Experienced Portland Oregon Bicycle Accident Attorney
Portland Oregon Bicycle Accident Attorney
Find out why we have some of the best bicycle accident attorneys in Portland
Have You Recently Been Involved in a Bicycle Accident in Portland, Oregon?
Goldberg & Loren’s attorneys have over 30 years of experience representing personal injury victims. With our knowledge of Oregon’s bicycle laws, we will work to protect your rights and help you receive the best outcome for your case.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation, let us advocate for you in your bicycle accident case.
In 2021 there were 454 bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles in Oregon. [1]
Bicycle Accident Attorney in Portland
Goldberg & Loren will assist you with seeking payment for medical expenses, such as medical bills and rehabilitation costs, as well as address any long-term financial expenses resulting from your accident.
About 6.3% of Portland commuters travel by bike. This is the highest percentage of bike commuters for any American city and means that approximately 22,647 workers in Portland choose to bicycle. [2]
What Are the Costs of Hiring a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, where we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. Fees are typically calculated as a percentage of the settlement. You can set up an initial consultation with our lawyers to go over fees and payment arrangements.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Portland, Oregon
There are several causes of bicycle accidents in Portland, Including:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging in other distracting activities may not notice or be aware of cyclists sharing the road.
- Reckless Driving: Drivers who speed, run red lights or stop signs, or change lanes without signaling can cause accidents with cyclists.
- Dooring: When a driver or passenger opens their car door without checking for oncoming cyclists, they can collide with a cyclist riding in the bike lane.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Poorly designed or maintained bike lanes, lack of signage or lighting, and unsafe intersections can contribute to accidents.
- Failure to Yield: Failing to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections or when making turns can cause accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Drivers who operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs are at a higher risk of causing accidents.
- Aggressive Driving: Behaving aggressively on the road by tailgating, honking, or weaving in and out of traffic, can create dangerous situations.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Portland?
If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Portland, follow these steps immediately:
- Stay Calm and Assess the Situation: Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself down and assess to see if there are injuries. Do not move if you are seriously injured.
- Call Emergency Services: If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 right away to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if the injuries appear minor, it’s still important to have a medical professional assess them.
- Move to a Safe Area: If you are able to move without causing further harm, relocate yourself and your bicycle to a safe area, away from the traffic, to prevent further accidents or collisions.
- Exchange Information: Collect contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration numbers from the driver involved in the accident. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses present at the scene.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the damaged bicycle, any injuries sustained, the surrounding area, and any contributing factors such as traffic signs or road conditions.
- File a Police Report: If the police did not arrive at the scene initially, contact the non-emergency number of the Portland Police Bureau and file a report. Having an official record is essential for insurance claims and legal purposes.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, it is advisable to visit a healthcare professional to get checked for any hidden injuries. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent but can have serious consequences if left untreated.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance provider, regardless of fault. They will guide you through the claims process and help you understand your rights and coverage.
- Consult With Our Personal Injury Attorney: If you sustained injuries or significant property damage, consult with our personal injury attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents. We will guide you through the legal process, handle insurance negotiations, and help you obtain fair compensation.
Table of Contents
-
Bicycle Accident Attorney in Portland
-
What Are the Costs of Hiring a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
-
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Portland, Oregon
-
What Should I Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Portland?
-
Types of Bicycle Accidents in Portland
-
Types of Injuries Commonly Suffered from Bicycle Accidents in PDX
-
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims in Portland
-
PIP Insurance in Bicycle Accident Claims in Portland
-
Statute of Limitations on Bicycle Accidents in Portland
Types of Bicycle Accidents in Portland
In Portland, some common types of bicycle accidents include:
- Vehicle-Cyclist Collisions: These accidents occur when a motor vehicle and a cyclist collide. They can happen at intersections, when a driver fails to yield to a cyclist, makes an illegal turn, or overlooks a cyclist while changing lanes.
- Dooring Accidents: Dooring accidents occur when a parked vehicle’s door is opened suddenly in front of a cyclist, causing a crash. It often happens when the driver or passenger fails to check for approaching cyclists.
- Right-Hook Accidents: A right-hook accident occurs when a motorist makes a right turn across the path of a cyclist, cutting them off. This commonly happens when a driver fails to yield or misjudges the speed of a cyclist.
- Left-Hook Accidents: Left-hook accidents occur when a motorist makes a left turn across the path of a cyclist.
- Intersection Accidents: Intersections can be particularly dangerous for cyclists, as they involve multiple directions of traffic. Accidents can occur when a driver fails to yield, runs a red light, or makes an improper turn without observing a cyclist.
- Bicycle Lane Accidents: Even in dedicated bicycle lanes, accidents can occur. This can happen when a driver disregards the lane, enters it without looking, or blocks the lane.
