With more and more people riding bicycles throughout Portland OR, accidents involving them are becoming more and more frequent on our roads. And more often than not, people in these types of accidents suffer serious (sometimes life-altering) injuries.
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, contact OlsenDaines right away. With an experienced bicycle accident attorney on your side, you may be able to receive:
- Compensation for medical bills, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Payment to replace or repair your bicycle, covering the full cost of damaged or destroyed equipment.
- Compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured, accounting for the physical and emotional trauma of your accident.
- Compensation for loss of work, recovering wages lost during your recovery and potential future earning capacity.
Our dedicated bicycle accident law firm throughout Oregon and Washington state has a proven track record of success in helping clients get the compensation they deserve.
Who Is Usually at Fault if a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?
In most cases involving a collision between a motor vehicle and a cyclist, the driver of the vehicle is found to be at fault. However, fault isn’t always straightforward. Oregon and Washington state follow comparative negligence rules, meaning compensation may be reduced if the cyclist shares some responsibility for the accident.
Washington state observes pure comparative negligence rules, meaning you can seek financial compensation regardless of fault, but your total recovery is reduced by exactly your percentage of fault. Oregon observes modified comparative negligence rules, meaning you can recover damages as long as your share of fault is less than that of the defendant (49% or less). And your total recovery is also reduced to your percentage of fault.
Sound complex? Local lawyers like us know how to navigate these rules and build a strong case on your behalf so you can recover the maximum amount of damages.
Schedule a Free Appointment!
Our appointments are free until you file and your concerns are addressed!How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Bicycle Accident?
The answer depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of your injuries.
- Extent of medical expenses.
- Amount of lost wages and diminished earnings capacity.
- Property damage to the bicycle and gear.
- Long-term disability or disfigurement.
Our team at OlsenDaines will thoroughly evaluate your case and fight to maximize the compensation you’re entitled to receive.
What to Do Following a Bicycle Accident
What you do immediately following your bicycle accident can be essential in your personal injury case.
If you’re involved in a bicycle accident, you’ll want to keep the following tips in mind:
- Don’t leave the accident scene until police have arrived and developed a police report. Even if you feel you’re uninjured, oftentimes victims don’t suffer pain until several hours have passed.
- Get medical care for any injuries you’ve sustained, no matter how minor they may seem. Documentation of your injuries is crucial for your case.
- Obtain the other party’s contact information, including their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
- Obtain contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident occur.
- Take photos of the scene, including your bicycle, the other vehicle, and your injuries.
- Don’t negotiate with the other party. In some cases, the driver will take blame for the accident only to recant their story later on with their insurance company.
- Don’t make statements like “I’m fine,” or discuss fault without an attorney present. Anything you say could potentially be used against you.
- Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your case.
Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Portland OR
In most cases, there are insurance benefits available to injured people to immediately help with the medical bills that people may not be aware of. Navigating the claims process alone can be overwhelming, especially while you’re trying to recover from your injuries.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a bicycle accident and wants advice about what to do, contact us right away. We have offices all throughout Oregon and Washington state with experienced bicycle accident attorneys who can represent your case.
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you reach out to a qualified bicycle accident lawyer, the better your chances of securing maximum compensation.
Call us today at 800-682-9568 or fill out a contact form here to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
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