Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle Accidents Attorney

Staunch St. Helens legal advocate
for victims of bicycle accidents

Although Oregon bike riders are expected to obey many of the same rules as operators of motor vehicles while sharing the road, their chances of serious injury or death are much greater in a collision than they are for drivers or their passengers. Personal injury attorney Jacob Johnstun of Johnstun Injury Law LLC appreciates the financial challenges faced by bicycle riders and their families when bills for medical treatment and other accident-related expenses mount up, so he has dedicated his law practice to fighting for just and fair compensation for them.
bicycle accidents

Dangers bicycle riders encounter

There are many risks encountered by bicycle riders each time they go out on the streets. Drivers in motor vehicles represent only one of those dangers. Other causes of bicycle accidents include:
  • Potholes and conditions due to poor road maintenance
  • Roadwork construction
  • Debris dropped by trucks and other vehicles
  • Missing road signage
A bicyclist hurt due to the condition or design of a road might have a right to file a claim against the municipal agency, contractor or other party responsible for creating the condition or allowing it to remain. There are special rules for claims against municipal agencies. For example, if your claim is against a state, county, or local agency, Oregon law ORS 30.275 requires you, the injured party, to give written notice of your claim to the offending agency within 180 days of the accident, or within 1 year of the accident if your claim is for wrongful death. Injured bicyclists should consult a personal injury attorney immediately to avoid losing their right to compensation.
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Driver conduct putting bicycle riders at risk

Oregon and many communities throughout the state have taken steps to protect bicyclists by creating designated bike lanes. If motor vehicle drivers wish to enter those lanes, they must first yield to any oncoming bicyclists. Other driver activities putting bicycle riders at risk of injury or death include:
  • Distracted driving
  • Turning without yielding to riders
  • Failing to obey stop signs and traffic signals
  • Opening car doors
It is actually a violation of state traffic laws for people to open car doors in such a way as to create a hazard to bicycle riders.

Holding manufacturers responsible for bicycle accidents

Bicycle users can be injured by a design or manufacturing defect. A failure of any of the following parts of a bike could cause serious injuries to its rider:
  • Brakes
  • Frame
  • Handlebars
  • Gears
  • Tires
  • Chains
Riders who think their injuries were caused by a defective product, including a bicycle helmet, should seek legal advice from an attorney with experience handling product liability claims.

Trusted advice and representation for the victims and their families

Personal injury attorney Jacob Johnstun at Johnstun Injury Law LLC is committed to helping bicycle accident victims in Columbia County and other communities in the state who suffer serious injuries. Call him today at 503-410-3572 to schedule a FREE consultation and case evaluation.
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