- Who Are Our Portland Bicycle Accident Attorneys?
- What Do You Have to Do After a Bicycle Accident?
- 2024 Bicycle Accident Statistics in Portland
- Cycling Laws in Portland
- What Are the Typical Causes of Portland Bicycle Accidents?
- What Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Portland?
- How Much Is My Bike Accident Worth?
- Our Recent Case Settlements
- Main Types of Damages to Claim in a Bicycle Accident
- How Is an Average Bicycle Crash Settlement Calculated?
- Who Can Be Held Liable for a Cycling Accident in Portland?
- How Do You Prove Negligence in a Portland Bicycle Accident?
- How Can an Experienced Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help You Recover a Fair Settlement?
- What Is a Statute of Limitations for Bike Accident Cases in Portland?
- Contact Our Bike Accident Lawyers Today!
- Get a FREE case evaluation today
- Frequently Asked Questions
Portland is one of the largest cities in Oregon and is striving to become the most active in the country. The amount of effort and means invested into the local cycling community is worth the admiration and attention that it gets. However, bicycle accidents still happen on the streets of the city, leaving the victims wondering what they have to do next.
Many bike crashes lead to serious traumas and financial hardship that an injured party may unknowingly decide to deal with alone. Yet, there are parties responsible for your losses and damages. A trained Portland bicycle accident attorney will help you determine them and obtain the rightful compensation owed to you!
Who Are Our Portland Bicycle Accident Attorneys?
Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group is a team of field-trained experts with years of legal practice in personal injury law and hundreds of successful cases. What is the secret? The answer is simple — we care, and we listen. Moreover, most of our lawyers are cyclists and local community activists themselves.
The aftermath of a bicycle collision is always overwhelming. Not only do you have to tend to your injuries and recover emotionally, but there also comes the tiresome insurance hassle with all its complexities and policy pitfalls. If you need a law firm that will support and guide you during these difficult times, all you need to do is to schedule a free legal consultation!
What Do You Have to Do After a Bicycle Accident?
It is close to impossible to prepare yourself for a harmful accident while enjoying a relaxing ride on your bike. However, the more put-together you are and the more logical your first steps after the incident, the easier it will be to build a solid case and recover financial compensation in the future.
Here’s what you may want to do after the crash:
- Inspect yourself for any visible injuries. If you can move, get away from the street.
- Contact emergency services. Call 911 and ask them to dispatch medics and law enforcement to the scene.
- Take pictures of everything that stands out to you at the scene. Document your injuries, damages, location, road conditions, and other consequential evidence that may become useful later.
- Exchange contact information with the driver. Write down their full name, address, insurance policy number, and other personal details.
- Contact a bicycle accident attorney. Follow their initial advice or wait until they arrive at the scene.
Not every injured cyclist possesses the necessary experience handling bicycle accident cases, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, you shouldn’t negotiate with the potential at-fault party or their insurance company unless you are instructed otherwise by your legal advisor.
2024 Bicycle Accident Statistics in Portland
In 2024, Oregon was ranked the third most bicycle-friendly state in the USA. The cities of Ashland, Corvallis, and Portland were consequently awarded the gold, silver, and bronze positions. Extensive investment into cycling safety development of well-equipped infrastructure for such vulnerable road user groups as pedestrians and bike riders seems to be paying off.
However, back in 2023, the state held the second rank. It means that despite the effort, bicycle accident fatalities are on the spike in the region. For instance, out of 12 fatal bicycle crashes that took place in Oregon, 5 of them happened in Portland.
Additional Crash Facts and Stats
- Recent reports state that 94% of all accidents take place on the road, including bike lanes.
- Almost 80% of injured bike accident victims are male.
- Men in their late 20s and early 30s are the most frequent casualties in biking accidents.
- One in seven vulnerable road user deaths is a result of a hit-and-run accident.
- 90% of at-fault drivers hold state-registered driver’s licenses.
- Over 60% of all bicycle accidents have a motor vehicle involved.
- The most dangerous locations for cyclists are E Burnside St. & 102nd Avenue, NW Broadway & Hoyt St., and SE Hawthorne Blvd. & 7th Ave.
Cycling Laws in Portland
The State of Oregon regards bike riders as rightful participants in traffic. Cyclists share the same rules and obligations as motor vehicle operators. Bicyclists can travel alongside cars if there are no dedicated bicycle lanes in the vicinity, on condition that they follow in the same direction, stick to the right side of the road, and lawfully abide by traffic signs.
However, there are a few category-specific requirements that every pedalcyclist must know. For instance:
- A cyclist has to maintain proper control of the vehicle, and no one-hand riding is allowed.
- Bicyclists have to signal their movements using hand gestures within 100 feet of their planned change of direction.
- Riders under 16 years old must wear a protective helmet.
- A cyclist owes a right of way to pedestrians.
- A bicycle must be equipped with functioning front and rear lights.
- It is allowed to ride on a sidewalk in the city, except for downtown, as long as the speed does not exceed the walking limit.
- A cyclist has to produce an audible sound to warn pedestrians of their approach while riding on the sidewalk.
