Mercer Island is a quiet residential community, but I-90 runs right through it, and island streets carry commuters, school traffic, cyclists, and people out walking. If someone’s carelessness hurt you here, you have rights under Washington law. Rich Martin is a Mercer Island personal injury lawyer whose Bellevue office is only about 4 miles away. He has 28 years of injury experience, and the first call is free.
Mercer Island: local facts
- County
- King County
- Court
- King County Superior Court, King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Seattle (crashes in the Seattle case area)
- Major roads
- I-90, Island Crest Way, East and West Mercer Way
- Hospitals
- Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue (Level III) and Harborview Medical Center in Seattle (Level I)
- Population
- 25,870 (Washington OFM estimate, April 1, 2026)
- Our office
- Our Bellevue office is about 4 miles away (about 8 minutes without traffic).
Help close to home
- A few minutes away. Our office is in Bellevue’s Eastridge Corporate Center.
- Your lawyer answers your calls. Rich works every case personally.
- Ready for a jury. He’s tried more than 30 cases.
- Paid only from a recovery. Otherwise you owe nothing at all.
Traffic safety on the island
Mercer Island hasn’t published citywide crash totals recently, but a 2022 safety study of Island Crest Way gives a useful snapshot (City of Mercer Island). On a one-mile stretch between 90th Avenue SE and SE 68th Street, there were 43 reported crashes from 2015 to 2020, including three serious-injury crashes. About 12% involved a cyclist or pedestrian, and the SE 68th Street intersection had the most.
Across King County, 140 fatal crashes were recorded in 2024 (Washington Traffic Safety Commission; preliminary). The city uses studies like this to plan improvements. Federal law keeps this kind of safety data out of injury lawsuits, so a case is built on evidence from the crash itself.
Questions Mercer Island residents ask
I was hurt in a crash on I-90. Who handles it?
Crashes on I-90 are usually investigated by the Washington State Patrol. Crashes on island streets are usually handled by Mercer Island Police. Either way, we get the report and check it for mistakes.
- I-90, which crosses the island. Its old center express lanes closed in June 2017 to make way for light rail (City of Mercer Island).
- Island Crest Way, the island’s main north-south route, studied by the city for safety improvements.
- East and West Mercer Way, winding roads shared by drivers, cyclists, and people walking.
Where would my case be heard?
Mercer Island is one of the cities King County’s court rule names in its Seattle case area (LCR 82). If your case goes to court, it’s usually handled at the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle. Most cases settle before that.
A car hit me while I was walking or biking on the island. What now?
Island Crest Way’s safety study found that about 12% of crashes on its busiest stretch involved a cyclist or pedestrian (City of Mercer Island). Walkers heading to schools, parks, and the new light rail station share the road with commuters.
The Mountains to Sound Greenway (I-90) Trail runs through Aubrey Davis Park, a 90-plus-acre park built in 1992 (City of Mercer Island). Off the trail, riders share East and West Mercer Way with cars on narrow, curving roads.
State law is on your side here: drivers yield to people in crosswalks (RCW 46.61.235) and must pass bikes with room to spare (RCW 46.61.110). Even on foot or on a bike, your family’s car insurance may pay your medical bills through PIP (RCW 48.22.005).
I was hurt near the light rail station. Does that change anything?
Light rail now stops on the island. Sound Transit’s 2 Line Crosslake Connection, including Mercer Island Station, opened for service on March 28, 2026 (Sound Transit). More people walk and bike to the station area, and buses connect there too. A crash with a light rail or bus vehicle follows a separate claims process (Sound Transit, King County).
I slipped on ice or a broken sidewalk. Who’s responsible?
Falls happen on icy driveways, wet entryways, broken pavement, and stairs at homes and businesses alike. Who is responsible depends on who controlled the spot and what they knew about the hazard.
Shoppers and other business visitors are owed the highest duty of care (Tincani). A fall claim usually comes down to what the owner knew, or would have spotted with a reasonable look.
The city’s vehicle or road was involved. Can I make a claim?
A claim against the City of Mercer Island goes to the City Clerk. The city accepts claims by email, in person, or by mail to 9611 SE 36th Street, on its own form or the state’s standard tort claim form. State law requires a 60-day wait after filing before a lawsuit (RCW 4.96.020).
