Bicycle Accident Claims in Oregon

A bicyclist has the same rights and duties as the driver of any other vehicle, and the bicycle rules do not relieve bicyclists or motorists of the duty to use due care. A driver may pass a bicyclist only by going to the left at a 'safe distance', meaning enough distance to avoid contact if the cyclist fell into the driver's lane; this requirement does not apply to a driver in a lane next to a designated bike lane or driving 35 mph or slower. Drivers must yield to riders in a bicycle lane. Riders and passengers under 16 must wear an approved helmet. Riding on sidewalks is allowed, but the cyclist must give an audible warning before passing pedestrians, yield to all pedestrians, and slow to walking speed at crosswalks and driveways when a car is approaching; electric-assisted bicycles may not be ridden on sidewalks.

Modified comparative negligence (51% bar). An injured person can recover if their fault was not greater than the combined fault of the defendants and others the law requires the jury to compare (including people who settled); damages are reduced by the injured person's percentage of fault.

Minimum liability coverage is $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $20,000 for property damage. Every private passenger auto liability policy must also include personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, including up to $15,000 in medical and related expenses per person.

Two years for assault, battery, false imprisonment, or any other injury to the person not arising from a contract. In addition, no action for negligent injury to a person or property may be filed more than 10 years after the act or omission (statute of ultimate repose).