Bicycle Accidents Attorney in Portland, Oregon

Those who live in the Portland metro region know how popular bicycling is, both recreationally and for those who commute to and from work or school. And, though our region is known for being “bike-friendly,” cyclists still put themselves at risk when they share the streets with cars. In 2020, 465 bicyclists were injured on our state’s roadways and 14 tragically lost their lives, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.  

If you or someone you love was recently involved in a bicycle accident and you’d like to learn more about your options for filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim, call me at Injury Lawyer PDX, LLC. From my offices in Portland, Oregon, I can serve those throughout the region, including Clackamas, Washington, Multnomah, Marion, Lincoln, and Tillamook counties. 

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you’re a cyclist, you should always be prepared for the worst-case scenario, and this means knowing what steps you should take if you get hit by a car: 

1. Call 911: In most cases, it will be in your best interests to call law enforcement as a bicyclist hit by a car since it’s very likely you’ll sustain some sort of injury. The police can help manage the incident scene and will then complete an official report. This can then later be used as a piece of evidence in an insurance or personal injury claim to help prove fault in a bicycle accident.  

2. Get Driver and Witness Information: You should then collect contact information for anyone who was involved in the crash as well as any eyewitnesses who observed the event and may be able to provide context and corroboration. This includes contact and insurance information from the driver of the car. 

3. Document Details: If possible, take photos or videos of the scene that show where the crash happened, the conditions, what kind of signage was there, and evidence of any property damage or bodily injuries. Additionally, ask for a copy of the police report.   

4. Obtain Medical Assistance: Getting medical attention is one of the most important steps you can take after an accident like this for a couple of reasons. The first is that many times when people are involved in bike accidents, they may not think their injuries are serious because they have so much adrenaline running through their system or because some injuries can take days to show up. By seeing a doctor right away, you’ll be able to treat any injuries right away before they get worse. Additionally, you’ll need to retain all your medical records, including your bills, diagnosis, care summaries, and treatment plans, for use in your claim. If you don’t do this in a timely manner, the insurance adjuster can use this against you, claiming that you weren’t truly injured.   

5. Hire Personal Injury Attorney: Last but not least, hiring an experienced bicycle accident attorney can ensure you’re getting the best legal advice possible and that any compensation you do pursue is done thoroughly and in accordance with the law. A skilled lawyer will advise you on your options, advocate on your behalf, and represent your best interests throughout this entire process. 

Oregon Laws Affecting Bicycle Riders 

Whenever you ride a bike in Portland or anywhere in the state, you should take the time to understand all the applicable laws pertaining to cyclists and how vehicles must share the roadways with them. 

Pertaining to Bicycle Riders  

In general, bike riders are expected to follow the same laws and rules of the road as passenger vehicles do with a few exceptions: 

• Cyclists should always ride as close to the right side of the road as possible while maintaining their own safety. 

• If there is a designated bike lane, cyclists should use this except when turning or passing. 

• All cyclists must obey all traffic signs such as stop signs and stop lights. 

• All bicycles must be equipped with a front light and back light when riding at night, a reflector, and a brake. 

• There is a state-wide helmet law for any cyclists under the age of 16. 

Pertaining to Vehicles  

• Cars must yield to a cyclist in a bike lane or sidewalk before turning. 

• Cars can not block a bike lane by parking or stopping in it. 

• Drivers must yield to cyclists the same way they would another car. 

• Drivers must give cyclists adequate room on the road and not crowd them.