Bike & Pedestrian Accidents

Salem Bike & Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Advocating for Wrongfully Injured Cyclists & Pedestrians in Albany & Keizer

While any traffic accident can be devastating, pedestrians and bicyclists are especially vulnerable to serious injuries due to the lack of protection surrounding them. Staggering healthcare costs and long recovery times can leave victims facing constant financial stress. If you were harmed by another’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to worry about affording vital medical care or supporting your family.

At Johnson & Taylor, our bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers are committed to pursuing justice and accountability for the wrongfully injured. If you or a loved one was injured in a crash, don’t hesitate to contact our attorneys for trial-ready representation. With over a decade of experience and more than $50 million recovered, we pride ourselves on our proven track record of results in complex personal injury claims.

If you were injured while biking or walking in Salem, we can fight for justice while you focus on healing. Call (971) 318-5516 to schedule a free consultation.

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You're not just a number

Every case represents a person, a family, and a future

Pedestrian Accident Recovered from Multiple Policies
Pedestrian suffered traumatic internal injuries as a result of a trip and fall over a raised portion of sidewalk. Despite disputes over who maintained the sidewalk and the cause of the raised portion between the two adjacent property owners, we were able to secure significant settlements against both homeowner policies, reduce medical liens by tens of thousands of dollars, and put a generous amount of money in client’s pocket.
Pedestrian Accident Maximized Available Insurance Coverage
Pedestrian sustained broken bones when struck by a borrowed vehicle in a marked crosswalk. Client had health insurance but no auto insurance. We sought recovery from the insurance company who insured the vehicle AND the insurance company who insured the driver. Client was able to recover a substantial amount of money.
Car Accident Reduced Outstanding Medical Bill Balance
As a result of a car accident, client sustained serious injuries which required costly surgery. Client did not have health insurance to cover additional medical expenses beyond the no-fault provisions of her own policy. Through persuasive negotiations with medical providers, we were able to secure offers from the medical providers to substantially reduce or write-off the outstanding balances to enable payment of all medical bills and compensation to client.
Drunk Driver Accident Secured Maximum Compensation
Two couples riding together in a vehicle were struck on the freeway by a drunk driver. All were badly injured. Able to get maximum compensation for all from the at fault driver and from the bar that over served alcohol, contributing to the driver getting drunk.
Bicycle Accident Full Compensation Recovered
Bicyclist vs vehicle collision where client sustained soft tissue injuries. Despite reasonable evidence as to fault, insurance company denied liability and would not offer any compensation to client. We filed a lawsuit and just over two months later the insurance company paid our client’s full demand and attorney fees as well.
Rear-End Collision Medical Liens Fully Waived
Rear-end accident victim sustained injuries that persisted for some time and required surgery. Medical costs alone were double the available insurance funds from all applicable insurance policies. We were able to get all medical liens waived and client ended up with a majority of the funds from insurance.

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Recovering Damages in a Bike or Pedestrian Accident Claim

Injured parties may be entitled to various damages in a bicycle or pedestrian accident claim. Common types of recoverable compensation include:

Medical bills
Pain and suffering
Emotional anguish
Loss of consortium
Loss of enjoyment of life
Personal property damage
Lost wages and earning capacity

Our attorneys can calculate both economic and non-economic damages to pursue an outcome that reflects the full scope of your injuries and losses. We leave no stone unturned in our exhaustive investigations to maximize your recovery.

Proving Liability in Bicycle & Pedestrian Accidents

Proving liability is one of the most challenging steps to recovering damages after a bike or pedestrian accident, making it critical to consult with our time-tested injury lawyers as soon as possible. We can investigate the accident to identify liable parties and help you meet the burden of proof in your claim.

Below are the legal elements required to establish liability:

Duty of care. The defendant owed you a duty of care, such as obeying traffic signs and yielding to pedestrians.
Breach of duty. The defendant breached their duty by acting negligently, such as running a red light or driving while intoxicated.
Causation. The accident and injuries would not have occurred if not for the defendant’s negligence.
Damages. The victim suffered actual losses (damages) as a result of the defendant’s breach.

Importance of Working with Our Bicycle & Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

The last thing you need after a serious injury is additional stress. Having the right lawyer on your side can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.

Some advantages of choosing our top-rated injury law firm include:

Anticipating Potential Defense Strategies

Drivers who strike unprotected individuals usually try to deflect the blame by claiming a cyclist darted into traffic, a pedestrian wasn’t in a marked crosswalk, or a victim wasn’t wearing bright clothing. We counter these blame-shifting tactics by conducting extensive investigations and building strong, evidence-backed cases.

Securing Time-Sensitive Evidence

Unlike a high-speed collision between two heavy vehicles, bicycle and pedestrian crashes leave very little physical evidence behind on the roadway. We act swiftly to track down security footage, traffic camera recordings, and eyewitnesses before memories fade or crucial video files are permanently overwritten.

