Washington Injury Law Blog

As a cyclist and Kirkland Bicycle Accident Lawyer I have seen roadway conditions that could cause a serious crash. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened on September 4, 2006 to 31 year-old Jeffrey Totten as he was riding down Novelty Hill Road in Redmond, Washington with friends. Unknown to Jeffrey the bike path he was riding on had a hole in it caused by repeated paving around a survey marker. 

King County maintain the road and advertised it as a bike route for use by the public but failed to maintain it in a safe manner. Despite wearing a helmet Jeffrey was still severely injured in the Redmond, WA bicycle crash. King County agreed to pay Jeffrey $3.5 million in a settlement that will ensure Jeffrey has the care he needs for the rest of his life.

When Jeffrey’s front tire hit that hole his bike stopped and he was thrown head first over the handlebars.  Jeffrey suffered a severe brain injury causing permanent disabling brain damage as a result of the road defect bicycle accident.  Formerly a high endurance athlete who did triathlons and participated in long distance biking, Jeffrey has been left in a childlike state as a result of his brain injury.

Danielle Totten, Jeffrey’s wife, as been left in many ways a widow.  Jeffrey has lost most of his  memory of the nine years he shared with his wife and doesn’t always understand why he can no longer live with her. He will never work again and needs round the clock medical care. Jeffrey currently lives in an adult family home in Skagit Valley.

Tragedies like this give you an opportunity to reflect on how your life is blessed and to not take anything for granted, less you find yourself in Jeffrey or Danielle’s shoes. My prayers are with the Totten family as they move forward.

Here is a link to my prior post with 10 Tips for Safe Bicycle Riding in Washington.

Max Meyers, Esq.

Source:

Seattle Times, 4/16/09