Serving Bicycle Accident Victims in Portland and Surrounding Areas
Portland has one of the highest percentages of bike commuters (more than six percent) for a large American city.
This means that over 22,000 Portland residents ride bicycles for business or leisure. Although bicycles are a popular and healthy mode of transportation, they offer riders little protection in the event of a collision with a car or other vehicle.
In this situation, cyclists may suffer serious injuries that result in long-term health consequences or death.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, it may benefit you to seek qualified legal representation from an experienced Portland bicycle accident attorney.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
You can call or visit our Portland office at 434 SW Iowa Street, Portland, OR 97239. Located just south of downtown Portland, our office is only minutes from Pioneer Courthouse Square, the Multnomah County Courthouse, and Interstate 405, making it convenient for clients throughout Portland and Multnomah County.
We represent our clients on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay us if we help you recover compensation.
Why Clients Choose Rizk Law
At Rizk Law, we are dedicated to helping accident victims pursue the justice and compensation they deserve after being injured by another’s negligence.
- Our trusted Portland bicycle accident lawyers know about the difficulties many people face when trying to handle an insurance claim on their own. We will assist you in every aspect of the claims process to help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
- Our accomplished team of bike accident attorneys is dedicated to helping accident victims recover after being injured due to another’s negligence.
- We believe negligent drivers who injure Portland cyclists on citywide bike paths or other locations should be held liable for their actions. We will help you explore every legal option available to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Meet Our Attorneys
Richard Rizk
- Education: Lewis & Clark Law School, Portland, Oregon.
- 30+ Years of Oregon Legal Experience: Richard Rizk has built his legal career representing injured clients in Oregon, including victims of bicycle accidents, personal injury claims, and insurance disputes.
- Insurance Defense Background: As a former insurance defense attorney for Nationwide Insurance affiliates, Richard understands how insurance companies evaluate bicycle accident claims, negotiate settlements, and defend against injury lawsuits.
- Complex Injury Claim Experience: Richard has handled high-exposure injury cases involving complex liability issues, helping injured clients pursue compensation after serious accidents.
- Oregon Legal Community Leadership: Richard has served as Portland’s delegate to the Oregon State Bar, contributing to discussions and decisions affecting Oregon’s legal community.
Recent Bicycle Accident Case Results
$50,000 Settlement for Cyclist Injured in Vehicle Collision
A bicyclist was struck by a vehicle in Beaverton, Oregon, after the driver was found at fault. The cyclist did not have insurance and faced limited available coverage, but the case resulted in a settlement for injuries including a leg injury with ongoing pain and a lost tooth.
What Our Clients Said
More than 80 Google Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent team. they really made the process of walking though a personal injury claim seamless.
Kyle wagoner was exceptional to work with-he explained everything along the way with a reassuring and thoughtful approach with positive results.
I highly recommend this firm!
– Thomas
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had my first two accidents happen in one week. Neither of them were my fault. Thankfully I ran across Rizk law by reading the reviews. I’m very happy I went with them. Kyle and Alex were caring, experienced, straightforward and supportive people to work with. Thanks to them I feel very good about the outcome and I would recommend Rizk law to anyone who has been injured in a collision.
– Samantha Boulet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I unfortunately needed the services of a legal professional. These guys were the fastest response. They answered all of my silly questions (probably more than once). They were upfront about how much things cost. They kept to it. They told me what to expect and when. It happened just like they said. I appreciate how quick they answer me back too. They were all around great
– Jd Woolworth
Why Hire a Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Accident victims often find it challenging to obtain the compensation they need after being injured due to another’s negligence.
After a bicycle accident, many people discover that they are unaware of their rights to pursue compensation from the at-fault party liable for their injuries.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you will need to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company to receive compensation.
However, many insurers are reluctant to pay accident victims the full amount of compensation they deserve. Working with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Portland may provide you with the understanding and assistance you need when pursuing an insurance claim.
