Tacoma Bicycle Accident and Injury Lawyers Committed to Protecting Cyclists

Cyclists in Tacoma face serious risks every time they ride through city streets, bike lanes, or residential areas. Whether commuting to work on Pacific Avenue or enjoying a ride near Ruston Way, bicyclists remain among the most vulnerable road users in Pierce County. A single driver error, road defect, or infrastructure failure can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death. The consequences are immediate, overwhelming, and often life-altering.

At Bernard Law Group, we represent injured cyclists throughout Tacoma who have been harmed by negligent drivers, unsafe roads, and preventable hazards. Washington law gives bicycle accident victims the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. But navigating the legal process alone is rarely effective, especially when insurance companies attempt to shift blame or minimize the severity of injuries.

If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a Tacoma bicycle accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Call Bernard Law Group at (206) 752-2233 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Bicycle Accidents Happen in Tacoma

Bicycle accidents in Tacoma are rarely random. Most occur because of preventable negligence, infrastructure failures, or road conditions that place cyclists in danger. While Washington law recognizes bicycles as legitimate vehicles with equal rights to the road, enforcement and infrastructure have not kept pace with the city’s growing cycling population. Crashes continue to occur on high-traffic roads, at busy intersections, and in areas where poor visibility or defective design increases the risk of severe injury.

Understanding how and why bicycle accidents happen is essential for improving safety, proving liability, and holding negligent parties accountable. Whether the crash occurred near the University of Washington Tacoma, along South 38th Street, or in a quiet residential neighborhood, these collisions often trace back to identifiable and correctable causes.

Distracted Driving Threatens Tacoma Cyclists Daily

Driver distraction is one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents across the country, and Tacoma is no exception. Motorists who use mobile devices, adjust GPS systems, or engage with in-vehicle infotainment are far less likely to notice a cyclist in time to avoid a collision. Even a two-second lapse in attention can result in life-changing injuries for the person on the bike.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 3,000 people die each year in distracted driving crashes. Cyclists are particularly at risk because they occupy the edge of the driver’s visual field and may be overlooked entirely by someone glancing at a phone or dashboard. In high-traffic corridors like Pacific Avenue and South Tacoma Way, a momentary distraction can mean the difference between a safe ride and a violent collision.

Washington State has laws prohibiting handheld phone use while driving, yet distracted driving remains prevalent. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission continues to campaign for stronger enforcement, but without adequate resources, the dangers persist.

Drivers Often Fail to Yield at Intersections

Tacoma cyclists face elevated risks at intersections where drivers frequently ignore the right-of-way laws. Many crashes occur when motorists turn across bike lanes, speed through stop signs, or misjudge the distance and speed of an oncoming cyclist. These mistakes can lead to devastating side-impact or broadside collisions, especially when the cyclist is traveling downhill or at speed.

Under RCW § 46.61.185, drivers making left turns must yield to any oncoming vehicle that poses an immediate hazard. That includes bicycles, which are legally recognized as vehicles under Washington law. Yet many motorists fail to respect this obligation, resulting in dangerous miscalculations and preventable crashes.

The Federal Highway Administration notes that intersections are among the most hazardous locations for non-motorists, particularly when traffic signals are unclear or when turning vehicles compete with pedestrian and bicycle traffic. In downtown Tacoma and intersections near South 19th Street, such conflicts are common and often deadly.

Unsignalized Intersections Increase Risk

While signalized intersections can reduce confusion, many Tacoma neighborhoods rely on unsignalized crossings. These areas lack clear signage or adequate lighting, making it difficult for both drivers and cyclists to anticipate one another’s movements. The National Association of City Transportation Officials recommends protected intersections for high-traffic corridors, but Tacoma has been slow to implement such designs citywide.

Left-Turn Crashes at Major Arteries

Busy roads like Portland Avenue East and East 11th Street are frequent sites of left-turn collisions. Drivers turning onto these roads often focus solely on oncoming cars and overlook cyclists traveling in bike lanes or shoulders. This oversight has resulted in numerous hospitalizations, especially when drivers accelerate into turns without fully scanning the roadway.

Unsafe Road Design and Infrastructure Failures in Tacoma

Tacoma’s cycling infrastructure remains uneven and incomplete. Many bike lanes lack protective barriers, end abruptly, or place cyclists directly in the path of merging traffic. This patchwork of support leaves riders vulnerable, particularly in commercial and industrial districts where truck traffic and wide intersections create additional hazards.

