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Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Dedicated Portland Bicycle Accident Attorneys Ready To Assist You

A bicycle accident can happen in the blink of an eye, but the effects can last forever. At D’Amore Law Group, our highly experienced Portland bicycle accident attorneys fully understand just how debilitating a serious bicycle injury can be for a cyclist and his or her loved ones. If you or someone close to you has sustained an injury as the result of a bicycle accident, you may be wondering how you will pay your medical expenses and deal with lost income on top of how to go about obtaining damages from the parties responsible for your pain and suffering. Our legal team has years of experience representing bicyclists and ensuring that all of their legal needs are met in the wake of a life-altering accident. Contact us today.

Oregon is a widely known mecca for bicycling enthusiasts. Unfortunately, it also has the third-highest percentage of bicycle fatalities in the United States, with bicycle traffic deaths accounting for 4.5% of all traffic fatalities. Bicycling is becoming an increasingly popular method of transportation in the Pacific Northwest region as an eco-friendly solution to transportation, exercise, and recreational needs. At the same time, however, the exponential increase in the number of bikes on the state’s roadways has resulted in the failure of Oregon drivers to adapt their driving practices to accommodate sharing this space with cyclists.

The typical injuries associated with bike accidents are severe (approximately 75% of all serious and fatal bicycle accidents resulted in traumatic head injuries). Other commonly reported bicycle accident injuries include broken bones, knee injuries, spinal cord damage, and neck injuries. These injuries can result in costly medical bills and significant pain and suffering. D’Amore Law Group specializes in working with insurance companies and those whose negligence resulted in your injuries. We work hard to obtain the maximum amount of damages you are owed so you can concentrate on the recovery process.

While the Oregon state legislature has enacted several substantial improvements to enhance the integration of the growing number of cyclists on the roads into existing traffic patterns, the fatality and injury rate of Oregon bikers ranks third in the national charts with 3.87 fatalities per million residents. Although Portland and other Oregon communities are relatively bicycle-friendly areas, accidents still happen. On a national scale, one bicyclist is killed in a traffic-related accident every six hours.

The Portland bicycle accident lawyers of D’Amore Law Group fully understand the unique challenges bicyclists face following a major accident. We realize that you may have many unanswered questions as you consider the possibility of taking legal action to obtain a fair and just resolution to your situation. Our Portland bicycle accident law firm is here to answer those questions and offer you the peace of mind that your case is being handled by competent professionals willing to go the extra mile when it comes to your case. Call us today or contact us online.

Bicycle Accident Insurance Issues

Bicycle accident in Portland.If you have sustained a serious injury as a result of a bicycle accident due to a driver’s negligence, then the initial $15,000 (which is current Oregon mandated minimum) of your medical expenses will be covered by the personal injury protection (PIP) coverage of your auto insurance policy – even though you were not operating a motor vehicle at the time of the accident. If your medical expenses exceed $15,000 or if you do not have an auto insurance policy, then your private health insurance will cover the cost of obtaining healthcare.

If you lack insurance coverage completely, then the negligent party’s PIP coverage will be applied to covering your medical bills up to the first $15,000. Their liability insurance will then pay for any additional needed medical treatment up to their policy limits. If the costs of your medical treatments are greater than the liability cap of the negligent party’s insurance, then there is a possibility that you can collect additional compensation via your motor vehicle insurance’s Underinsured Motorist coverage.

The insurance claim process can quickly become complex and fact-specific. For many cyclists involved in serious traffic accidents, effectively handling aggressive insurance adjusters who are trying to obtain the lowest possible settlement can seem like a never-ending, overwhelming ordeal standing between you and the road to recovery. The good news is that you do not have to face this task on your own. The competent legal team at D’Amore Law Group is ready and willing to assist you in navigating the insurance claim process to help you increase the amount of your settlement while ensuring your rights are protected at every stage of litigation.

Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accident injuries vary and are often severe. Pelvic fractures and rectal trauma are some of the more concerning ones. Other common bicycle injuries include broken or fractured bones. Although less frequent, bicycle riders are at risk for eye injuries. Wearing proper eye protection can potentially reduce eye injuries, just as wearing a helmet can potentially reduce head injuries.

