The number of people riding bicycles in Portland increased by about 5% from 2022 to 2023, according to the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s 2023 Portland Bicycle Counts. The survey counted 22,397 people on bikes at 204 locations in 2023. Meanwhile, there were 97 motor vehicle crashes involving cyclists in Portland in 2022 and three fatalities, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation’s latest Traffic Crash Summary.
Portland is a bicycle-friendly city with nearly 400 miles of bikeways. Yet accidents involving bicycles and cars are inevitable. When bicycle accidents occur, cyclists are vulnerable to serious injuries because they have little protection when hit by a car or another vehicle.
If you or someone you love has sustained bicycle accident injuries caused by a negligent motorist, the bicycle accident lawyers at Rizk Law in Portland can help. We work with injured cyclists to pursue compensation for their medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering when someone else is at fault. An experienced personal injury lawyer from our law firm can guide you through the bicycle injury claim process to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
It’s important to know before a bike accident what to do if you become injured in an Oregon traffic accident. Below, we discuss the importance of gathering information at the accident scene and getting prompt medical care after a cycling accident. After you’ve begun receiving medical treatment, contact Rizk Law to understand your legal options. Our attorneys represent bicycle accident victims.
What To Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Portland
If you are hit by a car, truck, or another motor vehicle while riding a bicycle in Portland, you should phone 911 to report the accident to the police. Don’t let the driver talk you out of summoning the police. Oregon requires motor vehicle accidents to be reported if anyone is injured or the accident causes property damage of $2,500 or more, whether to the car, bike, or other property combined. The accident report will be useful if you file an insurance claim.
When you speak with the 911 dispatcher, request an ambulance if you have been hurt.
When emergency responders arrive, cooperate with them. Let EMTs examine you. If they recommend going to the hospital, let them take you. If you have been injured and filed an accident claim, your medical records from a doctor’s exam and treatment will be essential evidence of what has happened to you.
While waiting for police and EMTs, gather information about the accident if you can do so safely. Take photos or video of the accident scene, damage to your bike and the motor vehicle, and any visible injuries. Record information about the date, time, weather conditions, and anything that may have played a role in the accident, such as traffic signals.
Get the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. If there were other bike riders with you, record their information now, so gathering it later is not an issue.
After you have received initial medical treatment, and doctors have determined the extent of your injuries, contact an experienced Portland bicycle accident lawyer.
Until you meet with an attorney, you should avoid discussing the accident with the insurance company representing the at-fault motorist. Do not cast blame or accept fault. Tell police and doctors what you know to be true.
Know Your Legal Rights After a Bicycle Accident
If you have serious injuries from a bicycle accident, you may file a claim against the at-fault party’s auto insurance policy to seek compensation for your medical bills and other expenses. Most insurance companies are for-profit companies. They will try to pay an injured cyclist as little as possible to resolve an insurance claim. You’ll need experienced legal representation to have the best chance of a favorable income
By having an experienced personal injury attorney advocating on your behalf, you will have a better chance of being offered fair compensation for your injuries.
A Rizk Law bicycle accident lawyer will take the evidence you gathered at the accident scene and conduct an independent investigation to establish that the at-fault driver is liable for your injuries. Your attorney will gather your medical records and other documentation of your costs and losses from the bike crash.
Your losses include the cost to repair or replace your bicycle if it was damaged in the crash, which could be $1,000 or more for a new bike.
We will build a solid case demonstrating that a negligent driver caused your injuries and show what you are owed. You may be eligible for compensation for the following types of expenses and losses:
- Medical bills, from emergency care through hospitalization and rehabilitation
- Lost wages from being unable to work
- Lost earning capacity if your injuries make you unable to return to work
- Property damage, such as to your bicycle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Loss of companionship.
Should I notify my own auto insurance company of my injury claim? Yes! While Oregon law does not require bicyclists to carry auto insurance, if you have auto insurance, your auto insurance company may provide “underinsured or uninsured motorist coverages” that could provide you insurance coverage should the at-fault driver not have auto insurance ( uninsured motorist coverage) or not enough insurance (underinsured motorist coverage) that could help make you whole for your losses.
The Bicycle Accident Claim Process in Portland
As you undergo medical care and progress toward recovery, a bicycle accident attorney at Rizk Law can handle all communications with insurance companies. Once you have completed medical care and we know the status of your recovery, we will know the full extent of your damages and can proceed with a claim to recover maximum compensation.
When we submit an injury claim to insurers, they typically respond by offering less than the amount we have demanded, and then we must try to negotiate a reasonable settlement. If the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement, our legal team will be prepared to take a solid case to court on your behalf.
Contact an Experienced Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek prompt medical attention, preserve any evidence, and contact an experienced lawyer. Rizk Law’s Portland bicycle accident attorneys are dedicated to helping cyclists obtain the justice and compensation they deserve after being injured by negligent drivers.
If we believe you have a case against the party that caused your injury, we will handle your bicycle accident case with no upfront costs to you. You will only pay a legal fee if we recover compensation for you. For a no-cost review of your bike accident claim, fill out our Free Case Evaluation form or call us at 503.342.0783