The League of American Bicyclists advocates for consistent bike lane design that prioritizes safety and visibility. In Tacoma, riders frequently encounter roadways where bike markings have faded, storm drains jut into cycling space, or traffic merges into shared-use lanes without adequate warning.

Inadequate Signage and Street Lighting

Proper signage and lighting are essential for safe cycling, especially at night or in low-visibility weather. Unfortunately, many areas of Tacoma suffer from poor illumination and missing or outdated bicycle warning signs. According to the Federal Highway Administration, enhanced street lighting can reduce nighttime crashes by up to 42 percent. In neighborhoods like Hilltop or near Lincoln Park, poor lighting remains a serious concern.

Disconnected Bike Networks Create Confusion

Tacoma’s bike network is not fully connected, and this inconsistency forces cyclists into dangerous gaps between protected zones. In areas like Sixth Avenue or along Bridgeport Way, cyclists often face abrupt transitions where bike lanes vanish, drop onto shared shoulders, or disappear without signage. The Washington State Department of Transportation highlights these gaps in its infrastructure maps, noting areas where improvements are long overdue.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving in Urban and Residential Zones

Speed remains a key factor in the severity of bicycle collisions. In Tacoma, speeding drivers on both arterial and residential roads put cyclists at risk every day. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance, making it more likely that a driver will fail to avoid a cyclist in time.

The National Safety Council warns that even small speed increases can result in exponentially more severe injuries, particularly for unprotected road users. Tacoma’s residential zones near Proctor District and Fern Hill are especially vulnerable to speeding drivers during morning and evening commutes.

Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating cyclists, honking to intimidate, or attempting to overtake within a bike lane all heighten risk. Many of these actions violate the Washington Driver Guide, which explicitly instructs motorists to give bicycles at least three feet of passing space and to yield when required.

Common Injuries Suffered in Tacoma Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents in Tacoma often result in severe, life-changing injuries. Unlike drivers, cyclists have no steel frame, airbags, or seatbelts to absorb impact. When struck by a motor vehicle or thrown onto the pavement, the human body takes the full force of the collision. These injuries are not just painful; they are physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. Victims often face months of recovery, permanent disability, or even the loss of life.

Washington law allows injured cyclists to pursue full compensation for these harms, but documenting and proving the extent of injury requires medical expertise and legal strategy. Below are the most common types of injuries associated with Tacoma bicycle accidents and how they affect victims long after the crash.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Are Among the Most Devastating Outcomes

Head injuries are one of the most frequent and severe consequences of a Tacoma bicycle collision. Even when a helmet is worn, a cyclist can suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a blunt force impact with a car, curb, or road surface. These injuries often lead to long-term cognitive and emotional impairments, including memory loss, mood swings, and diminished executive function.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke emphasizes the importance of early treatment and long-term rehabilitation in improving outcomes for TBI victims. Symptoms are often subtle at first and may not appear for hours or even days after the accident.

Concussions and Post-Concussion Syndrome

Mild TBIs, commonly referred to as concussions, can still cause debilitating symptoms. Victims may experience dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity, and difficulty concentrating. In many cases, these symptoms persist for weeks or months in what is known as post-concussion syndrome. The Mayo Clinic outlines how this condition affects work, relationships, and daily functioning, especially when left untreated.

Long-Term Cognitive and Behavioral Effects

Severe brain injuries can lead to permanent changes in personality, communication, and judgment. Cyclists who suffer these outcomes may require 24-hour care, assistive devices, or admission to long-term rehabilitation facilities. The Brain Injury Association of America provides education and support resources for families coping with the aftermath of TBIs.

Spinal Cord Injuries Can Result in Permanent Paralysis

Spinal trauma is another devastating result of bicycle collisions, particularly when cyclists are ejected over handlebars or crushed beneath a vehicle. These injuries often damage the vertebrae or sever the spinal cord entirely, leading to partial or complete paralysis. In Tacoma, collisions near downhill intersections or on arterial roads like North 21st Street frequently result in high-impact spinal injuries.

According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, spinal cord injuries often require lifelong medical care and accessibility modifications. Many victims lose the ability to walk, work, or care for themselves, leading to significant emotional and financial strain.

