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BREAKING NEWS: $24.6 million verdict in a medical malpractice wrongful death case. Read more.

BREAKING NEWS: $24.6 million verdict in a medical malpractice wrongful death case. Read more.

Tillmann Law

Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Were you hurt in a bicycle accident due to the careless acts of another in Portland, OR? If so, you might be able entitled to recover damages. A Portland bicycle accident lawyer at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers. Call (503) 773-3333 or contact us online for legal help.

You’ll have the best chance of securing a favorable outcome if you enlist the help of an experienced However, obtaining fair compensation in a personal injury claim is often easier said than done.

Our legal team has nearly 20 years of experience helping victims of Portland motorcycle accidents, car accidents, Portland truck accident injuries, slip and fall cases, brain injuries – and we’ve recovered millions in the process. We’re prepared to get you the compensation you deserve after a bike crash. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your accident, so call our law firm or connect with us online to schedule yours.

How Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Bicycle Accident in Portland, OR

How Tillmann Law Can Help After a Bicycle Accident in Portland, OR 

Portland has over 400 miles of bikeways, making it a great place to ride a bicycle and avoid traffic congestion. However, although Portland is considered a bicycle-friendly city, accidents still occur.

If you were injured in a bike accident, Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you get back on your feet financially. We understand that it’s a difficult time. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis – meaning there are no upfront fees to get exceptional legal representation, and you only pay if we win your case.

Hiring a bicycle accident attorney from Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers means you’ll have a legal advocate to:

  • Investigate the bike accident and gather evidence proving negligence and liability
  • Handle every aspect of your case and maintain open lines of communication
  • Calculate the accurate value of your losses, including future healthcare costs
  • Negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf
  • Litigate the matter and represent you at trial in Multnomah County if necessary

Do you want to learn more about how our Portland personal injury attorneys can help after a bicycle crash? Contact our law office for a free consultation to discuss the benefits of an attorney-client relationship.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Portland?

The League of American Bicyclists ranks Oregon as the second-most bicycle-friendly state in the country. However, that doesn’t mean accidents don’t occur in the Beaver State.

According to an April 2022 report released by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), there were 475 statewide bicycle (pedalcycle) crashes in 2020. Out of the reported accidents, 14 were fatal.

Nearly 18% of the state’s bicycle accidents occurred in Portland. A reported 85 pedalcycle accidents in the city caused five fatalities.

What Causes Most Bicycle Crashes?

ODOT reports that the primary cause of bicycle crashes throughout the state is failing to yield the right of way. That includes drivers failing to yield to bicyclists and bicyclists failing to yield to vehicles.

Other than failure to yield the right of way, causes of Oregon bicycle accidents include:

  • Distracted driving or riding
  • Tired drivers or cyclists
  • Failure to maintain lane
  • Poor visibility
  • Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
  • Disregarding traffic signals and signs
  • Improper or unsafe passing, turns, or lane changes
  • Reckless or careless driving
  • Following too closely
  • Falling from the bicycle
  • Riding or driving under the influence
  • Dooring
  • Lack of dedicated bike lanes
  • Inadequate brakes
  • Defective tires or mechanical components

Most bike crashes happen due to driver or cyclist negligence – meaning they are typically avoidable if people use reasonable care. However, others may be caused by defective parts, poor infrastructure, or road debris.

Regardless of what caused your bicycle accident, Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers will help you prove your case.

How Much Money Can I Get in a Bicycle Accident Claim?

Every bicycle accident presents a different set of facts, victims, and injuries. Accordingly, the value of your claim will depend on various factors, such as:

  • The extent of your injuries and whether they will cause permanent impairment or disability
  • The medical costs you’ve incurred
  • Future healthcare needs, such as pain management or physical therapy
  • The amount of time you missed from work
  • Whether you can return to your job in the same capacity
  • The pain, suffering, and emotional trauma you’ve endured
  • Whether you contributed to the cause of the bike accident
  • Whether insurance covers the accident, and if so, the policy limits
  • The parties involved in the case

Generally, the more severe your bicycle accident injuries, the higher your case’s value will be. However, as you can see, other factors may come into play. During your free case assessment, we’ll discuss your accident. Then, we can give you a better idea of what your personal injury or insurance claim may be worth.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident?

If you were injured in a bicycle crash in Portland, OR, you can generally pursue the full value of your losses, including monetary (economic) and personal (non-economic) damages.

