Bicycle Accidents

Fighting for injured bicycle riders in Portland, Oregon since 2005

At Philbrook Law, we hold drivers accountable when they fail to see bicycle riders or take steps to avoid bicycle riders. Our Portland bicycle accident lawyers file personal injury lawsuits if a rider suffers any injury. We also file wrongful death actions if a family member tragically dies in an Oregon bicycle accident.

How dangerous are bicycle accidents?

According to the American League of Bicyclists, “Oregon ranks second among the bike-friendliest states in the country.” Portland encourages bicycle riding. In 2020 (a pandemic year), 5 bicycle riders died in Portland, and 80 riders suffered injuries.

According to the 2019 Oregon Traffic Crash Summary (OTCS), 219 bicycle accidents were reported in 2019. All but one of these accidents involved a collision with a moving vehicle. In Portland, 94% of all bicycle accidents happened on roadways (including bikeways). In 63% of the bicycle accidents in Portland, the driver of a car was at fault.

The most dangerous roads and intersections for bike accidents in 2019 include:

• E Burnside St. and 102nd Ave. had 20 injury crashes
• NW Broadway and Hoyt St. had 10 injury crashes
• SE Hawthorne Blvd. and 7th Ave. had 6 injury crashes
• N Broadway St. and Larrabee Ave. had 8 injury crashes

What rules govern riding a bicycle in Portland, Oregon?

Bicycles and E-bikes

Oregon defines a “bicycle” as “A vehicle with no more than three wheels that measure at least 14′ in diameter. It must have a seat and pedals that are operable by human power.”

Electric assist bicycles (called “e-bikes) are “Bicycles that are operated by pedaling, but get an extra boost from an electric motor. Electric assist bicycles are considered bicycles in the Oregon Vehicle Code, but a few different rules apply to electric assist and e-bikes.”

Rules for bicycle riders

According to the city of Portland, Oregon:

• Bicycle riders should ride in the same direction as the traffic.
• Bicycles should have a “white light on the front visible from 500 feet and a red light or reflector on the back visible from 600 feet.
• Bicycle riders must use the bicycle lane if a bike lane is available.
• Bicycle riders should stay as close to the curb or edge of the roadway as possible unless they’re traveling at the same speed as traffic. Some exceptions may apply.
• Bicycle riders must be cautious when there are pedestrians nearby.
• Bicycle riders under 16 years of age must wear a helmet.
• Bicycle riders should use proper hand signals when they turn

Rules for drivers

Drivers are required to respect the right of bicycle riders to be on the road. Car and truck drivers must treat bicycle riders like other vehicle drivers. They must also:

• Yield to bicycle riders who are in a bicycle lane
• Yield to bicycle riders who are riding on a sidewalk
• Avoid opening their car door “unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so and it can be done without interference with the movement of traffic, or with pedestrians and bicycles on sidewalks or shoulders.”

What practical steps can reduce the risk of a bicycle accident in Portland, OR?

Some of the practical steps bicycle riders should take (whether they’re required by law or not) include wearing helmets, understanding which roads are closed to bicycles, using bicycle lanes where possible, making sure their bicycles are properly equipped, taking steps to ensure the rider and bicycle are visible at night, and speaking to children about the dangers involved with riding a bicycle.

How do bicycle accidents happen in Portland, OR?

At Philbrook Law, we work with investigators, with the police, and through the formal discovery process to determine how your Portland bicycle accident happened and who is responsible.

Some of the common causes of accidents that our Portland bicycle accident lawyers handle include:

• Not yielding the right of way to a bicyclist
• Turning left into or in front of an oncoming bicyclist
• Driving while distracted by texting, using a smartphone, eating, drinking, or other activities
• Driving while intoxicated
• Speeding, driving too closely, driving through a red light or stop sign, or any other traffic violation
• “Dooring” a bicycle rider

Who is liable for a bicycle accident in Portland, OR?

Our Portland bicycle accident lawyers hold everyone who caused your accident accountable. The responsible parties may include:

• The driver of a car, truck, or any other motorized vehicle
• The driver’s employer
• The owners of the car – if the owners and driver are not the same – such a teenager strikes a bicycle while driving the family car
• A manufacturer of defective car parts like defective brakes
• A seller of alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated and then causes your accident
• The Oregon Department of Transportation, the City of Portland, or other agencies/entities for improper road/bicycle lane design or maintenance
• Another bicycle rider

What injuries do Portland bicycle accidents cause?

Bicycles are no match for a car or a truck. When bicycle accidents happen, the riders are likely to suffer catastrophic, permanent, chronic, or serious injuries. Our Portland bicycle accident lawyers work with your doctors and our own network of physicians to verify your injuries and explain all of your trauma.

Our personal injury lawyers handle all types of injuries including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Fractures/broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries
• Neck, shoulder, and back injuries
• Road rash injuries
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Nerve, muscle, and tissue damage
• Hearing loss
• Vision loss

We demand compensation for all your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, loss of bodily function, and all other financial and personal damages – for as long as you’re hurting.