What Percentage of Bicycling Accident Result in Head Injuries

The percentage of bicycling accidents that result in a non-fatal head injury is 33%. That means one in three riders sustains brain injury in an accident. All brain injuries, even minor concussions, can have lasting effects. With the help of a bicycle accident attorney, an injured victim can file a compensation claim.  

Be Proactive after a Bike Accident

Man recklessly driving a bicycle on a road in Portland.A harrowing event like a bicycle accident can make time stand still. However, the way you respond to the situation in the immediate aftermath is important in order to protect your financial and legal interests. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to take the initiative after you are involved in a bike accident. You should follow this guide so that you and experienced legal counsel (like the attorneys at D’Amore Law Group) can maximize the chances of you recovering the optimal amount of damages in order to put your accident fully behind you.

  1. Get to A Safe Place: The majority of bicycle accidents occur on busy streets and highways. In the immediate aftermath, you as a cyclist are exposed to being struck by surrounding traffic or even first responders arriving on the scene. If physically possible, quickly and safely move to a nearby sidewalk, yard, or parking lot where you are not vulnerable.
  2. Call the Authorities: Do not delay in dialing 911, even if you consider the crash to be insignificant. Inform the dispatcher using pertinent details of the accident, including your location, what happened, and the license plate number of the vehicle you were struck by. Avoid phrases such as “I’m fine” or “I’m not injured.” Most 911 calls are recorded and lawyers from both sides can utilize your statements to either strengthen your case or use it against you at trial.
  3. Ensure Liable Parties Remain On-Scene: It is an all-too-common occurrence that negligent drivers depart from the scene of the accident prematurely. Do not simply get the driver’s cell phone number and allow them to drive away. If the driver insists on leaving, be sure that you make note of their license plate number, a vehicle description, and a description of what the individual looks like.
  4. Obtain Witness Information: Eyewitnesses are significant components in both criminal and civil litigation when it comes to bicycle accidents. Third-party testimony from witnesses can weaken the opposing party’s inaccurate or falsified claims regarding the details of the accident. Speaking with witnesses and obtaining their contact information as soon as possible after your accident can help your attorney in determining the speed of the car, your speed at the time of the accident, and any relevant statements made following the accident by the parties involved.
  5. Gather Evidence: Cell phones are effective investigative tools. They can capture images and videos as well as pinpoint the exact location of an accident using GPS technology. If you have apps such as Strava or MapMyRide, you can obtain further information such as average speed and direction to further support your case.
  6. Talk to Law Enforcement: Be sure to give the authorities your statement of what took place. If you are prevented from doing so due to your injuries, you should follow-up with the police as soon as possible so that your testimony is included in the officer’s final accident report.
  7. Seek Comprehensive Medical Attention: Cyclists often opt to not take the ambulance to the hospital immediately after the accident only to realize the next day that they require medical attention. This delay in seeking medical treatment is often used by the negligent party’s insurance representative to suggest that they were not seriously injured or to even imply that the cyclist is attempting to commit insurance fraud.
  8. Initiate the Insurance Claim Process: As soon as possible, you should open a claim with both your own and the negligent party’s automobile insurance companies. The sooner you initiate the process, the sooner you can obtain a settlement to cover your medical expenses.
  9. Avoid Negotiating Directly with Drivers: If the accident is relatively minor, negligent drivers may attempt to offer to pay for damage to your bike if you agree to not report the event to their automobile insurance company. Do NOT do this. Obtain all relevant details regarding the accident and submit a claim immediately.
  10. Consult with an Experienced Law Firm: Bicycle accident litigation and insurance settlements are multi-faceted and intricate processes; you should not have to handle them alone. The highly skilled Portland bicycle accident attorney at D’Amore Law Group will provide you with a confidential case evaluation to assist you in finding a favorable resolution.

