Portland Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Trusted Legal Support for Portland Bike Accident Victims

Were you riding your bicycle through Portland when a reckless driver hit you? Or did a pedestrian walk right into your path, resulting in a terrible crash? If you were seriously injured in a bicycle accident, then you could have a chance to seek compensation and justice through an injury claim.

The bicycle accident lawyers of Pacific Cascade Legal in Portland are here to help you explore your options after a collision or wipeout that happened while you were riding your bike. We focus on cases that involve catastrophic injuries, so you know that we can handle your claim and its challenges if your injuries have been life-changing.

Email us or call (503) 573-5566 to request an initial consultation.

Understanding the Causes of Portland Bike Accidents

We will want to investigate the situation that led up to your bicycle accident as thoroughly as we can. Understanding the cause of the bicycle accident is the first step in determining whose fault it was.

Common causes of bicycle accidents in Portland include:

• Motorists who don’t share the road.
• Motorists who drive in bike lanes.
• Distracted drivers who race through crosswalks.
• Pedestrians who step into bike lanes without checking.

The common thread in all these common bicycle accident causes is day-to-day negligence. With a little more care and attentiveness, many bicycle accidents could be entirely prevented. For this reason, it is only right to hold negligent parties accountable for the harm that they cause.

Establishing Fault in Portland Bicycle Accidents

When we know the cause of your bicycle accident, we can next focus on proving it. During settlement negotiations or courtroom litigation, we will want to back up our arguments with strong evidence of liability, which is the legal term for fault or blame. The more liable the defendant is, the more compensation you can demand from them.

Proving liability for a bicycle accident can be easier with these types of evidence:

• Accident reports from first responders
• Bicycle helmet or car dashboard camera footage
• Statements from eyewitnesses
• Medical records

Catastrophic Injuries in Portland Bike Accidents

Bicyclists are vulnerable to severe injuries in an accident with a motor vehicle. With a much heavier frame and higher top speed, automobiles can impart a devastating amount of force on a bicyclist in a collision. The violence of the impact is what can cause immediate life-changing injuries.

Serious injuries often caused by bicycle accidents include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Permanent scarring

The severity of your injuries will change the value of your bicycle accident claim, too. It is safe to assume that you will incur greater losses due to a catastrophic injury, so the compensation owed to you can be significant. Our team is ready to fight for full compensation, no matter how much that might be.

The Importance of Timely Legal Action After a Bicycle Accident

In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, the steps you take in the days and weeks that follow can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Delaying legal action can lead to lost evidence, missed deadlines, and diminished chances of securing the compensation you deserve. At Pacific Cascade Legal, we emphasize the importance of acting quickly to protect your rights.

Here’s why timely action is crucial:

• Preservation of Evidence: Eyewitness accounts, traffic camera footage, and physical evidence can fade over time. Acting swiftly helps secure this critical information.
• Statute of Limitations: In Oregon, there are specific time limits for filing personal injury claims. Missing these deadlines can bar you from recovery.
• Medical Documentation: Prompt medical attention not only ensures your health but also provides essential documentation for your case, linking your injuries directly to the accident.
• Negotiation Leverage: Insurance companies often attempt to settle quickly for less than you deserve. Early involvement of a skilled attorney can strengthen your negotiating position.

Don’t let time slip away—reach out to our experienced team at Pacific Cascade Legal as soon as possible. We’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.

Take Action Now: Contact Portland's Bike Accident Lawyers

Call our Portland bicycle accident lawyers at (503) 573-5566 when you need help with your claim. We can walk you through the entire process and even represent you at each step. By leaving things in our hands, you can stay focused on your rest and other important parts of your life. In the meantime, we will keep building your claim and finding the best way to fight for your rights.

For innovative legal counsel that cares about your well-being, contact Pacific Cascade Legal now.

Portland Bike Accident FAQs: Your Questions Answered

• Do bicyclists need to wear a helmet in Portland?
  In Portland, Oregon, all cyclists are expected to wear a bicycle helmet while riding through a public space or on a public road or highway. If you do not, then you can be issued a citation, and it could complicate your injury claim.
• Do bicyclists need to use a bike lane if available?
  Cyclists in Portland can use many of the city’s bike lanes to travel, but it isn’t strictly necessary. You can use other lanes, streets, and sidewalks as needed to get to your destination. No matter what lane you use while riding a bike in Portland, you must obey the rules of the road like any other vehicle.
• Should bicyclists wear bright colors to prevent accidents?
  Bright colors and reflectors can catch the attention of motorists early, so they have more time to avoid a cyclist in the street. If you were wearing bright colors and a driver still hit you, then it could help indicate that they were not paying attention to the road.