If you ride your bicycle on the road, you must be aware of the risks involved. The mere size of the vehicle and the lack of protection put you at a high risk of catastrophic or fatal injuries should you be involved in an accident. After this accident, you must seek medical attention immediately and contact a Portland bicycle accident attorney to help you with the legalities associated with filing an injury claim.
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Who Can be Held Liable in a Bicycle Accident?
Regardless of carefully you ride your bicycle, accidents can still happen. There are more cars on the road than bicycles and often, car drivers pay more attention to other cars than cyclists. In a car accident, liability often falls to car drivers, pedestrians, manufacturers of bicycles, and government agencies if the accident resulted from a road maintenance issue.
Every car driver is expected to operate their cars with care and obey traffic rules. Failure to do so can result in them being held liable for the injuries their victims may sustain. Any party who contributes to the accident is responsible for the damages owed to a cyclist. But, the liability of every party is based on the degree of their fault.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
Victims of an accident that involves bicycles are entitled to claim for economic and non-economic damages. These include medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and emotional distress. The amount you may receive for non-economic damages will depend on your situation and injury.
Why Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
An accident between a motorist and a cyclist involves complex legal issues. So, if you are involved in this accident, you should retain the services of an attorney. A lawyer who is well-versed in the complexities of bicycle accidents can help you navigate your case. They can provide you with advice on how to proceed and file your injury claim, help negotiate a fair settlement with an insurance company, and represent you in a lawsuit if necessary. If your case requires expert opinions, your attorney will work with experts for you. Your attorney will be by your side to make sure you get the best representation possible. They will make sure all responsible parties must compensate you for your injuries and losses. And when your suffer delayed physical and mental injuries that require professional help, your attorney makes sure your legal interests are protected.