You usually have receipts, bills, and statements available to prove the value of your economic damages, which may include:

  • Medical expenses, including hospitalization, treatment, and future healthcare requirements
  • Lost wages and job benefits
  • Diminished earning potential
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Property damage (e.g., bicycle repair or replacement)

Non-economic damages aren’t as straightforward to calculate. They could include:

  • Mental anguish
  • Pain and suffering
  • A reduction in your quality of life
  • Inconvenience
  • Loss of care or companionship

Oregon courts award punitive damages in rare cases when the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted maliciously or consciously indifferent to their safety. If, for example, a drunk driver ran into your bicycle and caused severe injuries, punitive damages may be an option to pursue.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Portland?

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Portland?

Many bicycle accident lawyers in Portland, Oregon, work on a contingency fee basis.

This allows you to secure the dedicated legal assistance you need without paying upfront costs. Instead, you only pay the attorney’s fees if compensation is won for you. You are not required to pay the attorney’s fees if you lose your case. 

If your case is successful, your attorney will receive an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement or verdict award. Contingency fees often range from 33% to 40% of your compensation.

At Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we also offer free consultations to prospective clients. During this initial consultation, you can learn more about your legal options and our contingency fee arrangement. 

Common Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists often suffer severe injuries in collisions with motor vehicles. They have little protection if struck by a multi-thousand-pound machine.

Some injuries commonly sustained by cyclists in accidents include:

  • Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions and contusions
  • Back injuries
  • Neck injuries, such as whiplash
  • Facial injuries, such as dental and eye injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Road rash and burns
  • Lacerations, cuts, and bruises
  • Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains
  • Fractured and broken bones
  • Internal organ damage, such as a ruptured spleen
  • Loss of limbs and amputation
  • Other catastrophic injuries

No matter what type of injury you suffered, a Portland bike accident lawyer at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to assist.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Bicycle Accident in Oregon?

To prove negligence in a Portland bicycle accident case, you have the burden of proving the following four elements:

  • The defendant owed you a duty of care. Drivers and others sharing the road must exercise reasonable caution to avoid hurting other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
  • The defendant breached their duty of care by failing to act as a reasonable person would under the circumstances. For example, driving while distracted or failing to follow traffic regulations is a breach of duty.
  • The defendant’s breach directly caused the bicycle accident.
  • You sustained damages as a result of the defendant’s actions.

Proving these elements will require evidence, including:

  • Traffic accident report
  • Photos, surveillance, and videos of the accident scene
  • Physical evidence from the accident, such as your damaged bicycle, helmet, or gear
  • Medical records
  • Employment records
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Expert witness opinions

We’ll help you identify and gather the evidence needed to prove your bicycle accident claim.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I’m Blamed for My Bicycle Accident?

The answer to this question depends on your portion of responsibility for the bike accident. Oregon law implements a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar to compensation.

You cannot recover any money if your allocated fault exceeds 50%. If your level of blame is 50% or less, you can receive compensation, but it’ll be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, you were looking at your phone when a driver ran a stop sign and hit your bicycle. You’re assigned 30% fault for the accident, meaning you can only take home 70% of your awarded compensation. If you were found to be 51% at fault, you’d be entitled to nothing.

Unfortunately, insurance companies are familiar with Oregon’s comparative fault rules and frequently use them to minimize or avoid liability. If you’ve been blamed for causing your bicycle crash, you’ll need an experienced legal advocate to fight back and protect your rights.

How Long Do I Have To File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Oregon?

As a bicycle accident victim in Oregon, you generally have two years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit and three years to file a claim for wrongful death.

Keep in mind that there could be exceptions to these statutes of limitations that give you less time to act. It’s essential to consult an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Portland as soon as possible. You want to meet the statutory deadline and gather the evidence you need while it’s available.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers

If you were hurt as a result of a bicycle accident in Portland, OR, visit our law office for immediate assistance. We want to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your financial losses and suffering. The best way to maximize your payout is to get started as soon as possible after your accident.

Contact our bicycle accident lawyer for a free, no-obligation case assessment. We’ll have a discussion and explore your potential legal options for recovery.

Portland, OR Bicycle Accident Lawyer Review

Portland, OR Bicycle Accident Lawyer Review

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Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Portland, OR

Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers
101 SW Main St. #1905 Portland, OR.
(503) 773-3333
Hours: Open 24/7

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Portland Bicycle Accident Blog Posts

Additional Portland Bicycle Accident Resources

Portland, OR Hospitals

  • Adventist Health Portland – 10123 SE Market St, Portland, OR 97216
  • Portland VA Medical Center – 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR 97239
  • Providence St. Vincent Medical Center – 9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225
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