Your attorney will act as your advocate during the claims process to ensure your rights are protected. He or she will work to establish the at-fault party is liable for your injuries by building a case on your behalf. Your attorney will accomplish this by:
- Examining the police or accident report
- Collecting evidence from the accident scene
- Obtaining video footage or photographs of your bicycle accident that shows the at-fault party behaving negligently or recklessly
- Compiling your medical records that show you were injured in the accident
- Documenting the medical treatments you underwent to heal your injuries
- Retaining copies of the at-fault party’s driving record
- Interviewing witnesses who may have seen your accident
- Reconstructing the accident to show how it occurred
- Establishing a timeline of events before the accident, including the at-fault party’s actions and activities leading up to the collision
Rizk Law’s Portland personal injury lawyers have many years of combined experience helping injury victims recover the compensation they need.
Our dedication to helping victims of negligence has earned us inclusion as one of the Top 3 Personal Injury Lawyers in Portland by Three Best Rated©, and we hold a 10.0 Superb Rating on Avvo. Do not wait to contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to find out if you have a case.
How Do I Prove Negligence in a Bicycle Accident Claim?
Cyclists injured in a bicycle accident may be entitled to pursue compensation from the at-fault party liable for the collision.
However, you must be able to prove that your bicycle accident resulted from negligence.
There are specific elements of negligence that a Portland bicycle accident attorney will look for when reviewing your claim. This includes:
- Duty of care: The at-fault party owed you a duty of care to ensure your safety by acting in a manner that prevented causing you harm.
- Breach of duty: The at-fault party breached his or her duty of care by failing to act in a cautious and reasonably prudent manner. This breach of duty resulted in you suffering an injury or harm.
- Causation: The bicycle accident was directly or indirectly caused by the at-fault party’s breach of duty. This requires a causal link to be established between the at-fault party’s actions and your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered monetary damages as a result of the at-fault party’s breach of duty. This may include the expenses you incurred for medical treatment or loss of income as a result of being injured in a bicycle accident.
In many cases, it may be in your best interest to contact a reputable attorney who understands Oregon’s negligence laws and can recognize when a breach of duty has occurred. Your attorney will work to help you establish a case and prove the other party is liable for your injuries and resulting financial losses.
Call 503.342.0783 to schedule a free consultation with Rizk Law.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Portland
Due to the lack of protection bicycles offer during an accident, cyclists may be at risk of suffering a wide range of injuries. Some of these include:
- Fractured bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injury
- Hand and wrist injuries
- Lacerations, cuts and bruises
- Nerve damage
- Disfigurement
- Dental and jawbone injuries
- Joint dislocation
- Internal organ damage
- Head injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Road rash
A serious bicycle accident injury can have a significant impact on your health.
This may include permanent disabilities that prevent you from living a fully functional or independent life. You should always seek medical attention as soon as possible after a bicycle accident to diagnose and treat any injuries you may have suffered.
Once you have received medical treatment and understand the damages you suffered, contact a bicycle accident lawyer in Portland. He or she will examine your claim and bicycle accident to determine if you have a case that entitles you to pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Portland for Bicyclists
According to the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), the following five intersections were determined as the most dangerous intersections for Portland bicyclists based on number of crashes involving people biking, number of people biking involved, and the estimated economic value of crashes resulting in death or injury.
Some of the most dangerous intersections for Portland bicyclists include:
- E Burnside St. & 102nd Ave.
- NW Broadway & Hoyt St.
- SE Hawthorne Blvd. & 7th Ave.
- N Broadway St. & Larrabee Ave.
- N Broadway St. & Wheeler Ave.
Bicycle Accidents Near Portland’s Downtown Core
In addition to these intersections, cyclists face risks throughout downtown Portland, including areas near Pioneer Courthouse Square, SW Broadway, SW Morrison Street, SW 5th Avenue, and the Multnomah County Courthouse.
These areas have heavy pedestrian activity, frequent vehicle turning movements, public transportation routes, and high volumes of bicycle traffic.
Common Types of Bicycle Accidents Caused by Negligent Drivers
The vast majority of bicycle accidents are unfortunately caused by negligent drivers. Some of the most common kinds of crashes include:
Sideswipe accidents
Drivers sometimes sideswipe or hit bicyclists from behind when attempting to pass them. They think they have enough space to make the maneuver, but they end up colliding with the bicycle.
Sometimes this simply knocks the rider off balance, other times it knocks him or her off the bike or causes him or her to get run over by the car.
