At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our bicycle accident attorneys in Portland, Oregon understand these collisions can cause more than serious injuries, but life-changing harm. Anyone who rides a bicycle regularly knows just how exposed they are and how easy it is to get injured, especially after suffering from the impact of a much larger, heavier, and more forceful passenger vehicle.
Statistics provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation revealed a minority of bicycle accidents are caused by the riders themselves, but the majority, at least in part, is caused by negligent and careless drivers.
Last year there were 826 traffic collisions in Oregon involving bicycles and pedal cycles, with the leading cause recorded from drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to riders.
Bicycle collisions can occur when a motorist leaves little room between them and the cyclist or makes a sudden and unexpected left turn in front of a bicyclist. Bicyclists can even be hurt when colliding with a car door that is suddenly opened in front of them on a city street.
If you have been injured while riding your bike or have tragically lost a loved one in a bicycle collision, contact our experienced attorneys today to learn more about your legal options to pursue financial compensation from the negligent driver.
Cyclists are Particularly Vulnerable to Injuries in Portland
Federal statistics indicate that over a quarter of Americans ride a bicycle at some point, and despite bicycling only accounting for one percent of all vehicle journeys, these collisions amount to two percent of all traffic-related accidents each year.
Any cyclist, no matter how experienced they may be, is particularly vulnerable to collisions due to:
Poor maintenance of roads and pathways
Motor vehicle drivers passing too close to a cyclist
Other driver negligence, including distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, and operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Dog bites or another animal attack
Inclement weather such as icy roads, hail, snow, rain, fog, or wind
Because of the bicyclist’s vulnerable nature, their injuries are often significant or even life-threatening, including traumatic brain injuries, spine and neck injuries, and organ damage or internal bleeding, and may require long-term medical care and extended time away from work, which will immediately complicate their overall financial standing.
Any cyclist who has suffered injuries due to another driver’s negligence may be eligible to file a lawsuit to cover the damages to the bicycle itself, their medical expenses, lost income and/or future earning capacity, and the potential costs associated with the psychological and emotional suffering they experience from the crash.
Inability to Share Common Road Space Can Cause Bicycle Accidents
While the attitude of society, in general, has improved over the last two decades towards bicyclists, there are still a minority of motorists that do not consider the rights of a cyclist when sharing the road. The danger of an encounter between any person who has this attitude and a cyclist who is rightfully riding alongside is apparent, as motorists with this sort of attitude are likely to try to force the cyclist off the road by driving too close or too fast.
Bicycle Accidents May Also Be Caused by Defective Designs
Though not as common as collisions caused by negligent drivers, some Portland bicycle accidents may be caused by the bike’s defective design. Normally these would be most apparent in a relatively new bicycle and, while the damage to the bicycle in an accident should be covered by the warranty, injuries suffered by the bicyclist may be recovered by filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the bicycle.
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Portland Personal Injury Attorneys Also Focus on the Following Practice Areas:
Contact Our Experienced Portland Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today For A Free Consultation
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident where you were hit by a negligent driver, contact the Law Offices of Jonathan Friedman today to learn more about your legal rights to pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Our Portland personal injury attorneys will discuss your injuries and outline the facts behind your claim while answering any questions or concerns you have about the process by calling (503) 242-1440 for a free confidential assessment of your claim.
Oregon law states that anyone under the age of 16 is required to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Even though if you are over the age of 16 it is not legally required to wear a helmet, it is still strongly recommended.
The most common injuries people suffer from bicycle accidents are: broken bones, bruising, head injuries, knee injuries, back injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, and in some cases death.
In Portland you are required to use bike lanes where they are available to you, but just because you were not in the bike lane at the time of the accident does not automatically deem you at fault for the accident. You may have needed to leave the bike lane due to poor conditions in the lane, you needed to make a turn, a car was parked in the bike lane, or there was road work being done.
Drivers need to be on the lookout for bicyclists on the road and in the bike lanes. Always check your mirrors and blind spots before parking, turning, changing lanes, or opening your car door. Being more aware that bicyclists are around can help lessen the chance of a bicycle accident. Bicyclists can make sure to stay in their designated areas on the road, use hand signals when turning or needing to merge, and wear reflective gear.
According to the Portland Bureau of Transportation less and less people are riding bicycles. It has been at a steady decline for the past couple of years, and the 2022 data showed it is as low as it was in 2006.
While bicycle accidents can happen at any time of the day, they seem to be most common during the hours of 6p.m. and 9p.m. when visibility is quite low and it is harder to see a cyclist. Bicycle accidents also happen frequently in the early mornings, again when visibility is low and not many drivers are fully paying attention to the road.
