Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Lake Oswego Bicycle Accident Attorney
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Lake Oswego Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Goldberg & Loren has experienced bicycle accident attorneys who are dedicated to helping individuals like you receive the compensation they deserve since 1994.
Don’t let the stress of a bicycle accident weigh you down. Let Goldberg & Loren take care of all the legal details so you can focus on your recovery and getting back on your feet.
Call our Lake Oswego bicycle accident lawyers at (954) 758-4553 today for a free consultation.
In 2021 there were 454 bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles in Oregon. [1]
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Lake Oswego
Some common causes of bike accidents in Lake Oswego, Oregon include:
- Collision with a Motor Vehicle: This can occur when a driver fails to see or yield to a cyclist, runs a red light or stop sign, or drives too close to a bicycle.
- Dooring: Dooring accidents happen when a cyclist is riding alongside parked cars, and a driver or passenger opens their car door without checking for oncoming cyclists.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or do not give cyclists enough space when changing lanes can cause accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who engage in distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or being preoccupied with other activities are more likely to overlook or fail to notice cyclists, leading to accidents.
- Poor Road Conditions: Uneven surfaces, potholes, gravel, debris, or inadequate bike lanes can cause cyclists to lose control and crash. Municipalities are responsible for maintaining safe road conditions for all users, including cyclists.
- Intoxication or Impaired Driving: A driver who is impaired by alcohol or drugs have reduced coordination and it greatly increase the risk of accidents with bicyclists.
Injuries Caused by Lake Oswego Bicycle Accidents
Some of the common bicycle crash injuries we have seen include:
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are one of the most serious and potentially life-threatening injuries. These can include concussions, skull fractures, hemorrhages, and contusions.
- Broken Bones: Cyclists can often suffer broken bones, particularly in the wrists, arms, collarbone, and legs. Fractures can range from minor hairline fractures to more severe breaks that require surgical intervention.
- Road Rash and Abrasions: When a cyclist falls or is dragged along the road surface, they may suffer from road rash. This is a painful abrasion caused by friction between the skin and the road. Road rash can lead to infection if not properly treated.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Ligament sprains, muscle strains, and soft tissue contusions are common in bike crashes. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, limited mobility, and require rehabilitation to recover.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact bicycle accidents can result in spinal cord injuries that often lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, or decreased motor function below the injury site.
- Facial Injuries: Cyclists may experience facial injuries, including fractures of the nose, jaw, cheekbones, or eye sockets. These injuries can cause disfigurement, pain, and require surgical repair.
- Internal Injuries: Bicycle accident injuries may include internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or damage to the chest or abdomen. These injuries may require immediate medical attention.
- Dental Injuries: A cyclist may suffer dental injuries due to a direct impact to the face. This can result in broken or knocked-out teeth, jaw fractures, or damage to the gums and tongue.
- Emotional Trauma: Being involved in a bicycle crash can cause emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. It may take time and professional help to recover from the psychological impact of the accident.
- Death: Some bicycle accidents can result in fatalities. Cyclists are vulnerable road users, and collisions with motor vehicles or severe accidents can be deadly.
What To Do After a Lake Oswego Bicycle Accident
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, take the following steps:
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself for any injuries, and if you are seriously injured, or if anyone else involved in the accident is injured, call emergency services immediately. Your health and safety should be the top priority.
- Move to Safety: If it is safe to do so, move yourself and your bicycle to a safe location, away from traffic and potential further danger.
- Exchange Information: If there are other parties involved, exchange contact information, including names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance details. It is also helpful to write down the make, model, and license plate number of any vehicles involved in the accident.
- Document the Accident: Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to your bicycle, vehicles involved, and any visible injuries you have sustained. This evidence can be helpful when filing an insurance claim or seeking legal action.
- Contact the Authorities: Call the police and report the accident. Even if there are no apparent injuries, it is often necessary to have an official police report for insurance purposes or if legal action becomes necessary.
- Gather Witness Information: If there were any witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information. Their statements can be valuable in supporting your case.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not feel seriously injured, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Some injuries, such as internal injuries or concussions, may not be immediately apparent. Visit a doctor and describe any symptoms you are experiencing.
- Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as clothing, damaged equipment, or medical reports. These documents can be important if you decide to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all relevant information, such as the police report, contact details of the other party, and any evidence you have gathered.
- Consult with our Attorneys: If you have suffered serious injuries or believe you are not at fault, it may be beneficial to consult with our Oswego personal injury attorneys who specialize in bicycle accidents.
Table of Contents
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Lake Oswego Bicycle Accident Lawyers
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Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Lake Oswego
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Injuries Caused by Lake Oswego Bicycle Accidents
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What To Do After a Lake Oswego Bicycle Accident
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Compensation for Bicycle Accidents
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Statute of Limitations for a Bicycle Accident in Oregon
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Lake Oswego Bicycle Accident Lawyer Goldberg & Loren
Lake Oswego Practice Areas
Compensation for Bicycle Accidents
The amount and types of compensation you may receive from a bicycle accident can vary depending on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the insurance coverage involved.
Here are some types of compensation you may be eligible to receive:
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for your medical bills, including emergency room visits, doctor’s visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, therapy, and any future medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working or result in missed workdays, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. This can include both current and future income loss.
- Pain and Suffering: You may be eligible for compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering that resulted from the accident and your injuries. This could encompass physical pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage: If your bicycle or any other personal property was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy: If your injuries require ongoing rehabilitation or therapy, you may be entitled to compensation for these expenses. This can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any necessary assistive devices.
- Scarring or Disfigurement: If the accident resulted in visible scars or disfigurement, you may be able to seek compensation for the physical and emotional impact of these injuries.
- Loss of Consortium: If the accident has negatively affected your relationship with your spouse or has resulted in the loss of companionship or intimacy, your spouse may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium.
- Punitive damages: If the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly reckless or intentional, you may be awarded punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the responsible party and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
- Wrongful Death: If you have lost a loved one in a Lake Oswego bicycle accident, contact our wrongful death lawyers for a free consultation to discuss legal action.
Statute of Limitations for a Bicycle Accident in Oregon
In Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including bicycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the incident. This means that you have two years from the day of the accident to initiate legal action against the responsible party. [2]
Lake Oswego Bicycle Accident Lawyer Goldberg & Loren
By choosing Goldberg & Loren as your bicycle accident lawyer, you gain access to a team of skilled professionals who are well-versed in Oregon’s personal injury laws.
Our experts will meticulously review the circumstances surrounding your case, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assessing liability to build a strong claim on your behalf. At Goldberg & Loren, we:
- Understand the importance of personalized attention
- Take the time to listen
- Answer your questions
- Regularly update you on the progress of your case
- Provide an empathetic approach
Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers have obtained half billion in settlements in the past 30 years.
With Goldberg & Loren on your side, you can feel confident knowing that you have a team of skilled personal injury lawyers advocating for your rights.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee; no upfront fees and you only pay if we win.
FAQs
Motor vehicle drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care and follow traffic laws to ensure the safety of others on the road, including cyclists. If a motorist fails to uphold this duty and their negligent actions contribute to the accident, they may be held liable for the damages and injuries caused to the cyclist.
Even if you are partially responsible for your bicycle accident, you may still be able to recover a portion of your damages. The extent of your fault will be taken into consideration, and your compensation may be reduced proportionally. Consult with a bicycle accident lawyer who can assess your case, evaluate the laws in your jurisdiction, and help navigate the legal process to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible based on the circumstances of the accident.
Consult with a bicycle accident lawyer who can review your case and determine if an appeal or legal action is appropriate. An attorney can evaluate the reasons for the denial, gather additional evidence, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and if necessary, file a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve. Insurance denials can be complex, but having a knowledgeable bicycle injury attorney by your side can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a fair and just resolution.
Sources:
[1] 2021 Oregon Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes Quick Facts . (n.d.). https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/QuickFacts_2021.pdf
[2] ORS Chap. 12 – Limitations of Actions & Suits. (n.d.). https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_chapter_12
We fight hard for our clients who have been injured in a bicycle accident in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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