Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Last Updated: September 18, 2026
Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Portland, Oregon
At Dawson Law Group, we do not just evaluate bicycle crash cases from behind a desk. As avid cyclists who regularly ride and commute on the streets of Portland, we understand the thrill of riding through our city, as well as the immediate danger posed by careless drivers. Portland may be recognized nationwide for its cycling infrastructure, but green bike lanes, bike boxes, and neighborhood greenways do not protect you from a distracted driver or a motorist who fails to yield the right-of-way. When a collision occurs, the physical, financial, and emotional consequences are often severe. Bicycle crashes rarely result in minor scrapes; they frequently cause traumatic brain injuries, complex fractures, severe road rash, and spinal trauma. If you or someone you love was injured while riding, working with an experienced Portland bicycle accident lawyer at Dawson Law Group ensures your rights are protected against insurance companies that often attempt to shift blame onto riders.
Why Injured Bicyclists in Portland Choose Us
Decades of Trial Experience Protecting Portland Cyclists
Cyclists are among the most vulnerable commuters on Oregon roadways. When a driver is distracted, fails to yield, or opens a vehicle door into traffic without looking, the consequences are life-altering. At Dawson Law Group, we offer a distinct advantage: lead attorney Bryan Dawson brings nearly 30 years of courtroom litigation experience, and partner Ben Larson is an avid local cyclist who rides and commutes on Portland streets. We know firsthand the hazards riders face on corridors like SE Powell, Sandy Boulevard, and the Hawthorne Bridge. Having spent decades representing both plaintiffs and defense insurers, we know exactly how insurance adjusters attempt to undervalue bike crash claims—and we use that inside knowledge to fight for full compensation for injured riders.
Over 100 Five-Star Reviews and Direct Attorney Access
With more than 100 five-star reviews on Google, our firm is trusted by Oregon families, judges, and fellow trial attorneys for our thorough case preparation, deep empathy, and clear communication. You will never be handed off to a case manager or paralegal. When you work with Dawson Law Group, you communicate directly with Bryan or Ben throughout every stage of your claim.
No Fees Unless We Secure Compensation
You should not have to worry about legal bills while recovering from severe road rash, fractures, or traumatic brain injuries. We represent injured cyclists on a strict contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we successfully win or settle your case.
Dedicated Support Tailored to Oregon Bike Laws
Bicycle injury claims require specialized knowledge of Oregon traffic statutes, including the Vulnerable Road User law (ORS 811.135), the Oregon Dooring statute (ORS 811.490), and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance benefits available to cyclists. We handle every detail—from securing police reports and helmet evidence to refuting insurance attempts to assign fault to you—so you can focus entirely on healing.
More Than $30 Million Recovered for Injury Victims
Dawson Law Group has recovered over $30 million in settlements and trial verdicts for injured individuals and families throughout Oregon. Our proven track record reflects our relentless dedication to holding negligent drivers and their insurance carriers fully accountable. See more of our case results.
Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Your journey to recovery starts with a conversation. We offer free consultations to review the details of your crash, explain your rights under Oregon cycling laws, and outline your best path forward with zero pressure or obligation. Contact our Portland bicycle accident lawyer at our office today to get started.
Unique Legal Standards for Oregon Bicyclists
Bicycle accident claims involve specific Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and local municipal codes that general personal injury attorneys often overlook. When building a claim, we leverage key Oregon cycling laws to establish liability and protect our clients.
1. Vulnerable Road User Law (ORS 811.135)
Oregon law provides enhanced legal protections for cyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users. Under ORS 811.135, a driver who commits a common traffic violation that causes serious physical injury or death to a vulnerable road user faces heightened penalties. Establishing a violation of this law helps demonstrate clear negligence when negotiating with insurance carriers.
2. The Oregon “Dooring” Statute (ORS 811.490)
Dooring occurs when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into moving traffic without checking for approaching cyclists. Under Oregon law, it is illegal to open a vehicle door unless it is reasonably safe to do so. If you were injured because someone opened a door directly into your path on a crowded street, the motor vehicle occupant is statically at fault for your crash.
3. Bike Lane Rights and Passing Distance (ORS 811.050 & ORS 811.065)
Drivers in Oregon are legally required to yield the right-of-way to cyclists operating within a bicycle lane. Furthermore, drivers passing a cyclist traveling in the same direction must maintain a safe distance. If a driver squeezed past you without giving adequate space or cut into a designated bike lane to make a right turn, they violated state law.
Recent Results for Oregon Cyclists & Vulnerable Road Users
Recovery for a cyclist struck by a car in Portland. The driver failed to safely share the road, causing injuries to the cyclist’s neck and back. Fortunately, she made a full recovery.
Recovery in a car vs. pedestrian crash in downtown Portland. Our client suffered PTSD and injuries to the neck, back, shoulders, and leg when a driver failed to yield.
Policy limit settlement when a pedestrian was hit by a work truck in Portland’s Pearl District. The driver failed to yield the right of way.
Recovery in a disputed-liability T-bone crash in the Portland suburbs. Conflicting accounts required extensive investigation. Our client suffered a broken wrist and leg injuries.
Settlement one day before arbitration in a case involving an uninsured speeding driver. Our client suffered a TBI, tinnitus, and hyperacusis.
Recovery for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury and fractures after a high-impact collision in Lake Oswego.
See more case results for Portland clients.
What to Do Immediately After a Bike Crash in Portland
The steps you take in the hours and days following a crash directly impact your health and the strength of your legal claim. If you are physically able, we recommend taking the following actions:
- Call 911 and Request Law Enforcement: Always ensure the police respond to document the crash. Do not let a driver convince you to settle things informally on the roadside. Officer notes and official driver statements are vital evidence.