Herniated Discs and Chronic Back Pain

Not all spinal injuries result in paralysis. Many Tacoma bicycle crash victims suffer herniated discs or compressed nerves that cause radiating pain, numbness, and weakness. The Cleveland Clinic notes that these injuries can lead to long-term disability, especially when surgery is required or when pain management fails to provide relief.

Broken Bones Are Extremely Common in Tacoma Bicycle Crashes

Fractures are among the most immediate and visible injuries following a Tacoma bicycle accident. The force of a vehicle collision often causes cyclists to be thrown to the ground or against a solid object, resulting in broken arms, wrists, legs, ribs, or collarbones. These injuries typically require casting, surgery, or physical therapy, and sometimes lead to permanent loss of mobility.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons outlines standard treatments and timelines for common fracture types. For active individuals like cyclists, these injuries are particularly disruptive and may limit mobility for months or years.

Arm and Wrist Fractures from Bracing Falls

When cyclists instinctively reach out to break a fall, the bones in the arms and wrists often absorb the impact. These fractures can lead to long-term joint pain, stiffness, and in some cases, permanent loss of range of motion. In Tacoma, emergency departments frequently report forearm fractures after bicycle crashes near steep roadways and transit corridors.

Hip and Pelvis Fractures Among Older Cyclists

Older riders are at particular risk of suffering hip and pelvis fractures in bike crashes. These injuries are serious and often require surgical intervention. The National Institutes of Health notes that hip fractures in adults over 50 can lead to lasting complications and increased mortality, especially when mobility is compromised.

Internal Injuries Can Go Undetected but Prove Fatal

Not all bicycle accident injuries are visible. High-speed collisions can cause internal organ damage, bleeding, or bruising that is not immediately apparent at the scene. Cyclists who feel fine immediately after a crash may experience dizziness, abdominal swelling, or loss of consciousness hours later, all signs of internal trauma.

The National Library of Medicine emphasizes the importance of diagnostic imaging, such as CT scans and ultrasounds, to detect injuries to the spleen, liver, lungs, or kidneys. These injuries can be life-threatening if left untreated and may require emergency surgery and extended hospitalization.

Lung and Rib Damage from Blunt Force Trauma

Blunt trauma to the chest can break ribs and puncture lungs, leading to a collapsed lung or internal hemorrhaging. Victims may experience shortness of breath, sharp pain, or chest instability. The American Lung Association highlights the urgency of treating these injuries promptly to avoid complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure.

Road Rash, Lacerations, and Facial Trauma Are Common in Tacoma

When cyclists hit the pavement, skin injuries are inevitable. Road rash may sound minor, but deep abrasions can lead to infection, nerve damage, or disfigurement. Cuts caused by broken glass, metal, or impact with the road often require stitches or even reconstructive surgery.

The American Burn Association treats road rash injuries as friction burns. These can be extremely painful and leave lasting scars. In Tacoma, emergency responders often report severe road rash in cyclists hit near commercial zones like Sixth Avenue, where concrete and asphalt surfaces cause deeper skin abrasions.

Facial Injuries From Impact With Vehicles or Pavement

Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to facial injuries when thrown forward over handlebars. Broken noses, fractured eye sockets, jaw injuries, and dental trauma are frequent outcomes. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides reconstructive procedures for facial trauma, which may be necessary when injuries impact breathing, speaking, or appearance.

Who Is Liable in a Tacoma Bicycle Accident

Establishing liability after a Tacoma bicycle accident is a critical step toward securing full compensation for your injuries. Washington is a fault-based state, which means the person or entity responsible for causing the crash is also responsible for paying damages. However, proving who is at fault is rarely straightforward. Bicycle accident claims often involve multiple parties, conflicting accounts, and legal defenses designed to reduce the driver’s or insurer’s financial exposure.

At Bernard Law Group, we conduct comprehensive investigations to uncover exactly how a bicycle crash occurred and who should be held accountable. From distracted drivers to negligent city maintenance crews, several parties may share responsibility for the injuries suffered by a cyclist on Tacoma roads.

Drivers Who Violate Traffic Laws Are Often to Blame

In most Tacoma bicycle accident cases, the driver of a motor vehicle is the primary negligent party. Motorists have a legal duty to share the road with cyclists and follow all applicable traffic rules. When they fail to do so, they may be held financially and legally responsible under Washington personal injury law.

