Harlan Law stands up for the rights of victims of bicycle accidents. If you’ve been hurt we can help.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), two percent of all traffic-related deaths are caused by bicycle accidents. Statistics show that when there is an accident with a bicycle and a motor vehicle, it is usually the driver of the car that gets the citation. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, be sure to call the police and have an accident report completed.
Hospital records show that only a small fraction of bicycle crashes that have caused injury are reported to law enforcement. Among the bicycle accidents that were reported to authorities, the National Safety Council said the number of bicycle accidents increased by 9 percent from 2001 to 2011. From 2011 to 2013, there was a 9 percent increase of bicyclist fatalities.
Where Bicycle Crashes Occur and Why They Happen
When the statistics from the NHTSA are looked at much more closely, it reveals that one out of every three bicycle accidents involve a driver or a cyclist who had a blood-alcohol level of .08 or greater. About 22 percent of the bicycle crashes that resulted in fatalities were between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. and 68 percent of the bicycle fatalities were in urban areas.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident that was caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of a driver, you can pursue a personal injury claim to recoup compensation for your losses. A bicycle accident can result in a variety of damages, which may include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
If a bicycle accident in the Portland/Vancouver metro area has left you with injuries and damages, schedule a free initial consultation with Harlan Law Firm, so you can determine the best way to proceed with your accident injury claim.