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: Adrenaline can mask internal bleeding, head injuries, and soft tissue damage. Visit an emergency room or urgent care facility right away to ensure your physical safety and establish a clear medical record linking your injuries to the crash.
- Preserve Your Physical Evidence: Do not fix your bicycle, discard damaged clothing, or repair your helmet. Broken bike frames, torn gear, and cracked helmets serve as key physical evidence showing the force and point of impact.
- Document the Scene: Capture photos and video of your injuries, damage to your bike, the vehicle that hit you, skid marks, road conditions, and any nearby traffic signs or signals. Gather contact details from any eyewitnesses who stopped to help.
- Consult a Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer Early: Before providing recorded statements or accepting initial settlement offers from an insurance company, speak with our team to protect your rights.
Get to Know Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Attorney Bryan Dawson, Principal at Dawson Law Group
Bryan Dawson brings nearly three decades of litigation experience to injured cyclists, pedestrians, and crash victims across Oregon. He has secured millions in recoveries for clients hit by drivers who failed to yield, changed lanes unsafely, or drove distracted.
Bryan has handled over 100 trials and arbitrations, argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and spent years at the prestigious firm Cooley Godward before founding Dawson Law Group in 1999. His work spans complex personal injury, wrongful death, and civil litigation.
Recognized with an AV Preeminent rating, a 10.0 Avvo score, and repeated Super Lawyer honors, Bryan is known for his meticulous preparation and strong advocacy. He frequently lectures on legal topics and serves as an arbitrator in Oregon courts.
He is licensed in Oregon and the Ninth Circuit, with inactive status in California. Outside the office, Bryan enjoys cycling, coaching youth sports, and exploring the outdoors with his family.
Attorney Ben Larson
Ben Larson has represented injured Oregonians since 2009 with a client-focused, compassionate approach. He has extensive experience helping cyclists and pedestrians recover after collisions caused by careless or impatient drivers.
Ben is known for clear communication, strong early case strategy, and diligent negotiation skills. He regularly handles bicycle accident cases involving traumatic brain injuries, fractures, soft-tissue injuries, and disputed liability.
A lifelong Oregonian, Ben earned both his undergraduate degree and law degree from the University of Oregon and is admitted in state and federal court. He enjoys skiing, climbing, biking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest wilderness.
How Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Works for Cyclists
One of the most valuable yet misunderstood aspects of Oregon auto insurance law is Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Under ORS 742.520, PIP provides no-fault medical coverage regardless of who caused the collision.
If you own an insured automobile in Oregon, your own auto PIP insurance will cover your reasonable medical expenses and lost wages up to your policy limits, even though you were riding a bicycle at the time of the crash. If you do not own a vehicle, you may be eligible to receive PIP benefits through the policy of the driver who hit you or through a household relative’s auto policy. We help our clients navigate these complex coverage layers so medical bills do not go unpaid while liability is investigated.
Navigating Comparative Negligence in Oregon
Insurance companies routinely try to blame cyclists for collisions, arguing that the rider was speeding, failed to use proper lights, or rode outside the bike lane. Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence system (ORS 31.600).
Under this rule, you can still recover financial damages as long as your fault is not greater than 50 percent. However, your total financial award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines your total damages are $100,000 but finds you 10 percent responsible for not using a headlight at dusk, your net recovery would be $90,000. As your Portland bicycle accident lawyer, our primary goal is to gather physical evidence, accident reconstruction data, and witness statements to refute unfair attempts to assign fault to you.
Over 100 5-Star Reviews from People We’ve Helped
See why injured bicyclists across the Pacific Northwest turn to Dawson Law Group when it matters most.
Compensation Available to Injured Cyclists
A catastrophic bicycle accident can alter your life instantly. We conduct thorough investigations to pursue full compensation for all damages caused by a negligent driver, including:
- Current and future medical expenses, surgeries, and physical therapy
- Lost wages and compensation for reduced future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life and outdoor activities
- Repair or full replacement costs for your bicycle and cycling gear
Speak With a Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a family member suffered injuries in a collision, you do not have to battle insurance adjusters alone. Put our legal trial experience and personal passion for cycling to work on your case. Contact Dawson Law Group today at (503) 656-0400 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Portland bicycle accident lawyer. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus entirely on your physical recovery.
FAQ’s About Bicycle Accidents in Portland
Who pays my medical bills right after a bike accident in Portland?
Under Oregon law (ORS 742.520), your medical bills are initially covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. If you own a motor vehicle, your auto PIP policy covers your reasonable medical expenses up to your policy limits, even though you were riding a bicycle. If you do not own a vehicle, PIP benefits are usually provided by the insurance policy of the driver who hit you. We help coordinate these benefits so you face minimal out-of-pocket stress while recovering. Read More.
What if I was not wearing a helmet during the crash? Can I still recover damages?
Yes. In Oregon, adults aged 16 and older are not legally required to wear a bicycle helmet. While defense lawyers often try to use a lack of helmet use to minimize claims, not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent you from obtaining full compensation. Under Oregon's comparative negligence rules (ORS 31.600), we actively fight to ensure insurance companies do not unfairly blame you for the injuries caused by a negligent driver.
How long do I have to file a bicycle injury claim in Oregon?
In most cases, Oregon’s statute of limitations (ORS 12.110) gives you two years from the date of the bicycle crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if your accident involved a public entity—such as a TriMet bus, a City of Portland maintenance vehicle, or a road hazard caused by local government neglect—you must file a formal Tort Claim Notice within 180 days. Contacting a Portland bicycle accident lawyer early ensures critical deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
Should I speak with the driver's insurance adjuster before hiring an attorney?
No. You are under no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement offer from the driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask misleading questions designed to shift fault onto cyclists or downplay the severity of injuries. Before speaking to an adjuster, consult with our team so we can protect your rights and handle all communication on your behalf.
