No matter how carefully you ride your bicycle in Spokane, you’re always vulnerable to accidents. This is especially true when sharing the road with larger vehicles like semi-trucks. For many of the same reasons that make semi-trucks dangerous in accidents with vehicles, accidents with bicycles and semi-trucks often end up in serious, often fatal injuries for the person on the bike.
Semi-Truck Collides With Bicyclist in West Spokane, Killing Rider
A bicyclist was killed after a collision with a semi-truck in West Spokane on Saturday, May 28, 2023. A report from KXLY confirmed that the accident occurred on North Wood Road in West Spokane. Investigators from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) say that the semi-truck and bicyclist were traveling south on North Wood Road when the man on the bicycle signaled to turn left on West Four Mound Road. As the bicyclist turned, the semi-truck was unable to stop in time and the resulting collision killed the man on the bike.
SCSO investigators said the truck driver remained on the scene and cooperated with police. Impairment is not believed to have contributed to the accident, but SCSO is still investigating the cause.
Can Bicycle Accidents Be Avoided in Spokane?
The question of whether a bicycle accident can be avoided in Spokane is a tricky one. Sometimes, particularly in accidents like the one above, you can do everything you’re supposed to do while riding your bike and collisions can still happen. While inattentive or reckless drivers cause their fair share of accidents, it’s often the substantial contrast in size and speed between a vehicle and a bicycle–along with the relatively limited protection provided by a bicycle–that frequently results in accidents.
That said, there are a few ways that you can at least reduce the risk of being in a bicycle accident in Spokane. These include the following:
- Always wear a properly fitting helmet and consider wearing protective gear for other parts of your body to make sure you’re more protected from injuries.
- Follow the same traffic rules as other drivers. This means stopping at traffic lights, utilizing hand signals when turning, and riding in the same direction as other traffic.
- Whenever possible, opt for designated bike lanes or bike paths. These designated areas provide a safer environment for cyclists and contribute to reducing the likelihood of accidents.
- Make yourself easily noticeable to other drivers, particularly in conditions with limited visibility. Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing, employ lights or reflectors on your bicycle, and avoid riding in areas where drivers might have difficulty spotting you.
- Stay attentive to your surroundings while cycling. Be mindful of potential hazards such as potholes, debris, or obstacles on the road.
Even by following these rules, you can still find yourself in situations where other drivers–especially those in trucks and bigger vehicles–don’t see you or aren’t able to react to you in time. Obviously, collisions can lead to serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment or that worst of all, could be fatal.
CCD Law Can Help You After a Spokane Bicycle Accident
Washington law allows you or any other injury victim to recover certain damages from the person or entity responsible for your accident. In the case of a serious or fatal bicycle accident, this can include the following:
- Medical expenses and bills
- Lost wages or future income
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
- Funeral or burial expenses
- Any pain and suffering experienced before death
- Property damage
Our team of experienced and dedicated Spokane bicycle accident lawyers at CCD Law has helped clients navigate the challenges of a bicycle accident since 1948. If you decide to work with us, we’ll provide you with the necessary legal support and guidance to allow you to focus on your recovery or get the compensation you need to restore some normalcy to your life.
To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us today for a free consultation.