Left and right-turn accidents
A right-turn accident happens when a driver makes a right turn and crashes into a bicyclist riding right beside the car.
A left-turn accident occurs when a driver crashes into a rider who is traveling in the opposite direction. The driver misjudges the bicyclist’s speed and is unable to avoid crashing into the bicyclist.
Pull-in-front accidents
These occur when a car pulls out of a side street, parking lot or driveway and hits a bicyclist on the road or sidewalk.
Pulling out could also cause the bicyclist to turn quickly to avoid a collision and end up in traffic, putting him or her at risk of a life-threatening crash.
The PBOT recommends several ways for bicyclists and drivers to share the road safely. This includes approaching all intersections with extra caution.
While you may have the right-of-way, turning vehicles may not see you traveling in the bike lane. It is critical to be seen by wearing reflective clothing and having a rear red light on your bike.
If you were injured in these or any other types of accidents, contact our firm for a free legal consultation. You may be entitled to compensation for the damages you suffered.
Compensation for a Bicycle Accident Claim
Cyclists who are involved in a bicycle accident often suffer severe injuries that result in long-term medical conditions or permanent disability.
Because of this, bicycle accident victims may be entitled to pursue several types of compensation by filing a personal injury claim.
Oregon is an “at-fault” state, which means you will need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company after being injured in a bicycle accident.
However, insurers will only compensate you for the measurable damages you suffered. This may include compensation for:
- Past and future medical treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Prescription medication
- Hospital stays
- Medical transportation
- Medical tests
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
In some cases, accident victims may be entitled to additional compensation if their injuries caused them to suffer severe physical and psychological effects.
In this situation, your attorney may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover the following types of compensation:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Loss of reputation
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
All too often, insurance companies attempt to settle personal injury claims by offering accident victims the minimum amount of compensation possible.
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the true value of their claim and accept this initial offer.
At Rizk Law, our trusted attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims recover the maximum compensation they may be entitled to receive.
We know how to accurately value a clam and will help you determine a fair settlement amount to help compensate you for your injuries and financial losses.
If we believe you are not being offered a fair amount of compensation, we will pursue every course of legal action to help you get the amount you deserve.
Oregon’s Comparative Negligence Laws in Bicycle Accident Claims
Many states, including Oregon, use comparative negligence to determine the amount of compensation accident victims can recover in a personal injury lawsuit.
Under comparative negligence, the actions of each party involved in an accident are examined by a court.
Both parties will then be assigned a percentage of fault that represents their degree of negligence in causing the accident.
Under Ore. Rev. Stat. § 31.600, accident victims can still pursue compensation even if they are found to share fault in causing the accident.
However, the amount of compensation you may receive will be reduced by your degree of fault.
For example, you may file an insurance claim for $10,000 after being injured in a bicycle accident. The court may find that you share 30 percent of the fault in causing the accident and reduce your claim’s maximum value to $7,000.
However, you cannot pursue compensation from the other party if you share the majority of the fault. This means if your degree of fault is 51 percent or more, your case will likely be dismissed.
Insurance companies often use Oregon’s comparative negligence law to deny victims’ claims or unfairly reduce the amount of compensation they can receive.
Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of Oregon’s comparative negligence law. We will work to ensure you are not unfairly blamed for causing the bicycle accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Oregon?
Cyclists injured in a bicycle accident only have a limited amount of time to pursue compensation for their injuries.
Depending on the circumstances behind your claim, there may be several deadlines that you must follow.
Oregon law requires that any accident involving a vehicle, including bicycles, that results in injury, death or property damage exceeding $2,500 be reported. Each party involved in the accident is required to complete an Accident & Insurance Report with the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services within 72 hours of the collision.
Oregon also imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases.
Under Ore. Rev. Stat. § 12.110(1), you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover compensation. If you do not take legal action within the two-year deadline, your case will likely be dismissed, and you cannot pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
Although two years may seem like enough time to file a personal injury lawsuit, you may encounter several time-consuming factors before the deadline runs out.
This includes diagnosing and undergoing medical treatment for your injuries. Additionally, your Portland bicycle accident lawyer will need time to investigate your claim and establish a connection between the at-fault party’s negligence and your injuries.
To ensure your claim is secured, you should not wait to pursue legal action against the at-fault party.
