Bicycle Accident Lawyer Portland, Oregon
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.
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:
- Accident Injury
- Airplane Accident
- Auto Wreck
- Boating Accident
- Bus Accident
- Construction Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Dog Bite
- Pedestrian Accident
- Slip and Fall
- Product Liability
- Legal Malpractice
- Medical Malpractice
- Scooter Accident
- Train Accident
- Truck Accident
- Wrongful Death
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.
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.
Law Offices of Jon Friedman
811 SW Naito Pkwy #610, Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 503-242-1440