When you’re riding your bike in Spokane, it’s generally pretty safe–even if you’re in busier parts of the city like an entrance or exit to I-90. Of course, no matter how careful you are, people in these spots are moving pretty fast. And when someone is suspected of being under the influence, it makes things even harder. This is what happened in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
According to a story from KHQ, a woman riding a bicycle was being struck by a driver near the intersection of Pines Road and Indiana Avenue near the on/off ramp of I-90. Washington State Patrol (WSP) deputies say they responded to the scene around 4:28 a.m., where they found the woman. She was towing her dog in a trailer behind her bike at the time of the collision, but she was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. WSP says that the driver was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after showing obvious signs of impairment. It’s believed that the woman on the bike ran a red light, but WSP is checking camera footage to confirm. The charges against the driver of the car are still in place.
The woman’s dog was unhurt in the collision, and is currently being held by Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services.
Can I Still File an Injury Claim If I’m Riding My Bike and am Hit by an Impaired Driver?
As a bicyclist in Spokane, you still have the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else on the road. So, you can still file an injury claim when you do something that at least contributed to the accident–because that doesn’t make you at-fault.
Especially in situations like the story above, it’s the driver that’s under the influence, or otherwise negligent, that carries most of the legal burden here. That means you still have options and still get to recover “damages” that are going to be built around your losses. For most bicycle accident victims, this includes things like:
- Medical bills, treatment, and any future care you’ll need
- Lost income, or a drop in your earning ability if you can’t return to work
- Costs to repair or replace your bicycle and any other personal property
- Pain and physical suffering
- Emotional stress and mental health impacts
- Loss of enjoyment or changes to your daily life
- Funeral and wrongful death expenses, in fatal crashes
Washington generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. That may sound like a long time, but it’s best to start the process early. The sooner you begin, the easier it is to gather key evidence, talk to witnesses, and build a strong case.
CCD Law Helps People in Spokane When They’re Injured in Bicycle Accidents
Riding a bike in Spokane can be a great way to get around or stay active—but when someone makes a reckless choice, like driving under the influence, it can turn into a life-changing moment. If you’re injured, your focus should be on getting better—not trying to make your way through a legal claim by yourself. That’s where our team of Spokane bicycle accident lawyers at Crary, Clark, & Domanico, P.S. come in. We’ll:
- Explain your rights under Washington law
- Investigate the accident and gather key evidence
- Talk to witnesses and collect statements
- Handle the insurance negotiations for you
- Represent you in court, if it comes to that
Trying to manage all this on your own—while dealing with pain, bills, and recovery—is overwhelming. We’re here to make the process easier and help you get the financial support you need to move forward. To get started, reach out today for a free consultation.