Untangling Complex Insurance & PIP Policies

Your own auto insurance’s personal injury protection (PIP) typically kicks in to cover initial medical expenses, even if you were walking or cycling. We coordinate communications between health insurance, PIP coverage, and the at-fault driver’s liability policy so you can focus entirely on your physical recovery.

Calculating Long-Term Damages

Because pedestrians and cyclists lack the metal framework and airbags of a passenger vehicle, the resulting injuries can be life-altering. We partner with medical specialists and other relevant experts to project the true, lifelong cost of ongoing physical therapy, future surgeries, diminished earning capacity, and other losses.

Negotiating with Pushy Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies know that injured pedestrians and cyclists are often in immense pain, making them vulnerable to lowball, fast-cash settlement offers. We can take over all communication with the adjusters to prevent you from being pressured, rushed, or manipulated into accepting less than you deserve.

Don’t pay the price for someone else’s carelessness. Our firm can advocate for the compensation you deserve. Contact us online to request a free case evaluation. Se habla español.

Frequently Asked Question

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents?

Many bicycle and pedestrian accidents result from distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, impaired driving, unsafe left turns, and drivers who fail to check for cyclists or pedestrians before changing lanes or opening vehicle doors. Determining exactly how the crash occurred is an important part of establishing liability and pursuing compensation.

What Types of Injuries Are Common in Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents?

Because cyclists and pedestrians have little protection during a collision, they often suffer severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal injuries, facial fractures, road rash, and permanent disabilities. Even injuries that initially seem minor can worsen over time, making prompt medical treatment essential.

My Loved One Was Killed in a Pedestrian Accident. Can I Seek Justice on Their Behalf?

If your loved one passed away in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to seek justice in a wrongful death claim. The lawsuit must be brought by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate on behalf of qualifying beneficiaries, such as spouses, children, parents, and other immediate family members.

Our attorneys have a deep understanding of wrongful death and survival actions to help grieving families understand their options, investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, and pursue accountability from negligent parties. We also assist with probate and estate planning tasks that often arise with wrongful death claims.

Can I Recover Damages in a Bicycle Accident Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

Yes. Helmets are only required for bicyclists under the age of 16 (ORS 814.485(1)). Failing to wear a helmet cannot be used as a defense or as evidence to reduce damages, even if the cyclist was legally required to wear one (ORS § 814.489).

A common misconception is that you cannot recover damages if you are even slightly responsible for the bike accident. However, Oregon’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages as long as your fault is 50% or less.

Insurance companies often offer minimal settlements in an effort to evade fair payouts. Our attorneys are familiar with these tactics and never hesitate to stand up to big insurers in court if necessary to force them to the negotiating table.

What If the Driver Left the Scene After Hitting Me?

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may still have options for recovering compensation. Depending on the circumstances, uninsured motorist coverage, available evidence, and witness testimony may help support your claim. An attorney can investigate the collision and explore every available source of financial recovery.

Can Dangerous Road Conditions Contribute to a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident?

Yes. Poorly maintained sidewalks, missing crosswalk markings, potholes, obstructed signs, inadequate lighting, and unsafe roadway design may contribute to serious accidents. In some situations, a government entity, contractor, or property owner may share responsibility if hazardous conditions played a role in causing the incident.

Do I Need Medical Treatment Even If I Feel Fine After the Accident?

Yes. Adrenaline can temporarily mask pain after a traumatic event, and some injuries do not produce immediate symptoms. Seeking prompt medical attention protects your health while creating documentation that may help connect your injuries to the accident if you pursue a personal injury claim.

How Is the Value of a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident Claim Determined?

Every case is different. Factors that may affect the value of a claim include the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, future treatment needs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and whether permanent impairments affect your daily life. A thorough evaluation helps ensure all recoverable damages are considered.

Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Crossing Outside of a Marked Crosswalk?

Possibly. Crossing outside of a marked crosswalk does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation. Oregon's comparative negligence laws may still allow recovery if another party's negligence contributed to the accident and your share of fault does not exceed the legal threshold. An attorney can evaluate how the specific facts of your case affect your rights.

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer Soon After a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident?

Early legal representation allows important evidence to be preserved before it disappears. An attorney can obtain surveillance footage, interview witnesses, secure accident reports, communicate with insurance companies, document your damages, and begin building a strong case while you concentrate on your medical recovery. Acting quickly often improves the ability to present a well-supported claim.

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I was in a motor vehicle accident last spring and James was able to help me.
“Johnson and Taylor law does phenomenal work! I had several injuries that took up most of my time and figuring out the business aspect of my car accident was a rabbit hole. I reached out to James and he was more than happy to help.”

- Nicole G.

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