- A cyclist must report an accident involving a serious injury, a wrongful death, or other damage exceeding $2500. Police reports don’t count as a formal request.
What Are the Typical Causes of Portland Bicycle Accidents?
Every bike accident is different. However, after analyzing major bicycle accidents in the area, Portland authorities pointed out the following underlying conditions:
- Dooring accidents: It is prohibited by state laws to open doors into a busy lane since a sudden open door can affect the rider’s balance and send them off the bicycle. However, many motorists disregard the rule.
- Failure to yield: Not all the drivers in the state are aware of the right-of-way requirements. Falsely assuming that a cyclist owes this duty to motorists, the latter often commit serious accidents.
- Distracted driving: Over 30K crashes with multiple fatalities took place in Oregon because drivers were using their electronic devices instead of paying attention to the road. Cyclists play a palpable part in that statistic.
- Speeding: Many vehicle operators still violate state-approved speed limits, driving at least 10 mph faster than allowed. Such reckless behavior often results in catastrophic, if not fatal, injuries sustained by a cyclist.
- Infrastructure: Many bicycle incidents take place in locations with steep declines where it gets harder to control the speed of the vehicle. The same applies to unsafe approaches and departures from the main city bridges.
What Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Portland?
Although bicyclists share the same rights as motorists, they definitely do not share the same protection. Because of the general body exposure of an average cyclist on Portland streets, some of the most frequently sustained traumas by this road user category include the following:
- Head traumas: An adult cyclist isn’t required to wear a protective helmet, but even if they do, it can’t eliminate the chance of suffering from such serious traumatic brain injuries as concussions and skull fractures.
- Back injuries: Spinal cord injuries are quite typical outcomes from a collision with another vehicle, especially the one speeding. Back traumas may inflict severe, if not permanent, impairments.
- Internal organ damage: Internal bleeding and organ damage need a medical expert to be detected on time, or they may lead to lethal outcomes.
- Fractures: Many bicyclists suffer from multiple broken bones, including wrists, arms, legs, ribs, and many others. Some of these fractures may be extremely complex and require costly surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation.
- Skin abrasions: Road rash is a typical result of sliding on a hard surface without any durable body protection. Lacerations, cuts, and abrasions may leave scars and take time to heal if they get infected.
How Much Is My Bike Accident Worth?
One of the main things that bicycle accident victims want to know is whether the final settlement they can obtain is worth all the legal hassle. These days, you can use an online settlement calculator to see the approximate amount you can recover. However, only a trained Portland bicycle accident attorney can provide you with a precise estimate of your case’s worth.
There are varying contributing factors that an algorithm can’t fully assess. For instance:
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Severity of your injuries
Serious injuries that require extensive medical care and potential future expenses make up for a higher settlement than a one-time emergency room visit. Usually, a lawyer consults field experts to make precise calculations that reflect the full scale of your losses.
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Comparative Negligence
Another factor that can significantly affect the final settlement or rule it out entirely is the percentage of fault that the injured party shares. You can recover damages in Oregon as long as the contributory involvement does not exceed 50%.
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Insurance coverage
There are instances when a guilty party does not possess the necessary insurance coverage to suffice your damages. In such cases, you can either accept the offered limit, cover the expenses on your own, or seek alternative sources.
Our Recent Case Settlements
Main Types of Damages to Claim in a Bicycle Accident
There are three main types of damages a cyclist can recover after an accident. However, not all people are familiar with their options, and often, insurance companies use that lack of knowledge to settle injured parties for a lowball offer. Hiring a trained lawyer for a collision with a motor vehicle or any other incident will help you avoid such pitfalls.
- Economic damages: All the countable expenses, otherwise referred to as monetary losses, fall under this category. Every type of financial expense that a cyclist has to deal with as a result of a bicycle accident must be fairly compensated.
- Non-economic damages: Most accident victims don’t know that intangible damages can also be assessed and reflected in a quantifiable equivalent. The severity and duration of your suffering and the toll it has on your life are up for maximum reimbursement, but usually, it takes qualified legal representation to succeed with the recovery.
- Punitive damages: Although rarely, punitive damages can be included in the Multnomah County bicycle accident claim. The primary aim of these damages is to punish the at-fault party for their reckless behavior and warn society from committing similar crimes.
How Is an Average Bicycle Crash Settlement Calculated?
To come up with a final settlement amount, bicycle accident lawyers combine different components of all damages that the party suffers:
- Medical costs: All types of medical expenses, past or future – hospital visits, prescriptions, surgeries, and other injury-related manipulations – are assessed in detail and noted.
- Lost wages: If a cyclist misses days of work or develops a decrease in earning capacity — whether temporary or permanent — the legal advisor will reflect these in the reimbursement offer.
- Property damage: Usually, a cyclist suffers significant property losses. The entire cost of bike repairs or replacement is to be compensated by the at-fault party.
- Psychological impact of the accident: In the majority of bicycle accident cases, the injured victims have to deal with such mental conditions as depression, loss of consortium, and PTSD. These emotional conditions, along with personal pain and suffering, can also be converted into tangible losses.
