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Estate of Jean Diaz v. Kevin Scott. A $20.365 Million Verdict for the Estate of a 43 year old mother struck and killed by an intoxicated driver.
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Hunter Brown vs. Greyhound. An $18 Million verdict for a young man who was killed when run over by a Greyhound bus.
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Scott Busch v. McInnis Waste Systems $13.9 Million dollar verdict for a pedestrian hit by a garbage truck who suffered a leg amputation.
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$13.875 Million dollars for a young woman who suffered a TBI and orthopedic injuries after being hit by a vehicle operated by a delivery driver.
Dooring incidents, a common urban hazard, occur when a parked car’s door opens in the path of a cyclist. In Portland, with its thriving cycling culture, these incidents have become increasingly prevalent, often resulting in serious injuries.
If you or a loved one was injured in a dooring accident in Portland, you may be entitled to substantial compensation to cover your injuries and related losses. Contact Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, to find out if you have a claim.
Dooring incidents pose significant risks to cyclists. The sudden, unexpected nature of a vehicle’s door being opened in their path can leave cyclists with little time to react, often resulting in severe injuries.
Common injuries resulting from dooring accidents include:
Head and Brain Injuries: Even with a helmet, the impact involved in the accident can cause concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries.
Spinal Injuries: The abrupt stop or fall resulting from a dooring incident can lead to spinal damage, potentially causing long-term disability.
Bone Fractures: Cyclists often suffer from broken bones due to the force of hitting a door or the ground.
Cuts and Abrasions: Skin lacerations and road rash are common, varying in severity based on the speed and nature of the fall.
What’s more, the psychological impact of such accidents shouldn’t be underestimated. Cyclists may also experience anxiety and trauma, affecting their ability to cycle confidently in the future.
The Legal Framework Governing Dooring Accident Claims in Oregon
Understanding the legal framework surrounding dooring incidents is crucial for injured cyclists in Portland. Oregon law places specific duties on both drivers and cyclists, which are pivotal in determining liability in these cases.
Driver’s Responsibility: Under Oregon law, drivers must ensure it is safe to open their car door without interfering with the movement of traffic, including cyclists. This responsibility is outlined in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 811.490, which states that no person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is safe to do so.
Cyclist’s Rights: Cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles, with specific rules tailored for bicycles. Under Oregon law, a cyclist riding on the roadway is entitled to the same protections and is subject to the same rules as a motor vehicle. This means that in a dooring incident, if a cyclist is operating their bicycle in a lawful manner, the liability often falls on the person opening the car door.
Fault and Negligence: Determining fault for a dooring incident involves assessing negligence. If a driver opens their door without checking for oncoming cyclists, they may be considered to have acted negligently. However, if a cyclist is riding recklessly or not adhering to road rules, comparative negligence might come into play, potentially reducing the compensation they can claim.
Compensation and Damages: In cases where the driver is found liable, injured cyclists may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Other losses resulting from the accident
The specific amounts of these damages will depend on the extent of the injuries and the impact on the cyclist’s life.
The Statute of Limitations: It’s important to note that there is a time limit for filing a bicycle accident claim in Oregon. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dooring incidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident.
Understanding these aspects is essential for anyone involved in a dooring accident in Portland. Legal representation by an experienced Portland bicycle accident lawyer can be invaluable in navigating these complexities and ensuring that you secure fair compensation for your injuries and other damages.
At Paulson Coletti, “liberty and justice for all” is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. With a high success rate both in and out of the courtroom, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.
At Paulson Coletti, our approach to helping victims of dooring incidents involves:
Experienced Legal Representation: Our experienced attorneys specialize in bicycle law, offering our clients in-depth knowledge of Oregon’s traffic regulations and cyclists’ rights.
Case Evaluation: We conduct a thorough evaluation of each case we handle, considering the specifics of the incident to develop a strong legal strategy.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Our team adeptly handles communications and negotiations with liable insurance companies, ensuring our clients receive fair compensation.
Litigation Support: If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to represent our clients in court, advocating strongly on their behalf.
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
Contact Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC to Consult with an Experienced Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dooring incident in Portland, don’t hesitate to contact Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC for a free consultation with an experienced Portland bicycle accident lawyer.
Our deep understanding of Oregon bicycle law can help safeguard your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. The sooner you get us involved, the better. Call us today at (503) 226-6361 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Paulson Coletti
Trial Attorneys PC
At Paulson Coletti, a local firm based in Oregon, justice is our mission. As experienced trial attorneys, we fight for injury victims across Oregon and Washington, holding negligent parties accountable. With a proven track record in and out of the courtroom, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We take a client-centered approach, focusing on cases we believe in and delivering results that matter. No fees unless we win-because justice should never come with financial risk.
John and Lisa were extremely helpful with my family as we navigated damages sustained in a tragic car accident. They were very knowledgeable throughout the entire process. Their communication and empathy to our situation was greatly appreciated.
I can’t imagine working our way through the tragedy without them by our side. I would highly recommend Paulson and Coletti!
Michelle H
Working with John was an excellent experience from start to finish. He fought long and hard to secure a fair and just settlement in our case, and his dedication never wavered. John and his staff were consistently considerate, helpful, and communicative throughout the entire process, always taking the time to answer our questions and keep us informed. Given the complicated and sensitive nature of our case, I’m truly grateful we had John in our corner. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, we achieved a better outcome than we could have hoped for.
Hugh Leonard
I had an excellent experience working with Jane and her team on my accident case. From start to finish, their team was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about getting the best possible outcome for me.
I highly recommend Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys to anyone who needs legal representation. They made a stressful situation much easier to navigate, and I’m extremely grateful for everything they did for me.
Jennifer Little
I recently engaged John Coletti to represent me in a challenging legal matter, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From our initial consultation, it was evident that John possessed an exceptional depth of knowledge, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to his clients. He took the time to thoroughly understand the nuances of our case, explaining complex legal concepts in clear, accessible terms while always keeping me informed and involved throughout the process.
John not only delivered outstanding results but also provided compassionate support during what could have been an overwhelming stressful time.
If you’re seeking an attorney who combines professionalism, integrity, and proven success, look no further than John Coletti.
My family is profoundly grateful for his representation.
This page has been written, edited, and fact-checked by our team of legal writers in accordance with our editorial guidelines. It has been approved by partners Jane Paulson and John Coletti—respected trial attorneys with decades of experience representing personal injury victims.