage increases. The trend among boomers to relive their youth has resulted in ever increasing motorcycle deaths over the last five years. 5,154 motorcycle drivers lost their lives in 2007, compared with 4,837 the year before. Alcohol still plays a big role in deaths although it appears to be decreasing. Fatalities in crashes involving a vehicle or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more declined to just under 13,000 in 2007, a 3.7 percent decrease from the year before.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Don Jacobs

Vancouver Personal Injury Lawyer - Motorcycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents on sidewalks

Over 41,000 killed in auto accidents in 2007