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West Linn Bicycle Accident Attorney

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An Overview of Bicycle Accidents

A bicycle accident refers to any incident involving a bicycle and potentially other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles, resulting in damage, injury, or harm. In 2021 alone, Oregon faced 475 bicycle crashes, 14 of which were fatal. [1] 

Have you recently been involved in a bicycle accident in West Linn, Oregon?

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our West Linn, Oregon Bicycle Accident Attorney and start taking the first steps towards getting the compensation you are entitled to.

An Overview of Bicycle Accidents

Types of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur in various situations and can involve different factors. Here are some common types of bicycle accidents:

  • Vehicle-Cyclist Collisions: These accidents involve a collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle. They can occur at intersections, during lane changes, or when vehicles fail to yield to cyclists.
  • Dooring Accidents: A dooring accident happens when a motorist or passenger in a parked vehicle opens their door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing a collision.
  • Right Hook: A right hook occurs when a motorist makes a right turn in front of a cyclist traveling straight, cutting off their path and causing a collision.
  • Left Cross: This type of accident happens when a motorist makes a left turn in front of an oncoming cyclist, either at an intersection or while crossing a road, leading to a collision.
  • Rear-End Collisions: Sometimes, cyclists are struck from behind by vehicles, especially in situations where visibility is poor or drivers are distracted.
  • Sideswipes: Sideswipe accidents occur when a vehicle passes too closely to a cyclist, either brushing against them or causing them to lose control.
  • Single-Bicycle Crashes: These accidents involve a cyclist losing control of their bicycle due to factors such as poor road conditions, debris, or mechanical failures.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur due to various factors, involving both cyclists and other road users. Understanding the causes of bicycle accidents is crucial for implementing preventive measures and improving road safety.

Here are some common causes:

  • Motorist Errors: One of the primary causes of bicycle accidents involves errors made by motor vehicle drivers. Auto accidents involving bikes often involve the failure to yield the right-of-way to cyclists, making abrupt turns without checking for cyclists, speeding, distracted driving (e.g., texting or using a cell phone), and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate cycling infrastructure, such as poorly designed bike lanes, lack of dedicated cycling paths, and unsafe intersections, can contribute to bicycle accidents. Cyclists may face challenges navigating roadways with insufficient space designated for cycling or encountering hazards like potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces.
  • Sudden Maneuvers: Motorists making sudden maneuvers without signaling or checking for surrounding traffic can lead to collisions. This includes sudden lane changes, turns, or stops without giving other road users adequate warning.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Injuries Sustained Due to Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accidents can result in a wide array of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma and fatalities.

Approximately 1,000 bicyclists lose their lives, and more than 130,000 sustain injuries in crashes on U.S. roads annually. [3]

Here’s the list of injuries sustained due to bicycle accidents:

  • Abrasions (Road Rash)
  • Ankle Fractures
  • Anxiety
  • Arm Fractures
  • Bruises
  • Cheekbone Fractures
  • Dental Injuries
  • Eye Injuries
  • Facial Contusions
  • Facial Lacerations
  • Fear of Cycling
  • Foot Injuries
  • Hand Fractures
  • Knee Injuries
  • Leg Fractures
  • Nose Fractures
  • Shoulder Injuries
  • Skull Fractures
  • Soft Tissue Sprains
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
  • Wrist Fractures

Damages Available for Victims of Bicycle Accidents in West Linn

In West Linn, Oregon, victims of bicycle accidents may be entitled to various types of damages depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of their injuries. Here are some common types of damages available for victims of bicycle accidents in West Linn:

  • Medical Expenses: Victims of bicycle accidents can seek compensation for medical expenses related to their injuries. This may include hospital bills, surgery costs, medication expenses, rehabilitation fees, and future medical expenses for ongoing treatment or therapy.
  • Lost Wages: If the victim is unable to work due to injuries sustained in the bicycle accident, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes income lost during the recovery period as well as potential future earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term disability or impairment.
  • Pain and Suffering: Victims of bicycle accidents may be awarded damages for pain and suffering, which encompasses physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and resulting injuries. This type of compensation aims to address the non-economic impact of the accident on the victim’s quality of life.
  • Property Damage: If the victim’s bicycle or personal property was damaged in the accident, they may seek compensation for the cost of repairs or replacement.
  • Loss of Consortium: In cases where the injuries sustained in the bicycle accident have affected the victim’s relationship with their spouse, they may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium, which refers to the loss of companionship, intimacy and support.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Oregon operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning that if the victim is found partially at fault for the accident, their total damages may be reduced by their percentage of fault. [3]

Damages Available for Victims of Bicycle Accidents in West Linn

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Cases in West Linn, Oregon

In West Linn, there is a Statute of Limitations that governs the time frame within which a lawsuit must be filed for a bicycle accident case. The Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident.

This means that if you were involved in a bicycle accident in West Linn, Oregon, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek legal recourse for your injuries.

There may be exceptions or variations to the Statute of Limitations depending on the specific circumstances of the case. For instance, if the accident involves a government entity, there may be different notice requirements and deadlines for filing a claim.

To ensure that you protect your legal rights and comply with the applicable Statute of Limitations, consult with our qualified personal injury attorneys in West Linn, Oregon, as soon as possible after the bicycle accident. Goldberg & Loren can assess your case, provide guidance on your legal options, and help you navigate the complex process of pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses.

Hiring Our Bicycle Accident Attorney in West Linn

When hiring Goldberg & Loren as your bicycle accident attorney in West Linn, you can trust that our team is committed to providing you with dedicated and compassionate legal representation. At Goldberg & Loren, we understand the challenges and complexities that arise after a bicycle accident, and we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process.

When you choose Goldberg & Loren, you are not just hiring a legal team—you are partnering with advocates who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of success in handling bicycle accident cases, and we are prepared to leverage our knowledge and resources to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

We prioritize communication and transparency, keeping you informed and involved throughout legal proceedings. We take the time to understand your unique needs and concerns, crafting personalized legal strategies tailored to your specific situation.

Hiring Our Bicycle Accident Attorney in West Linn

Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you with your bicycle accident case in West Linn. Your initial consultation is free, and we are ready to provide you with the experienced and compassionate legal representation you deserve.

Sources:

[1] Oregon Gov. (n.d.). https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crash_Summary_2020.pdf

[2] Oregon Gov. (n.d.). https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Safety/Documents/OregonBikePedDriverRules.pdf

[3] Bicycle Safety. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 20, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/bicycle/index.html

[4] Kagan, J. (2023, June 25). Comparative Negligence: Definition, Types, and Examples. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/comparative-negligence.asp

Goldberg & Loren

West Linn, Oregon

Phone: (503) 831-9930

George Goldberg

We fight hard for our clients who have been injured in a bicycle accident in West Linn, Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.

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