We Handle a Full Range of Bicycle Accident Injury Claims
We represent clients who have been injured in a broad spectrum of circumstances involving bicycles. Whether you have been hit by a truck, car, motorcycle or another motor vehicle, we invite you to reach out to our experienced team. We also represent the surviving families of bicyclists killed in fatal accidents.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents In Portland
In order to protect themselves, it is important for bicyclists in our area to be aware of how crashes and collisions typically happen. Common ways these accidents typically happen include:
Crashes and Collisions Involving Automobiles
This is by far the most common cause of bicycle accidents in Portland. Reckless driving behaviors on the part of motorists are generally to blame. These include:
- Speeding and going too fast for conditions;
- Failing to yield for bicyclists at stop signs and other traffic signals;
- Tailgating, improper passing, and other aggressive driving behaviors;
- Distracted driving, which can cause motorists to veer into bike lanes;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications.
To protect themselves, it is important for Portland bicyclists to drive defensively. Do not automatically assume other drivers see you or will stop at intersections. Pay close attention when riding, wear light, bright colors to increase visibility, and use a helmet to reduce your risks of serious injuries. For more information, please read our article on “Four Common Ways Bicycle Accidents in Portland Happen.”
Dangerous Road Conditions
Poor infrastructure and a general lack of proper repair or maintenance is the second most common cause of bicycle accidents. This often includes:
- Uneven road surfaces;
- Gravel roads and sections with numerous potholes;
- Lack of bicycle lanes;
- Lack of traffic signs and signals.
The City of Portland recently shared results of a study on road factors and bicycle safety that emphasizes the importance of addressing these types of issues. While the city focuses on making improvements, bicyclists need to take extra care in choosing which route they travel. Picking areas that have established bike lanes, clearly marked signs, and other updates can help to reduce bicycle accident risks.
Crashes Involving Fixed Objects
Debris on roadways and general lack of maintenance often require bicyclists to swerve unexpectedly, increasing the risks of bicycle accidents involving fixed objects. In Portland, one of the most common collisions is with car doors. When drivers pull over for on-street parking, many attempt to exit their vehicles without looking first. To avoid serious injuries, bicyclists should use extra caution in these areas.
Know What to Do After a Bicycle Accident In Portland
Even the most cautious and experienced cyclists can find themselves involved in a bicycle accident in Portland. Despite wearing a helmet and taking other precautions, serious and potentially life-threatening injuries may occur as a result. What do you need to know and do following a bicycle accident?
- Get medical attention for your injuries, regardless of your symptoms or how minor they may appear:
- Report the accident immediately to law enforcement;
- Get a description of the driver, their vehicle, and the time/place where the accident occurred;
- If possible, take photos of the vehicle involved, the accident scene, and your injuries;
- Get a copy of the police report, which will contain contact and insurance information for the at-fault driver.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurer. Before making any statements or accepting any settlements, speak with our Portland bicycle accident attorneys. It is not uncommon for insurers to either deny or downplay claims. We aggressively negotiate with these companies on your behalf to ensure you get the maximum amount you deserve.
If your injuries are severe or the driver is uninsured, we can guide you in filing a personal injury lawsuit against them. Under the Oregon Revised Statutes, damages you may be entitled to include coverage of current and future medical expenses, reimbursement for lost wages and future losses in earnings, and compensation for the pain and suffering your bike accident causes.
Extra Precaution and Protection for Cyclists
When it comes to crashes and collisions, Oregon is one of the most deadly states for bicyclists. An average of one fatal bike accident happens per month while dozens of other victims suffer serious personal injuries.
With all the bikes on the road, cars need to be extremely attentive, check their blind spots before making any turns or changing lanes, be observant of bike lanes and remember that cyclists share the road with the same rights and privileges as motor vehicle drivers. That being said, to protect yourself, it is important to be aware of factors that put you at risk:
- Lack of safety precautions: Not wearing a helmet, not properly maintaining your bicycle, and not riding in designated bike lanes increase the likelihood of bike accidents and injuries.
- Dangerous roads: Riding in road construction areas, places where there are a lack of traffic signals, and in sections of the city that experience heavy traffic increase the odds a bike accident will happen.
- Reckless drivers: Always be on the lookout for motorists engaged in dangerous behaviors such as speeding, running red lights, and driving while impaired.
Regardless of the factors involved in a bicycle accident, our aim is to develop the strongest case we can based on our knowledge of the law and its application to the facts of our clients’ cases. To do this we use years of successful trial results, and the experience we have gained in handling more than 1000 personal injury cases.
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