Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Accident victims often find it challenging to obtain the compensation they need after being injured due to another’s negligence. After a bicycle accident, many people discover that they are unaware of their rights to pursue compensation from the at-fault party liable for their injuries.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you will need to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company to receive compensation. However, many insurers are reluctant to pay accident victims the full amount of compensation they deserve. Working with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Portland may provide you with the understanding and assistance you need when pursuing an insurance claim.

Your attorney will act as your advocate during the claims process to ensure your rights are protected. He or she will work to establish the at-fault party is liable for your injuries by building a case on your behalf. Your attorney will accomplish this by:

• Examining the police or accident report
• Collecting evidence from the accident scene
• Obtaining video footage or photographs of your bicycle accident that shows the at-fault party behaving negligently or recklessly
• Compiling your medical records that show you were injured in the accident
• Documenting the medical treatments you underwent to heal your injuries
• Retaining copies of the at-fault party’s driving record
• Interviewing witnesses who may have seen your accident
• Reconstructing the accident to show how it occurred
• Establishing a timeline of events before the accident, including the at-fault party’s actions and activities leading up to the collision

Rizk Law’s Portland personal injury lawyers have many years of combined experience helping injury victims recover the compensation they need. Our dedication to helping victims of negligence has earned us inclusion as one of the Top 3 Personal Injury Lawyers in Portland in 2018 by Three Best Rated©, and we hold a 10.0 Superb Rating on Avvo. Do not wait to contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to find out if you have a case.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form to get started.

Do I Have a Case?

Cyclists injured in a bicycle accident may be entitled to pursue compensation from the at-fault party liable for the collision. However, you must be able to prove that your bicycle accident resulted from negligence.

There are specific elements of negligence that a Portland bicycle accident attorney will look for when reviewing your claim. This includes:

• Duty of care: The at-fault party owed you a duty of care to ensure your safety by acting in a manner that prevented causing you harm.
• Breach of duty: The at-fault party breached his or her duty of care by failing to act in a cautious and reasonably prudent manner. This breach of duty resulted in you suffering an injury or harm.
• Causation: The bicycle accident was directly or indirectly caused by the at-fault party’s breach of duty. This requires a causal link to be established between the at-fault party’s actions and your injuries.
• Damages: You suffered monetary damages as a result of the at-fault party’s breach of duty. This may include the expenses you incurred for medical treatment or loss of income as a result of being injured in a bicycle accident.

In many cases, it may be in your best interest to contact a reputable attorney who understands Oregon’s negligence laws and can recognize when a breach of duty has occurred. Your attorney will work to help you establish a case and prove the other party is liable for your injuries and resulting financial losses.

Call 503.342.0783 to schedule a free consultation with Rizk Law.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Due to the lack of protection bicycles offer during an accident, cyclists may be at risk of suffering a wide range of injuries. Some of these include:

A serious bicycle accident injury can have a significant impact on your health. This may include permanent disabilities that prevent you from living a fully functional or independent life. You should always seek medical attention as soon as possible after a bicycle accident to diagnose and treat any injuries you may have suffered.

Once you have received medical treatment and understand the damages you suffered, contact a bicycle accident lawyer in Portland. He or she will examine your claim and bicycle accident to determine if you have a case that entitles you to pursue compensation from the at-fault party.

Safety Measures to Improve Bicycle Safety

Bicycling is a popular activity for many kids and adults. There are multiple appeals to it as a fun form of exercise. While many young children enjoy riding their bikes for the adventure and freedom they offer, adults may ride their bikes as a means of transportation, for their health, or for competitive purposes. Although bicycling itself is relatively safe, there are some risks involved. A rider is at risk of an accident that involves pedestrians, other cyclists, or even an automobile.

Depending on the severity of the accident, victims may suffer minor to fatal injuries. Thus, every bicycle rider needs to understand the risks and follow the laws and necessary measures that ensure bicyclist safety. Accidents and injuries can be reduced significantly by using the following safety tips.

Helmets Are a Necessity

• Using a helmet can significantly lower the risk of head injuries.
• Make sure you know the helmet laws in your state. While adult helmets are generally not mandatory, many states have laws that enforce children to wear one. In Oregon, children under the age of 16 must be in a helmet.
• Helmets must meet the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety requirements.

Select a Helmet That Fits You Properly

• Purchase a helmet that is the correct size for the person wearing it. A properly fitting helmet can prevent serious injury, and it must fit well enough to keep you comfortable throughout the ride. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides tips for how to fit a helmet properly.
• Allowing children to determine the style or color of a helmet can help reduce resistance on their part.
• All wheeled activities should be done with a helmet, not just bicycling.
• Whether they are riding scooters, longboarding, skateboarding, or roller skating, kids should always wear bike helmets.

Choose the Proper Equipment and Know How to Maintain It

• Choosing the right bike for an adult begins with assessing their budget, their needs, and the bike’s purpose.
• Don’t shop for a bike without the user present so you don’t end up purchasing the wrong size.
• Make sure that you have both feet flat on the ground when you are straddling the seat of the bike. Using the bike may be uncomfortable and unsafe if the frame is too tall.
• Bicycles require regular maintenance.
• Make sure the wheels are tight before every ride. Look for areas where the tire tread is worn or cracked and check the tire pressure. Ensure that the handlebars are correctly adjusted and that the brakes are functioning. Check the gears and chain on your bicycle as well.
• Before each ride, inspect the helmet for cracks and potential issues with the straps.
• Clothing that is loose or long should not be worn by anyone riding a bike. It can catch on tires, chains, or spokes and put a cyclist in danger of crashing.

Supervise Accordingly

• New bike riders should be closely supervised by their parents or guardians, who should ensure that the child is capable and confident before letting them ride alone.
• Children 10 and younger can have difficulty navigating vehicular traffic, so it is preferable to limit them to riding on familiar sidewalks, on bike paths, or at parks.
• You should only allow children to ride solo once they have demonstrated responsible behavior and have a clear understanding of traffic regulations.
• It’s okay to ride with children after they’ve been given the opportunity to ride without supervision. This will give you that chance to pick up on any bad habits they’ve formed and correct them right away.

Set a Good Example for Your Kids

• Before crossing the street, teach children to look both ways multiple times until it is clear to proceed.
• A cyclist should make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street, just as a pedestrian would. The driver will be made aware of their presence, allowing them to stop on time.
• Biking requires predictability. Educate kids to avoid unexpected movements so as not to cause confusion among motorists.
• When riding a bike, parents should follow all safety rules, like wearing a helmet, since kids often emulate their parents’ behavior.

Ensure You Are Visible When Cycling

• It is important to have reflective components on bicycles, especially when riding at night or in dim light.
• If you want to be more visible while riding a bicycle, cover your clothing with retro-reflective materials or patches.
• Using bike lights can be beneficial for all cyclists since they allow drivers to see you more easily.