Yes, when you have been injured in a bicycle accident you should stay at the scene until the police arrive. They will then file the police report. If the police don’t or won’t respond, call it in as soon as possible.
If you do not have car, and therefore you do not have car insurance to cover you in a bicycle accident, you can look into national bicycle insurance. This might be your best option but it would be wise to investigate and see what bicycle insurance or company would be best for you.
If you have car insurance, in most cases yes, since in Oregon you must have uninsured motorist coverage as a part of your mandatory car insurance policy. You will want to check your exact policy but the uninsured motorist coverage should help you if you were involved in a hit and run accident.
If there is no designated bike lane, then the bicyclist has the right to ride on the roads. Cars must keep an eye for these bicyclists to not cause an accident. Bicyclists will have to ride closer to the right in the correct direction of traffic.
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A friend of mine recommended Jon, after hearing I had been in an auto accident. From our first phone call, through the consultation, all the way to the end, Jon was professional, affable and on top of everything. He urged me to advocate for myself when visiting doctors to make sure I received the proper care and frequently checked in...
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I was involved in a motorcycle accident back in 2019 and needed legal council to proceed towards addressing financial hardships and guidance. I looked up several lawyers online and Jon was the one who I felt had the knowledge, experience, and personality that could really help with my case. Jon was with me from the first day I called him...
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Excellent lawyer, but even better person. Jon came very highly recommended, but still managed to exceed all expectations. He provided expert legal advice in connection with a motor vehicle accident I was involved in that ultimately required neck surgery. Jon is an open and honest, no-nonsense lawyer that truly cares about his clients. He was extremely responsive, always available, and...
- P Hayes
Most of the times there is nothing good you could say about an accident, however, in my case there was one good thing and it was that I got to have the guidance and support of this Lawyer, Jon. I did not at any point feel alone throughout this whole 2 year process. His professionalism was impeccable at every moment....
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Jon was a huge help in navigating the ins and outs of my car accident. I would retain his legal services if needed in the future and recommend him. Thanks again Jon for all the help.
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Jon is amazing. So much so that I have hired him TWICE. Being in an accident SUCKS. The insurance company-- even your own company-- is out for them, and them only. You need someone to fight for you. That's Jon. He doesn't just sit back and collect... he WORKS for you. Fights for you. And is so proactive. He hires...
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My family will forever be grateful to John for his kind and persevering help for me after my injury. It is very lonely and scary to recover and rebuild your life after a major injury. Having John as my advocate gave me hope and allowed me to focus on getting healthy once again. I was impressed at John's abilities to...
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I have known Jon Friedman for twenty years and never thought the occasion would happen where I would need his services...but as life goes I was involved in a serious accident and thought that I could handle the insurance company claims adjustor and all the pressure from the physical healing, work, and negotiations. I was in way over my head...
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If there was a single highlight to being in a car accident, it was being able to work with Jon Friedman. Jon was referred to me by friend of mine after I was involved in a fairly bad car accident. Jon went above and beyond to make sure that I was comfortable, taken care of, and got everything I deserved....
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It was a pleasure meeting and working with you. No words my thanks. I appreciate everything you have done. Thank you for caring about me as one of your clients. That’s special and hard to find. You are one of a kind. Also, thank you for being straight forward and honest with me. You treated me like I’m a someone,...
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A friend referred me to see Jon Friedman at a very low point in my life. Three months earlier I’d been hit in two auto accidents within 20 days. I thought, initially, that the pain I was experiencing afterward was a matter of muscle sprains and that if I saw a chiropractor, the pain would go away within a month...
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Jon Friedman helped me to an extent I could never have expected.I was hurt in a car accident. My initial attorney came well recommended but was frequently unavailable and was not communicating with me about very important issues. It was very stressful and I felt that I was on my own.That changed when I found and consulted with Jon Friedman....
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In 2010, while waiting at a signal light, our car was ‘rear-ended’, resulting in its total loss. We sustained severe injuries to multiple body areas, including the need for a hip replacement. We were referred to Jon Friedman, attorney, to guide us through the complicated process of MVA litigation. From our initial meeting we realized Mr. Friedman was a patient...
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After my car accident in May 2009; I was referred to Jon Friedman Attorney; I am very thankful for that referral. Jon worked on my case everyday for many, many months. It was not easy at times & I had many, many questions for him during my case. Each time I asked a question, he had an answer; if not...
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- A. Connett
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- Anonymous
Jon, I found your place page when I google’d for your phone number. As I plan to tell you on the phone when I call: I can’t thank you enough for helping me after my car accident. I am in such a good place now thanks to your help and patient guidance! I was amazed at all of the details...
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At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our 