- Road Hazards: Portland’s roads can have hazards such as potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces. These obstacles can cause cyclists to lose control and crash.
Types of Injuries Commonly Suffered from Bicycle Accidents in PDX
Some common types of injuries from bicycle accidents in Portland include:
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, skull fractures, and other head injuries are common in bicycle accidents.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Cyclists can suffer fractures or breaks in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, wrists, ribs, pelvis, and collarbone, due to the impact of the accident.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These include sprains, strains, and bruises. Cyclists often suffer sprained wrists, ankles, or knees, as well as contusions (bruises) from falling or colliding with objects during an accident.
- Road Rash: This refers to the abrasions and skin injuries that occur when a cyclist slides or skids on the pavement during an accident.
- Facial Injuries: Cyclists can sustain facial injuries, such as cuts, lacerations, contusions, or fractures, from direct impact with a vehicle, the ground, or other objects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Depending on the severity and location of the impact, bicycle accidents can cause spinal cord trauma, resulting in varying degrees of paralysis or loss of sensation below the injury site.
- Internal Injuries: Cyclists can experience internal injuries as a result of a strong impact during an accident.
- Emotional Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, bicycle accidents can also lead to emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or persistent fear of cycling again.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims in Portland
Compensation can help cover the physical, emotional, and financial damages suffered as a result of the accident. Some potential forms of compensation include:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, therapy sessions, medication, and any other necessary medical treatments related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: If the accident causes the victim to miss work or be unable to work temporarily or permanently, they may be entitled to compensation for lost income and future earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repair or replacement of the damaged bicycle, as well as other personal property that may have been damaged during the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish experienced as a result of the accident and subsequent injuries.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy: Compensation for any necessary ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, or counseling needed to recover from the accident.
- Disfigurement or Disability: If the accident results in permanent disfigurement or disability, the victim may be entitled to compensation for the impact on their quality of life and future earning potential.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation may be available for the loss of companionship, support, or intimacy suffered by the spouse of the injured person.
PIP Insurance in Bicycle Accident Claims in Portland
PIP insurance is a no-fault coverage that pays for reasonable and necessary medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. In Oregon, PIP is mandatory for all motor vehicle insurance policies, including those that cover cars and motorcycles.
If you were injured while riding a bicycle and have PIP coverage on your auto insurance policy, your PIP benefits may be applicable. PIP coverage can typically extend to cover bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles.
To make a PIP claim for a bicycle accident, you will need to notify your insurance company promptly. Provide them with the details of the accident and any necessary documentation, such as medical bills, proof of loss of income, and other related expenses.
PIP benefits in Oregon typically cover reasonable and necessary medical expenses up to the specified policy limit. It usually includes expenses related to medical treatment, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and sometimes even psychological counseling. PIP may also compensate for a portion of lost wages due to the accident.
Statute of Limitations on Bicycle Accidents in Portland
The Statute of Limitations on bicycle accidents in Portland, Oregon, refers to the time limit in which a bicycle accident victim must file a lawsuit to seek financial compensation for their injuries and damages.
In Portland, there is typically a timeframe of two years from the date of the accident for the victim to file a personal injury lawsuit. [3]
Look No Further Than Goldberg & Loren, the Hard-Hitting Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Portland, Oregon.
With over 30 years of experience and a history of successful cases, our team is ready to assist you in seeking justice.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free initial consultation.
FAQs
Yes, it's mandatory to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,500. This helps in documentation and insurance claims.
You may still have options for compensation through your own insurance policy's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Consulting with our lawyer can help you understand your options.
Sources:
[1] Oregon Department of Transportation : Crash Statistics & Reports : Data & Maps : State of Oregon. (n.d.). Crash Statistics & Reports : Oregon Department of Transportation. https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Data/Pages/Crash.aspx
[2] Bicycles in Portland Fact Sheet | Bicycle Resources | The City of Portland, Oregon. (2019, April 23). https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/407660
[3] OREGON STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS – GENERALLY. (n.d.-b). In https://assets.osbplf.org/forms/pdfs/Statutes%20of%20Limitation%20Generally.pdf. Retrieved February 17, 2024, from https://assets.osbplf.org/forms/pdfs/Statutes%20of%20Limitation%20Generally.pdf
Goldberg & Loren
6500 S Macadam Ave #300
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
If you have been injured while biking in Portland due to someone else's negligence give us a call to see if you have a personal injury case.
We Represent Those Injured in Bicycle Accidents in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Oregon.
- Beaverton, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Clackamas County, OR
- Clark County, WA
- Columbia County, OR
- Multnomah County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Washington County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Yamhill County, OR
Have Questions About Your Case? Call Us Today:
