If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Hillsboro, OR, securing expert legal representation is crucial. At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, P.C., our Hillsboro Bicycle Accident Lawyers specialize in championing the rights of cyclists. We understand the unique challenges faced by cyclists on the road and are committed to obtaining the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Our dedicated team offers a FREE consultation for all personal injury cases related to bicycle accidents in Hillsboro. Remember, you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we help you recover compensation. Contact us at 503-782-7235 today to speak with a skilled Hillsboro personal injury lawyer who is committed to your recovery.
Learn more about bicycle accident laws in Oregon
- Oregon bicycle accident statistics
- Oregon bicycle laws
- Common bicycle accident injuries
- Common causes of bicycle accidents
- Steps to take after a bicycle accident
- Do you have a right to compensation if you are partially at fault?
- How much Is my bicycle accident case worth?
- How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim?
- Contact a Hillsboro bicycle accident lawyer
Why Hire Us?
The Winning Edge – Have a Team Working For You
There are a lot of personal injury lawyers you can hire. But we offer a service that many other attorneys can’t: A TEAM.
Every week our team of personal injury attorneys, lawyers and paralegals, meets to review our new cases and important developments in our current cases. Your personal attorney will present your case to our team. We discuss what insurance companies are offering in similar cases, how different insurance adjustors negotiate cases, and what judges and juries are doing in cases similar to yours. You are guaranteed that your case will be presented and reviewed by our team multiple times.
You aren’t hiring an attorney. You’re hiring a winning team.
Call 503-648-4777 now for a Free Consultation. If you call during business hours, we’ll connect you to a qualified attorney.
Oregon Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to BikePortland, fatal bicycle accidents are on the rise in Oregon. In May 2021, fatalities were already up over 21% from 2020. As a point of reference, Oregon experienced 292 fatal crashes in 2010. This number jumped by a staggering 64% in 2019 to 456.
One researcher reviewed data covering 9,180 bicycle crashes in the state between 2009 and 2018 and made the following observations:
- A total of 577 bicyclists suffered serious injuries, and 87 died.
- Large trucks accounted for 14% of fatal crashes but only 2% of collisions overall.
- Approximately 72% of bicycle-motor vehicle collisions occurred on city streets, 17% on highways, 7% in suburban areas, and 4% in rural areas.
- 67% of fatal collisions took place at intersections while 19% happened in driveways, for a combined total of 86%.
The attorneys at Harris Velázquez Gibbens, P.C. are experts at successfully handling bicycle accident and injury cases. If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver while riding your bike you may be able to recover compensation under Oregon law. Our Hillsboro attorneys have decades of experience handling all aspects of the insurance, litigation, and trial processes.
Oregon Bicycle Laws
Bicyclists in Oregon generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians with some exceptions. Helmets are not required for adults, but children under 16 years of age must wear them while riding in public.
Other rules and requirements include:
- A bicyclist turning left has the right of way over a driver following the cyclist through an intersection.
- When passing a bicyclist at a speed exceeding 35 miles per hour, an overtaking vehicle must pass at a distance sufficient to prevent contact if the bicyclist falls over into the lane.
- Every cyclist must yield at all stop signs and traffic lights that display a red light and exercise due care before proceeding. Oregon is a Stop as Yield state since 2020.
- Bicyclists riding on sidewalks must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.
- When riding a bicycle on a public street, cyclists should ride as close as possible to the right side of the road, except when overtaking a bicyclist, turning left, avoiding a fixed object, or changing lanes.
- A bicycle may pass a motor vehicle on the right if it is reasonably safe.
- On one-way streets, cyclists may ride as close to the left side of the street as practicable.
- Bicyclists are generally permitted to ride on sidewalks unless prohibited by local ordinance. Vehicles must yield to bicycles crossing roadways at marked or unmarked crosswalks.
- Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast and must not obstruct motor vehicles.
- The bicycle must be equipped with a white front-facing headlight and a red rear light or reflector visible from at least 500 feet away when used at night.
- Bicycles shall be fitted with brakes that are able to adequately control movement and stop the bicycle within 15 feet at 10 mph on dry, level pavement.
- Police officers may inspect bicycles when they have reasonable cause to believe they are unsafe or inadequately equipped.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bike accidents have catastrophic consequences. Impact damage from a car or truck weighing several tons can leave bicyclists with injuries that affect them for life or can result in death. The most common types of bike accident injuries include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Severe bruising
- Torn muscles and ligaments
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
These are serious conditions that often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation services. When you’re left with high medical bills, an inability to work, and a long, painful recovery, you deserve financial compensation that covers these losses and sustains you and your family. A Hillsboro bicycle accident lawyer at Harris Velázquez Gibbens, P.C. will aggressively represent your interests at the negotiation table and at trial.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Hillsboro, OR
There are many and varied causes of bicycle accidents in Oregon. While most collisions between bikes and cars take place at intersections and involve driver inattention or failing to yield the right away to the slower cyclist, there are many other reasons accidents take place. These may include:
- Driver negligence (speeding, tailgating, road rage)
- Dangerous conditions
- A driver operating a vehicle while drunk or under the influence of intoxicants
Typically, the bicyclist has no warning and little time to react before being struck by a motor vehicle. After being injured, the cyclist is often helpless and confused after speaking with law enforcement, witnesses, and “friendly” representatives from various insurance companies. When the cause of a collision is in question, a cyclist needs an experienced bicycle attorney advocate to make sure their rights are protected.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Hillsboro, OR
Following an accident, your physical health is more important than anything else. You are likely to be transported to the emergency room in an ambulance if you are knocked unconscious. If you are conscious, but cannot move or do anything at the scene due to injury, call 911 to request the police and an ambulance. If your phone is damaged or missing, ask a bystander to make the call for you.
If you can move and your injuries don’t appear to be life-threatening, take the following steps while you’re waiting for help to arrive:
- Get the driver’s insurance and license details. During the conversation, avoid discussing fault.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene: be sure to include vehicle damage, road debris, and any conditions that could have contributed to the crash, like wet pavement.
- Get the contact information for any eyewitnesses who can support your story
Once a medical examination confirms the extent of your injuries, reach out to a bicycle accident attorney who can handle your personal injury claim with the insurance company and advocate for the settlement you need.
Do I Have a Right to Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault In a Bicycle Accident?
Accident victims often wonder if they can still claim compensation even if they were partly at fault for the crash. The answer is yes, but there is a limit.
Oregon is a modified comparative negligence state, meaning that you can file a personal injury claim as long as your share of the total fault doesn’t exceed 51%. Any higher, and you may not be able to collect compensation.
Your degree of the blame also impacts how much money you ultimately receive. For example, if your damages are valued at $50,000 but a jury determines that you are 25% at fault for the accident, that percentage will be deducted from your award. You would receive $37,500 instead.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for trying to make injury victims appear more at fault than they actually were. Your Hillsboro bicycle accident lawyer will deal with the insurance company on your behalf so that they have little opportunity to minimize your compensation.
How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, you might wonder how much your bicycle accident claim is worth. Knowing what your bicycle accident claim is worth can help you plan for the future and understand your options.
Damages sustained in a bicycle accident determine the value of your claim. You can seek compensation for your financial losses as well as for your physical and emotional suffering. Common examples of financial (economic) damages include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost earnings
- Reduced earning ability
- Property damage
Noneconomic damages may include:
- Emotional distress
- Mental trauma
- Inability to enjoy activities that you used to enjoy, like bicycle riding
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Physical pain
Your attorney will compile a list of your financial losses and present a compelling picture of the impact your injuries are expected to have now and in the future, with the goal of winning the largest possible financial recovery for your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Oregon?
In Oregon, you have a limited period of time to file a lawsuit if you have suffered injuries in a bicycle accident. The deadline for filing a lawsuit is typically two years, but it may be extended if:
- When the accident occurred, you were a minor or had a disabling mental condition
- After the accident but before the claim can be filed, the defendant moves out of Oregon
- To avoid legal action, the defendant conceals themselves
In order to protect your rights, you should speak with a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Once a medical examination confirms and documents the extent of your injuries, contact Harris Velázquez Gibbens, P.C. to schedule a free consultation.
Get a Free Consultation From a Hillsboro Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in any type of cycling accident it’s important to speak with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in order to protect your rights to recover just compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, disability, and pain. The Hillsboro, OR bicycle accident lawyers at Harris Velázquez Gibbens, P.C. can help. If you’ve been a victim of someone else’s negligence, call us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
Harris Velázquez Gibbens, P.C. is representing clients in Hillsboro, Oregon, and surrounding cities, for car accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, bike (bicycle) injuries, and dog bite injury claims. If you are injured, not receiving a paycheck because of those injuries, and fighting with insurance companies to get what you deserve then please call us today at 503-782-7235 or contact us online.