The mild summer weather in the Pacific Northwest provides the ideal backdrop for people to travel by bike or foot. Whether you use a bike to commute to work or explore a new bike path on the weekend, you should recognize that you are still sharing the road with larger motorized vehicles. Unfortunately, drivers may not look for cyclists when turning or changing lanes, potentially leading to an accident and painful injuries. If you’ve suffered a bicycle accident injury in the Portland or Vancouver area, you may feel overwhelmed by your physical recovery and its associated costs. Medical bills, lost wages, and other unanticipated expenses stemming from the accident can cause additional financial anxiety. By enlisting the guidance of a trusted and compassionate personal injury attorney, you can take the necessary steps to secure the compensation you need to support your recovery.
Common Factors Contributing to Bicycle Accidents
There are many factors that may increase the likelihood of a bicycle accident. Many bicycle accident injuries involve drivers who act negligently or recklessly, leading to an accident. For instance, drivers operating their vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol may fail to spot cyclists or stop their cars in time to avoid a collision. Other drivers may forget to check for cyclists at intersections or collide with a cyclist because they were using their phones or engaging in other distracting activities. Speed is also a common cause of cycling accidents, as cars traveling above the speed limit cannot stop in time if they spot a bicyclist. In some cases, drivers may not understand their obligation to yield to cyclists on certain roads or intersections.
Bicycle Accident Injuries Can Be Serious
People traveling by bike are inherently more vulnerable than those enclosed in motorized vehicles. The sheer impact of a large, heavy vehicle colliding with a bicyclist can lead to severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and a lengthy recovery process. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common among injured cyclists, especially those who ride their bikes without a helmet. However, TBIs can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms may not appear immediately after impact. Seeking an assessment from a medical professional is essential after suffering a biking accident injury, even if you are not experiencing severe symptoms. Additionally, fractures, spinal cord trauma, scarring, internal bleeding, and skin injuries are pretty common in bicycle accident victims.
Pursuing a Claim to Recover Compensation
Suffering a bicycle accident injury can be debilitating. As you face a difficult physical recovery, you may also struggle with significant financial concerns—like how you will be able to afford the medical bills, lost wages, and other unexpected costs associated with your injuries. However, it’s essential to recognize that you do not have to go through this stressful period on your own. Discussing your situation with a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney can help you understand your options for obtaining the compensation you need to move forward. Below are just a few of the steps we can take to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Collecting Evidence
As we prepare your injury claim, we will compile all relevant and useful documents to demonstrate the extent to which your injuries have impacted your life. Medical records, treatment plans, prescriptions, physical therapy bills, and other receipts will illustrate the physical and financial toll the accident has had on you. Pay stubs showing your income before the accident can help to estimate the long-term economic effect these injuries may have, as your physical recovery may prevent you from performing your job. Witness testimony and pictures from the scene of the accident may also help to provide a comprehensive picture of the incident.
Negotiating a Favorable Settlement
The last thing bicycle accident victims want to do during their recovery is to engage in stressful negotiations with parties that attempt to deny them the total amount of compensation they need. However, there is no need for you to take on this daunting task. Your attorney will step in to advocate for your best interests, pushing to obtain a fair and favorable settlement on your behalf. If the initial settlement offer is too low, your lawyer will use a number of negotiating techniques to push for a more reasonable settlement offer.
Keeping Your Future as Bright as Possible
Bicycle accident injuries can wreak havoc on your life. Focusing on your physical recovery, worrying about the financial implications of your injuries, and wondering about the long-term impact of your injuries can lead to increased levels of anxiety and stress. Consider reaching out to a compassionate personal injury attorney to discuss your situation. Your attorney will answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide you with the support you need to move forward with confidence.
If you need help collecting compensation following a bicycle accident in Portland or Vancouver, call Henderson Taylor Law Firm at (360) 737-1478 to speak with a trusted and compassionate attorney.