According to RCW § 46.61.755, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of vehicles. Yet many motorists either ignore or fail to understand this, particularly at intersections, in bike lanes, and when making turns across traffic. Failure to yield, speeding, and distracted driving are among the most common causes of driver-related bicycle crashes in Tacoma.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration emphasizes that driver inattention is a leading cause of injury and fatality among cyclists. Drivers must maintain safe distances, yield when appropriate, and stay alert to the presence of bicycles in both urban and residential areas.

Failing to Yield at Intersections

Drivers who disregard right-of-way laws are frequently cited after bicycle collisions in Tacoma. Under RCW § 46.61.190, motorists must yield to vehicles (including bicycles) already in the intersection or approaching closely enough to pose a hazard. When drivers ignore this rule, they often cut off or collide with cyclists who have the legal right to proceed.

Left-Turn and Right-Hook Crashes

Left-turn accidents occur when a driver turns across an oncoming bicycle’s path without yielding. Right-hook collisions happen when a driver turns right and strikes a cyclist traveling straight in a bike lane. Both are common in areas like South Tacoma Way and Portland Avenue East, where drivers often fail to check mirrors or blind spots. The Federal Highway Administration recommends countermeasures like protected intersections to reduce these preventable crash types.

Government Entities May Share Liability for Unsafe Roads

Not all bicycle accidents are caused solely by driver error. In many cases, defective or poorly maintained infrastructure contributes to a crash. Local government agencies, including the City of Tacoma or the Washington State Department of Transportation, may be liable when unsafe road conditions or design defects play a role in an accident.

The Washington State Office of Risk Management outlines the process for filing a claim against a public entity. Victims must give notice within 60 days of the incident before filing a lawsuit. Proving public negligence often requires showing that the government knew (or should have known) about the hazardous condition and failed to address it in a timely manner.

Dangerous Road Design and Infrastructure Defects

In Tacoma, dangerous conditions such as faded bike lane markings, abrupt drop-offs, potholes, or obstructed signage can place cyclists in harm’s way. The National Association of City Transportation Officials has developed specific design standards to protect cyclists, yet many roads in Pierce County fall short of these safety guidelines.

Cyclists injured in areas lacking appropriate bike infrastructure, such as South 38th Street or Ruston Way, may be able to hold the city accountable if previous complaints or crash reports show the government failed to act on known dangers.

Poor Drainage and Obstructed Visibility

Rain and fog are common in Tacoma, and when drainage systems fail, cyclists are forced to navigate through large puddles or debris. In addition, overgrown vegetation or poorly placed street signs can obscure cyclists from the driver’s view. These hazards are often the result of inadequate maintenance and may form the basis for a premises liability or public negligence claim.

When Cyclists Are Partially at Fault

Washington follows a pure comparative fault system under RCW § 4.22.005. This means that even if the cyclist shares some responsibility for the accident, for example, by failing to signal or wearing dark clothing at night, they can still recover damages. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Insurance companies frequently use this doctrine to try to limit payouts. They may argue that the cyclist failed to use a designated bike lane, ran a red light, or failed to wear a helmet. Our attorneys push back against these claims with expert testimony, crash reconstruction analysis, and an in-depth understanding of Washington bike laws.

The Washington State Department of Licensing provides an overview of bicycle operation rules and cyclist responsibilities. Understanding these laws helps ensure that cyclists can defend against unfair comparative fault arguments.

How Insurance Companies Shift Blame

Insurers often attempt to minimize their liability by scrutinizing every aspect of a cyclist’s behavior. They may request recorded statements, reference social media posts, or misinterpret police reports. At Bernard Law Group, we advise clients never to speak directly with insurance adjusters without legal representation. We handle all communications to protect your rights and prevent manipulative tactics that could reduce your settlement.

Injured in a Tacoma Bicycle Accident? Let Bernard Law Group Fight for You

If you or someone you love was hurt in a Tacoma bicycle accident, you deserve more than an apology or a lowball offer from an insurance company. You deserve answers, accountability, and maximum compensation for what you’ve endured. At Bernard Law Group, we represent injured cyclists across Tacoma and Pierce County with compassion, tenacity, and proven legal strategy.

Our attorneys understand the physical pain, emotional distress, and financial strain that follow a serious bicycle crash. We will investigate every detail, preserve vital evidence, and pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care. You focus on healing, we’ll handle everything else.

Call us today at (206) 752-2233 or reach out through our contact page to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Let the Tacoma bicycle accident lawyers at Bernard Law Group stand up for you. Get the justice you deserve and the support you need to move forward.