- Wrongful death compensation: If a family member sustains fatal injuries in a bike crash, the family is eligible for financial compensation that covers funeral expenses along with the loss of companionship or related costs.
Real-Life Example of a Bicycle Accident Settlement
Suppose a 32-year-old cyclist gets hit at an intersection by a driver who runs a red light because they are checking their text message. The biker suffers a leg fracture, concussion, broken ribs, and countless abrasions. Because of the injuries, the victim has to spend four weeks of work. Based on the initial factors, the settlement will look the following way:
- Medical expenses: $50, 000
- Loss of income: $25, 000
- Property damage: $1, 000
- Pain and suffering: $ 100,000
- Emotional distress: $50, 000
- Loss of joy in life: $ 50,000
- Total: $276,000
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Cycling Accident in Portland?
The circumstances of the crash primarily define the liable parties in Oregon bicycle accident claims. Usually, they are the following:
- Negligent motorists: Any driver who violated traffic rules and initiated the collision will be held accountable. The economic losses they inflict on a cyclist will be covered by their personal injury protection, a mandatory part of every auto insurance policy in the state.
- The state of Oregon: It is also possible to file a personal injury claim against the city or the state. If your accident happens because of hazardous riding conditions, poorly maintained bike lanes, or missing traffic signs, the local municipality will have to compensate for the damages.
- Bicycle manufacturers: In some instances, a defective bike becomes the primary reason for the accident. Whether the frame broke, the brakes malfunctioned, or anything else failed, and you can prove that the vehicle was sold in that state, the manufacturer will be deemed the responsible party.
- Property owners: If the trail goes through private property and a cyclist rides through unsafe driveways, blocked lanes, or other obstacles, the owner will be held accountable.
- Pedestrians/pedalcyclists: Other vulnerable road users may behave carelessly and cause accidents. If the fellow cyclist was speeding and making unsafe moves that unbalanced you or a pedestrian jumped in front of the vehicle, they will be charged the damages.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Portland Bicycle Accident?
It is not enough to give your word that someone else is to blame for the biking accident and the consequent losses. Four major elements will help you prove negligence:
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Duty of care
Every road user must abide by state-governed laws. Whether it is a cyclist, driver, or pedestrian, they have to be responsible not to cause harm to others.
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Breach of duty
When a party acts recklessly and initiates dangerous road conditions, it means that they breach their duty. Moreover, other people’s injuries are the direct outcome of that breach.
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Causation
Even though there may be an evidently injured victim — a cyclist — it takes a direct link to showcase the correlation between the cause and effect. You can use available proof, whether surveillance footage, witness statements, or other critical evidence, to back the claim.
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Damages
Finally, a cyclist will also have to provide palpable proof that their injuries inflicted substantial financial losses they want to recover. Costs of medical treatment, lost wages, and property repair expenses will reflect those damages.
A qualified Oregon-based lawyer who knows state negligence laws will be able to recognize and point out the breach of duty and provide necessary documented evidence to prove the other party’s liability in no time.
How Can an Experienced Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help You Recover a Fair Settlement?
One of the most evident advantages of working with a professional legal representative would be their knowledge of the local laws. However, a bike accident lawyer usually has more to offer. For example:
- A trained lawyer can take over the case investigation. They will seek out and gather available proof to build a successful claim. Very often, legal assistants have better and swifter access to critical accident evidence. They can invite industry specialists to reconstruct different pieces of the accident or consult field experts to obtain an unbiased conclusion.
- Accident lawyers will represent your interests while negotiating with insurance companies. They know all the ins and outs of insurance policies and can be very persistent when it comes to recovering fair financial compensation for the client.
- Since the legal system has various bureaucratic pitfalls, a trained legal advisor will file the case in perfect order and within a stated deadline. If there are any stalls and delays in the case, the representative will inquire about them and eliminate them on time.
- Hiring a professional attorney will also give you the necessary peace of mind. While they handle the claim and keep you posted on all the updates, you can fully focus on your recovery without additional stress delaying it.
What Is a Statute of Limitations for Bike Accident Cases in Portland?
Generally, the Statute of Limitations is a specific deadline for filing a claim an injured party wants to be justly resolved. In the case of personal injury claims, the timeframe in Oregon is two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions to the rule. Fatal accidents and incidents involving minors or governmental entities may have a different expiry date. In any case, if you fail to issue the claim within this predefined period, you may lose your right to fair compensation.
Contact Our Bike Accident Lawyers Today!
A bicycle ride should be a source of joy and relaxation, but a tragic accident can turn it into a void of pain and uncertainty. An experienced Portland bike attorney is a committed advocate and a compassionate partner who will help you deal with the emotional, physical, and financial toll of the incident. Call us for a free consultation today, and we’ll fight to make the at-fault parties compensate your bicycle accident injuries, damages, and losses tirelessly until justice is restored!
Share the details of your situation with us so we can begin advocating on your behalf. We customize our approach to fit the unique needs of each client.