What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
A bicycle accident is not only unexpected but can also be significantly disorienting. Knowing the right steps to take immediately following an accident is crucial for your safety, health, and any subsequent legal action, as is reaching out to an experienced Portland bicycle accident lawyer like those at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC.
Take Steps to Protect Your Well-being and Right to Compensation
After a bicycle accident in Portland, take the following actions immediately to protect your safety and well-being and to preserve your right to compensation:
- Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention: Your first priority should be your safety and health. If possible, move to a safe location and seek medical attention immediately. This is important to do even for seemingly minor injuries. Medical attention is not just vital for your health, but also creates a record of your injuries which can be crucial in any legal claims.
- Contact Law Enforcement: It’s important to have an official record of the accident. Call the police to the scene, ensuring they file a report. This report can be a vital piece of evidence when proving fault in your bicycle accident case.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: If you are able, collect evidence from the accident scene. This includes taking photographs of your bicycle, any vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and your injuries.
- Collect Witness Information: If there are any bystanders or people who witnessed the accident, try to get their contact information. Witness testimonies can be invaluable in corroborating your account of the events.
Understand Your Legal Rights and Protections
When involved in a bicycle accident, it is essential to understand your legal rights and the protections available to you. Here’s what you need to know:
- Your Legal Rights: As a victim of a bicycle accident, you have rights that protect you, especially if the accident resulted from someone else’s negligence. This might include the right to claim compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Seeking Legal Advice: Consulting a legal professional is vital after being injured in a bicycle accident. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the complexities of your case, help you understand your rights, and provide the representation needed to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Legal Protections for Cyclists: Cyclists generally have the same rights as any vehicle on the road. After a bicycle accident, understanding these rights can help protect you in any subsequent legal proceedings and insurance claims.
Understand What Compensation You Can Expect
If you have suffered injury or financial loss as a result of a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to a range of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation often covers both immediate and ongoing medical costs.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, compensation for lost income can be claimed.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property Damage: Compensation for damages to your bicycle and other personal belongings.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence, additional punitive damages may be awarded.
Each case is unique, and the exact compensation will depend on the specifics of your situation and the extent of your injuries.
Know The Statute of Limitations in Bicycle Accident Cases
It is crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations for bicycle accident cases. The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In Oregon, you generally have two years from the date of the accident or injury to settle your bicycle accident claim or file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Missing the deadline can bar you from pursuing legal action and recovering damages. It is, therefore, important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after a bicycle accident to ensure your case is filed within the legal time limits.
Why Choose Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys for Your Bicycle Accident Case?
Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys stands out as a premier choice for handling your bicycle accident case due to several key factors:
- Experience Handling Bicycle Accident Cases: Our attorneys possess extensive experience in dealing with the unique nuances of bicycle accident cases. Our deep understanding of the laws and issues specific to these cases positions us to provide effective representation.
- Commitment to Our Clients: Paulson Coletti is known for its dedicated approach to client service. We work closely with our clients, offering personalized attention and tailored legal strategies.
- Track Record of Success: Our firm’s history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients in bicycle accident cases speaks volumes about our capability and experience.
- No Win, No Fee: Understanding the financial burdens of accident victims, Paulson Coletti operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning our clients only pay us if we win their cases.
Contact a Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC
If you or someone you know has been involved in a bicycle accident, don’t navigate this challenging time alone. The experienced Portland bicycle accident lawyers at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys are here to help. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Our commitment is to fight tirelessly for your rights and the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to take the first step towards justice and recovery after a bicycle accident in Portland.