When you ride your bicycle in Spokane or the surrounding area, it’s usually a pretty fun experience. That can change quickly, though–especially when a car tries to get around you. Sometimes, this causes an accident, and even at slower speeds, you could be facing serious injuries–or worse.
Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened in a recent accident in Ford, according to a story from KHQ. Washington State Patrol (WSP) deputies said that a bicyclist died from their injuries after they were clipped by a car trying to swerve around them on State Route 231 on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
An initial investigation of the accident found that the person on the bicycle was trying to cross from the east side of SR-231 to the west side. As they moved, a car tried to swerve around them. They clipped the bicyclist, who suffered critical injuries. They were flown to Sacred Heart Medical Center in critical condition, but later died.
The section of road was closed for several hours while WSP investigated.
Can My Family File a Claim If I’m Killed in a Bicycle Accident in Washington?
When there’s a fatal accident in Spokane or anywhere else in Washington, it certainly raises the stakes of what comes next. Unfortunately, fatal bicycle accidents like the one in the story above are becoming more and more common. While you never want to be in this situation, it can be vital to understand what your (or your family’s) options are.
Washington law allows the “personal representative” of the deceased person’s estate to file what’s called a “wrongful death” claim in a fatal accident. This is a person named in the will, but if there isn’t a will, a judge will appoint someone to file–usually a close family member or lawyer hired by the family.
Regardless, these claims aren’t about assigning blame–they’re about helping your family find some financial and emotional stability after an unexpected loss. Through a wrongful death claim, you may be able to recover:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income or support
- Loss of companionship
- Grief and emotional suffering
- Medical expenses that came before the death
These cases are incredibly hard to face, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Washington gives families up to three years from the date of the accident to file a wrongful death claim–but the sooner you begin, the easier it can be to gather the right evidence and build a strong case.
Why Having a Lawyer Matters After a Fatal Bike Accident in Washington
After a fatal bike accident, you may be facing shock, grief, and uncertainty all at once. And while hiring a lawyer isn’t required, having someone experienced by your side can take a huge weight off your shoulders. That’s where our team at CCD Law can step in and help by:
- Walking you through what a wrongful death claim involves, step by step.
- Handling the legal side of things, from gathering police reports to medical records and other expenses.
- Building a claim around your family’s needs.
- Supporting you throughout the process, from start to finish.
Dealing with legal paperwork is probably the last thing on your mind after such a loss. Our job is to ease that burden and help your family move forward with the time, space, and support you need. Reach out today for a free consultation.
