Clackamas Bicycle Accident Attorney

Protecting the Rights of Injured Cyclists

The city of Portland and much of the state of Oregon are incredibly bicycle-friendly places. Individuals are encouraged to cycle due to the mode of transportation’s safety, health benefits, and environmental friendliness. Yet, though bicycles are generally a safer alternative to cars, accidents can still happen. Cyclists are typically afforded only the protection of their helmet, so in a collision with a car or other motor vehicle, the injuries suffered can be devastating for the rider.

At Jacobs Wilson Callahan, our legal team is here to stand up for injured cyclists following an accident with a motor vehicle. Our experienced and compassionate Lake Oswego bicycle accident attorney can help you get the compensation you need to pay for your medical bills and other damages. Don’t wait to get help, reach out to a bicycle accident attorney today!

What Can I Be Compensated for Following a Bicycle Accident?

Despite the many safety measures that have been put in place to protect cyclists in the Portland area over the last several years, accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities still happen. In the last few years alone, there have been incidents on the area’s streets in which cars, busses, trucks, and even TriMet trains have struck or killed bicyclists. Southeast Portland, which has one of the highest concentrations of crashes involving bicycles and cars in the city, reported roughly 1,600 incidents between 2009 and 2013.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident you are eligible to receive compensation. These funds may be available to you through your insurance or the insurance of the at-fault motorist. However, in the case of serious injury or wrongful death, a mere insurance payout may not be enough to cover mounting accident-related expenses. Filing a personal injury claim can help you recover all the funds you need—and deserve.

Compensation that may be available following a bicycle accident includes:

• Medical care: All of your past and future medical expenses should be covered, including initial treatment, ongoing therapy, and medication. In the case of a permanent injury, any necessary equipment or retrofitting should also be covered (for example, the cost of a wheelchair and adding ramps to your home).
• Lost wages: If you have to take time off of work to recover, you may be able to get a portion of your lost wages reimbursed. This includes cases in which your injury is so severe you can no longer work at all. In such a scenario, you will receive the amount of money you would have made had you kept working until retirement.
• Wrongful death: In the unfortunate event that a cyclist loses their life in an accident, their surviving family members may receive compensation to pay for the deceased person’s medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, and more.
• Pain and suffering: You may also receive compensation for any physical pain or mental anguish you suffered. Everyone’s compensation will be calculated differently, but experiences that may be covered include suffering from depression, PTSD, grief, or embarrassment.