At Philbrook Law, we also represent families when a Portland bicycle accident takes the life of a loved one. We demand wrongful death compensation for the funeral and burial costs; loss of financial support; and the loss of love, companionship, and guidance your loved one would have provided each family member.

Do you have a Portland bicycle accident lawyer near me?

Philbrook Law meets bicycle accident victims and families at 107 SE Washington St., Suite 520, in Portland, Oregon. If you can’t physically come to our office, we will make alternate arrangements. Our lawyers also conduct consultations by phone and through online conferences.

We understand how upset and frightened you are. We’ll guide you through this difficult time.

Talk to our Portland bicycle accident lawyers today

At Philbrook Law, we’ve been fighting for personal injury victims since 2005. Our lawyers are experienced trial lawyers. We’ll thoroughly prepare your case, explain your rights, and fight for all the compensation you deserve. While many cases do settle, we’re always ready to try your case in court. Call our Portland, OR bicycle accident lawyers today or fill out our contact form now to schedule a free consultation. We handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. We proudly represent clients in Portland, OR; Vancouver, WA; and Battle Ground, WA.

Rated 5 Stars by Our Clients

Read firsthand accounts from the clients our personal injury attorneys have represented in complex personal injury claims.

“You will not be disappointed. After my first meeting with Matthew I felt confident they were the team for my case. Tiffany provided great communication and assistance during the info gathering phase and also throughout the settlement phase. Thank you so much for going the extra mile.”

“They were able to find his insurance. I highly recommend hiring Matt and Tiffany. They took all of the insurance stress off my shoulders so I could concentrate on helping my son who had many broken bones and surgeries.”

“I reached out to them and within minutes, we had a great conversation. You can tell how much they care about their clients. They also went above and beyond to get the best results for my situation. Would highly recommend. You won't find anyone better!”

“Amanda especially was such a huge help. They handled two back-to-back car accident settlements for me, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. The entire team was professional, responsive, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate their hard work and highly recommend them!”

“Not our fault! The other driver turned left in front of as after he was waved on by another driver. We both had minor to moderate injuries. Our Ford F150 Lightning became undriveable. We went to urgent care! One year later, we were having difficulty in reaching a settlement with the other drivers insurance company after they gave us a low offer. We felt we needed legal advice or assistance. We met with Tiffany Henson, who reviewed our case. She gave us the advice we needed to negotiate with the other insurance, rather than try to take it to court. Tiffany offered to review our letter and gave us further advise. After the insurance company reviewed our letter and statements they doubled the settlement amount and made all of the stipulations we had requested! We can not thank Tiffany enough for her caring personable attitude toward us. Her advise was right on and saved us from more anxiety and stress. If you have an injury accident do not hesitate to contact Philbrook attorneys. They will treat you right.”

“That’s how great these people are. Driving home one night in my shiny new car I was suddenly sandwiched inbetween 2 much larger vehicles. The damage didn’t seem like much at first, but ended up being four years of treatment & life long conservative care. I wasn’t a case that was easy to get treatment for and I felt very lost before I was recommended the Philbrook law team. I actually fired an attorney who had left me with more questions than answers and hired this office. It was the best choice I could have made for myself. They stood by me every step of the way. Thousands of questions and appointments all the way to discovery and settlements. I have recommended them to hundreds of people and will continue to at any given chance. Not once in 4 years did I question if I was in good hands. They really go above and beyond for their clients and I can’t thank them enough. I truly miss hearing from them. I’m sure not everyone can say that about their attorneys. Give them a call, you won’t regret it.”

“I had never needed to hire a lawyer for anything so I didn't know what to expect and I was nervous. Matt and his team were awesome. They helped me throughout the whole process with every question and concern. They were timely, knowledgeable, patient and courteous. I appreciate the hard work everyone contributed to my case and getting me a fair settlement.”

“They did everything to get what I deserved, They work for the best of my interest, and I really have the best experience with her, everyone in there is very polite and respectful. I hope that I will never have the need to hired them again but if I have to I will. If you're reading this review and you're looking a lawyer to represent you in a car accident matter, then don't look any further, they are the best.”

“My recovery treatment took well over a year and took up a lot of time outside of other life stuff. Once they took over my case, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders and they took on all the burden from there on out. My insurance tried to settle for an absurdly low offer and Philbrook law got a settlement beyond my imagination. And they made it so quick and easy. I would recommend Philbrook law to anyone needing an accident lawyer. They were so efficient and stayed in touch through the whole process. Their whole team works hard to ensure people get the justice they deserve. Couldn't be happy with my settlement outcome!”

“It was very thoughtful, kind and helpful to have good advice, especially after asking another local firm and them not knowing what to do! I will definitely use this law firm in the future. Thank you!”

~ D. Pierce

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