Free Consultation with Our Knowledgeable & Proven Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Man injured from a bicycle accident talking to his lawyer in Portland.If you or a family member were injured in a bicycle accident, contact D’Amore Law Group today for a free case consultation. Our bicycle accident lawyers at D’Amore Law Group are experienced with bike collisions and the specific rules that apply in Oregon, Washington, and California.

 

 

 

D'Amore Law Group
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Maggie McCueMaggie McCue
18:49 03 Oct 22
The DLG mission states “We are committed to securing justice for people and their families when they have been injured.”I’ve never secured a law firm, was completely overwhelmed with pain and daunted by the challenging insurance settlement process. My DLG experience far exceeded my expectations. The DLG team was true to their mission and demonstrated this at every step of the legal process.I was rear-ended by a semi-truck and had multiple injuries. From the initial consult, demand letter and compiling hundreds of treatment records to several rounds of negotiation and final settlement – they were committed to my case. Tom D’Amore is professional, extremely smart, honest and leads with integrity. I’ve read that he has many industry awards and accolades – and now that I’ve worked with him, I can absolutely see why.When I was injured, I was so immersed in a world of pain, medical treatments, therapies and getting better. The thought of dealing with the opposing insurance company, justifying injuries and medical expenses was completely overwhelming.Luckily, I had Tom and the DLG team to take this on and manage on my behalf. I knew that my case was in the most capable hands and was confident that no team would work harder for me than DLG. They were successful in securing justice for me – just like their mission states.Based on my experience, I would wholeheartedly recommend DLG to my family and friends.
Deandra TurnerDeandra Turner
22:42 17 Aug 22
No one wants to be in a car accident, especially one that requires a lawyer's representation.I was in a horrible accident in the summer of 2021 that left my car totalled and my right radius 100% fractured. My mom found Doug Oh-Keith for me and I'm so grateful she did.While I was going through 2 surgeries, living with an external fixator, going through months of physical therapy and coming to terms with the loss of my career, Doug was handling everything else for me. He is, as my mom calls him, a shark - which is exactly the type of lawyer you want working for you. He managed to settle my lawsuit in just over a year, which is apparently very quick for a car accident settlement.I signed a few documents for him, sent him all of my bills, and he handled literally everything else for me.I was rear ended again earlier this year and that case is definitely not big enough to warrant a lawyer, but it's giving me a clear picture of just how much Doug handled for me.There's literally no way that I would have been able to take care of everything Doug did.If you're looking for a lawyer for a car accident, give D'Amore Law Group a call. They are absolutely amazing and, while I hope I never ever ever go through anything like this last year again, I feel secure in knowing that if I do, I can call them up again and they'll fight for me to get what I deserve. I couldn't have asked for a better lawyer to help me.
Washougal WashingtonWashougal Washington
02:43 13 Feb 22
I worked with Sean Stokes and he was fabulous! Sean was always professional and pushed to get the maximum pay out from my accident. He was very ethical and was always willing to answer my questions. No one wants a lawsuit, but if you find yourself in this situation, Sean would be the person to turn to.
Robin L LeeRobin L Lee
15:56 27 Apr 21
I am a software consultant and have been working with D'Amore Law Group for 14 years. As a software consultant I always appreciate a firm that has their computer network running efficiently because they have excellent IT support. In my experience, firms that keep their software up-to-date and their staff trained has more time to spend on their client's needs. D'Amore Law Group is one of those firms.
Ken LevinsonKen Levinson
19:45 05 Jan 20
D'Amore Law Group is one of the best law firms in the county. I have gotten to know Tom well over the last five years. His knowledge of personal injury law is extraordinary. I am always impressed with how Tom uses his experience to implement the best legal strategies to help his clients.Tom is also a leader in the legal community. He gives back a tremendous amount by teaching younger attorneys and executing key roles in bar associations. He's also one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.If you or a loved one is looking for an injury attorney, I highly recommend the D'Amore team.
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Our highly-skilled Portland personal injury lawyers  handle other types of personal injury cases as well, including:

Client Testimony

“I really appreciate everything D’Amore Law Group did on my case…I couldn’t have asked for better representation.” -Portland, Oregon client injured in a bicycle accident

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