A List of Losses Victims of Bike Share Accidents Can Recover
Bike share programs have popped up in cities all over the world, making it easier than ever for people to get around without a car. In Oregon, you can find them in cities like Portland, Eugene, Corvallis, and Bend. In California, they’re in places like San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Cruz, and Los Angeles. These programs offer a cheap, convenient, and eco-friendly way to travel, and for the most part, they’re safe, until an accident happens, of course.
Just like it is with any other type of accident, the victims are legally allowed to seek compensation for their losses. Who actually pays for these losses depends on who was responsible for the accident. If a driver hits you, their insurance company will usually cover your damages.
If the bike share company was at fault, they could be responsible for compensating you. Sometimes, the city or another third party might be involved, depending on the circumstances of the accident. If you can’t figure out who is responsible or what damages are available for you to claim, consult with bike share accident lawyers as soon as possible.
The Losses You Can Recover in a Bike Share Accident Claim
Here are some of the losses legally available for victims to claim:
Medical expenses
After a bike accident, someone would have to pay for emergency care, ambulance rides, ER visits, or any immediate treatments. More serious injuries might mean hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing doctor visits for checkups, X-rays, or MRIs.
Many injuries need physical therapy or rehabilitation to get back to full strength. You might also need prescription medications, crutches, braces, or even a wheelchair, depending on the severity of your injuries.
Some injuries have long-term effects, requiring future treatments, surgeries, or ongoing care, which should all be covered in your claim.
Pain and suffering
Not all damages come with a price tag. Physical pain can linger for months or even years, making everyday life harder. Furthermore, accidents can cause anxiety, PTSD, depression, or just make you feel like life isn’t the same anymore. If your injuries stop you from enjoying hobbies, sports, or even simple daily activities you once loved, that loss matters too.
Property damage
A crash can wreck your personal belongings too. Phones, laptops, and other electronics can break on impact. Torn clothes, cracked helmets, and damaged backpacks are common, and if you wear glasses, they might not survive the crash either. You can include the cost of all these in the compensation amount your lawyer asks for.
Lost wages
If your injuries force you to take time off, those missed paychecks can hit hard. Compensation should cover any lost income during recovery, but in more serious cases, it goes beyond that.
Some injuries can limit what kind of work you can do or how many hours you can manage, reducing your future earning potential. If your career takes a permanent hit because of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for long-term income loss.
Wrongful death claims
Some bike share accidents turn tragic. If a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence, their family can seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a partner, parent, or family member.
Of course, no amount of money can undo the loss, but holding the responsible party accountable can bring some financial relief during an incredibly difficult time.