When a child is hurt
Mercer Island has plenty of kids walking and biking to school and parks. When a child is injured, the claim belongs to the child, and the usual three-year deadline doesn’t start until they turn 18 (RCW 4.16.190). Parents may also recover medical bills they paid. Any settlement for a minor is usually reviewed by a court to protect the child’s share. Even with extra time, evidence fades quickly, so it’s best to call early.
Other cases we handle
- Car crashes. Treatment is usually paid first through PIP on your own policy (RCW 48.22.085). Our Bellevue car crash page covers the details.
- Truck crashes, where federal rules and fast evidence work matter. See truck accidents.
- Motorcycle crashes. Riders often lack PIP and rely on other coverage. See motorcycle accidents.
- Loss of a loved one. One family representative, appointed through the estate, files the case (RCW 4.20.010). Read our wrongful death guide.
- Rideshare crashes. See Uber and Lyft accidents.
Rules that apply to every claim
Three Washington rules shape nearly every claim. Partial blame shrinks a recovery instead of ending it (RCW 4.22.005). The window to sue is generally three years (RCW 4.16.080). And public agencies get a written claim, then 60 days, before any lawsuit (RCW 4.96.020). More on comparative fault.
Before you give an insurance company a recorded statement, talk to a lawyer. What you say can be used to pay you less.
What a claim can cover
Bills, both past and future. Paychecks you missed and income you may lose later. Your car or other property. And the parts of an injury no invoice shows: pain, worry, a sport or hobby you can’t do anymore. Browse past results.
The nearest trauma center is Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue, a Level III center. The most serious injuries are often taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, the region’s Level I center (state Department of Health).
Fees
You won’t write us a check. We’re paid a percentage of the money we recover, and we front the costs. If the case recovers nothing, you owe nothing. Details: injury lawyer fees.
Meeting with us
Our Bellevue office is just across the East Channel Bridge: about 4 miles from Mercer Island city hall, roughly 8 minutes without traffic. The address is 11811 NE 1st Street, Suite 303. Stop in, or start with a call.
Read what clients say or Rich’s background.
Talk to a Mercer Island personal injury lawyer
Islanders can reach us at (425) 635-2000 or through the contact form. See also our Seattle injury page or injury law blog.
Your attorney: Rich Martin
28 years. More than 2,000 injury cases. More than 30 jury trials. When you call, you talk to Rich, and he handles your case himself.
About Rich Martin →Injury cases we handle in Mercer Island
Car Accidents
Rear-ended on I-405 or hit at a light? We take over the calls with the insurance company.
Truck Accidents
Trucking companies call their lawyers the same day. We start working on your case just as fast.
Motorcycle Accidents
Insurers often assume the rider was speeding. We find the proof of what really happened.
Pedestrian Accidents
Hit in a crosswalk or a parking lot? These injuries are serious. So is the way we handle them.
Bicycle Accidents
Hit by a car or a car door? We know Washington's bike laws and use them for you.
Uber & Lyft Accidents
Several insurance policies may cover you. We find every one of them.
Wrongful Death
Lost someone you love? We hold the people responsible to account, so your family doesn't have to.
Slip & Fall
Fell because a store or landlord ignored a hazard? They may owe you for your injuries.
Questions about Mercer Island injury cases
What does No Win, No Fee mean?
You pay nothing up front. Our fee comes out of the money we win for you. No hourly bills. No retainer. If we don't win, you owe us nothing. Not even the case costs.
How close is your office to Mercer Island?
About 4 miles, in Bellevue, roughly 8 minutes without traffic.
Who investigates crashes on I-90 on Mercer Island?
Usually the Washington State Patrol. Island streets are usually handled by Mercer Island Police.
Is a Mercer Island lawsuit filed in Bellevue?
No. King County's rules put the island in the Seattle case area, so it's the courthouse downtown.
The other driver says I'm partly to blame. Is my claim over?
No. Washington subtracts your share and lets you recover the rest (RCW 4.22.005).
Is there a charge to talk with Rich?
None. The first conversation is free.
Talk to a lawyer today. The call is free. Call (425) 635-2000.
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