BICYCLIST
Bicycling is growing as a means of daily transportation not only in Oregon but throughout the United States. In Oregon, the bicycling community has been rapidly growing throughout the last ten years. It has always existed but now it has grown from cycling to keep fit to recreational biking to everyday commuting. More and more people are wanting to reduce their carbon footprint on earth and biking is one way to do this.
Share the road
Oregon has taken steps to make our roads safer for biking, however, much more still needs to be done. We have to share the road—we all have a right to use it. It is important to get involved in our communities and cities to advocate for safer roads that can be used by both bicyclist and cars. One death and/or bicyclist injury is one too many. According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), in 2017 there were 783 bicyclists killed in traffic crashed in the United States. Statistic show that no matter what season bicyclist deaths occur most often between 6 pm – 9 pm.
Rules of the road
In Oregon bicyclist on the roadway are required to follow the same rules and responsibilities as motorist. This also means that a bicyclist is protected by motorist laws. Meaning that if a bicyclist is hit by a motor vehicle the bicyclist is covered by the automobile policy. This allows the bicyclist to receive personal injury protection (PIP) benefits and other benefits whether the bicyclist is negligent or not. The bicyclist may be covered by more than one automobile policy. As a victim, the bicyclist is able to recover damages against the at fault driver. You are entitled to have your wage loss, property damages (your bike) repaired/replaced, and receive a compensation for pain and suffering. There may be multiple claims that can be made.
Protect your rights
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car and are injured, you should consult with an attorney that is experienced in bicycle law. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible before speaking to any insurance company. Obtain legal advice to protect your rights. You can contact our office for a free no fee consultation. Part of what makes Bobadilla Law effective bicycle advocates is our experience riding on Oregon’s roadways. Ms. Bobadilla and her family are avid bicycle riders that not only ride for recreational purposes but also ride long distance for adventure. Bobadilla Law can understand crashes from the point of view of bicyclist whether that be an everyday bike rider that commutes to work or rides long distance for fitness/adventures.
