Bicycle and e-bike accidents involving children are among the most painful cases a personal injury attorney handles. A recent memorial in Everett, where a community honored a 13-year-old who died after his e-bike struck a hidden cable strung across a right of way, is a reminder of how quickly a routine ride home can turn fatal.
What Happened
According to local news reports, the teen was riding his e-bike home when he hit a braided cable strung from a city bollard that he did not see in time. He died several days later. His family has since filed a lawsuit against the city and two neighbors, alleging the cable should never have been placed across a public right of way.
Cases like this show a broader truth. Bicycle accidents are rarely unavoidable. Many stem from a hazard that someone created or failed to remove.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Every case is different, but a few factors show up again and again:
- Obstructions or debris left in bike lanes or rights of way
- Poorly maintained roads with potholes or uneven pavement
- Drivers failing to yield at intersections or crosswalks
- Inadequate lighting or signage in high-traffic areas
Washington has seen a troubling trend. In 2023, 18 bicyclists were killed and 157 were seriously injured in traffic crashes statewide, according to data from the Washington State Department of Transportation. That figure reflects a safety gap for people who ride.
Why Liability Gets Complicated
When a crash happens on public property, the question of who is responsible is not always straightforward. A city may be liable if it knew, or should have known, about a dangerous condition and failed to address it. Private property owners can also bear responsibility. Sometimes more than one party shares fault.
This is one benefit to working with an experienced Everett, WA bicycle accident lawyer. Investigating a claim often means identifying every party who had a duty to keep a road or right of way safe.
Steps to Take After a Serious Crash
Grief and legal deadlines rarely align. Still, a few steps tend to protect a family’s ability to pursue accountability:
- Photograph the scene, including any hazard involved
- Request the police or incident report
- Preserve the bicycle or e-bike without repairing it
- Speak with an attorney before accepting any insurer’s offer
Washington’s statute of limitations generally runs three years, though claims against government entities require notice within a much shorter window.
Community Safety in Everett
Families pursuing an Everett bicycle accident claim often want more than compensation. They want the hazard fixed so another family doesn’t face the same loss.
At Deno Millikan Law Firm, PLLC, our attorneys understand how personal these cases are. If your family has been affected, consider speaking with a bicycle accident lawyer about your options.