A Oregon man has filed a lawsuit after a mattress flew off of a moving vehicle, causing a bicycle accident. The mattress was being transported by a vehicle rented from Zipcar. He named Zipcar in the lawsuit, claiming that the company did not provide proper equipment to secure the mattress. The victim of the bicycle accident also named the non-profit organization, Outside In, the recipient of the mattress, in the lawsuit.
He was riding along a local roadway when the mattress became detached from the Zipcar vehicle. It is claimed that the mattress was not secured at all. The plaintiff seeks almost $1 million in damages from the accident.
The Oregon victim has apparently faced physical difficulties since the incident. He has undergone surgery due to back and neck damage, endured head injuries, cuts and bruises. As is common after a serious accident resulting in physical injuries, the victim was unable to work for a period of time. He is seeking $15,000 in lost wages and over $80,000 in medical expenses. The lawsuit also seeks $900,00 in restitution for his pain and suffering.
Before filing the lawsuit, the victim likely gathered documentation and information to validate the claims advanced in the lawsuit. This could include photo evidence, the police report and medical bills incurred from the bicycle accident. Victims of accidents allegedly caused by another person’s negligence have the right to seek compensation for physical and mental anguish that has been suffered, and it is typically beneficial to begin with a complete evaluation of the accident.
Source: oregonlive.com, “Mattress flies off Zipcar rental, strikes cyclist, spurs $999,999 lawsuit“, Aimee Green, Aug. 1, 2014
