Bicycle Accident Attorneys In OREGON

PORTLAND BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Bicycling in Oregon

Your Legal Partner: Portland, Oregon Bicycle Accident Attorney

Cyclists view the roads differently, and they require an attorney who understands this. They should have someone who understands the frustration of being unable to ride a bicycle after a crash and losing their preferred environmentally friendly mode of transportation. 

If you ride a bicycle in Oregon, our law firm is well-known for assisting cyclists. We have been successful in defending the rights of cyclists and winning cases against negligent drivers. We are aware that bicycle accidents can be extremely dangerous, with the majority resulting in head injuries. 

Car drivers must exercise extreme caution when sharing the road with cyclists. They should pay close attention to bike lanes and always conduct a thorough check before changing lanes or turning. It is essential for everyone's safety.

Tips for Bicycle Safety in Oregon by Bike Legal

• Always Wear a helmet:

Although Oregon law only requires helmets to be worn by children under the age of 16, a bicycle helmet is your only defense against head injuries.  Learn more in The Truth About Your Cycling Helmet.

• Be Visible:

Wear reflective clothing and use a headlight and tail light even during the day

• Obey Traffic and Cycling Laws:

Cyclists must obey all traffic regulations.  The Oregon Bicycling Manual provides all the details.

• Check Your Bicycle:

Regularly inspect your bicycle for mechanical issues, including air pressure, brakes, tire wear, chain, and lights.

• Be Predictable and Use Hand Signals:

Use hand signals to indicate turns and lane changes in order to alert drivers and other cyclists.

Common Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents in Oregon

Head Injuries occur frequently during bicycle accidents. These injuries range from minor concussions that resolve in a few days to severe brain injuries that can last a lifetime. We encourage the importance of wearing helmets for this reason. Helmets serve as shields for the head, protecting it in the event of a fall.

Bicycle crashes can result in broken bones, which can be very painful. A broken clavicle is the most common, followed by arms and legs.  Therefore, riding with caution, being visible,  and adhering to safety rules can help prevent these injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries are extremely grave. When your spinal cord is injured, it can be difficult for you to move around. These injuries can sometimes be permanent. Therefore, maintaining safety and avoiding accidents is crucial.

By being aware of these common injuries, we are reminded to ride our bicycles with caution and to wear protective equipment such as helmets. It is also about staying safe and protecting our bodies while having fun on our bicycles.

Updated Oregon Bicycle Accident Statistics

In May 2021, the number of bicycle-related accidents in Oregon increased by more than 21 percent compared to the same month the previous year. To give you an idea, there were 292 fatal bicycle accidents in the state in 2010. In 2019, this figure skyrocketed by 64% to reach 456 fatalities. These statistics paint a grim picture and serve as a reminder that bicycle safety is something to which we must all pay close attention. It is essential to make our roads safer for cyclists by obeying traffic laws and maintaining awareness while driving or riding a bicycle. By understanding these statistics, we can reduce accidents and ensure everyone's safety.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

It is important to know what to do if you are involved in a bicycle collision. Follow these 15 Steps to Take After a Bicycle Crash.

Check to see if you're okay and seek medical assistance immediately. Then, call the police and describe what transpired so they can file a police report. It is also a good idea to photograph the accident scene and collect any evidence that could be useful. Consider speaking with a bicycle accident lawyer in Portland, OR who specializes in bicycle accidents. They can assist you with legal matters and ensure that your rights are protected. These steps are essential to ensuring your safety and receiving the necessary assistance after a bicycle accident.

FAQ About Bicycle Accidents in Portland, Oregon

Laws for Cyclists in Oregon

Knowing the Bicycle Laws is key to staying safe while cycling.  It is also important to prevent you from being at fault in the event of a collision.

1. Helmets: Oregon law requires all bicycle riders under the age of sixteen to wear an approved helmet while riding on a public path or roadway. 
2. Lights: Lights are required by law when riding after dark. Just like a car must have headlights and taillights, you or your bicycle must have a white light on the front that is visible at least 500 feet away, and a red light or reflector visible at least 600 feet to the rear.
3. Ride in the same direction as traffic:   Riding against traffic is against the law.
4. Stop at red lights: You must come to a complete stop at solid red lights at intersections. When approaching an intersection with a solid yellow light, it is the law to stop at the yellow light if you are not already in the intersection. 
5. Stop as Yield is allowed in Oregon: In Oregon, people riding bicycles are allowed to treat stop signs and flashing red lights as YIELD signs. This means you can proceed through the intersection or make a right or left turn at intersections controlled by stop signs or flashing red lights without coming to a complete stop.
6. Stop for school buses: A person on a bicycle, just like the operator of any other vehicle, is required by law to stop and stay stopped for a school bus that is operating red bus safety lights. It is the expectation that traffic in all directions stop and remain stopped until the bus driver turns the flashing bus lights off.

Where Can a Cyclist Ride Their Bike in Oregon?

Oregon provides cyclists with a variety of riding options, including bike lanes, shared pathways, and road cycling. Understanding where cyclists are permitted to ride and the associated rules make cycling safer and more enjoyable.

Sidewalks can be shared by multiple users, but they are not designed for people biking. Before riding on the sidewalk, consider the surrounding conditions and proceed with caution.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Portland, Oregon

Frequent Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Portland Distracted driving, dooring incidents, and road conditions are common causes of bicycle accidents in Portland. Recognizing these common causes can heighten awareness and improve road safety.

What Happens if a Cyclist is Hit by an Uninsured or Hit-and-Run Driver in Portland, Oregon?

Bicycle accidents are painful enough, but being hit by someone who flees the scene or does not have insurance can affect your compensation.  Understanding insurance, including UM/UIM is critical for all cyclists.  Learn everything you need to know in The Bicyclists Guide to Insurance.

Liability in Bicycle and Car Collisions in Oregon

Determining liability in bike-car collisions in Portland, Oregon is essential for seeking compensation for injuries and damages. In the context of Portland, Oregon, traffic laws, evidence, and the circumstances of the collision play crucial roles in determining liability. Understanding this process is crucial for accident victims.