Driver Cited After Injuring Pregnant Bicyclist

Date:  May 22, 2012
Location:  Intersection of Bertha Blvd. and Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, Portland
Names:  Jessie Belter, Nicole Poor

A motorist has been cited after a Tuesday morning accident that left a bicyclist with a broken leg. The accident happened at the intersection of Bertha Boulevard and the Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway in Southwest Portland.

Portland Police investigators told KGW.com that Nicole Poor, 33, was northbound on Bertha Blvd. just before 8 a.m. Tuesday morning. As Poor turned left onto Beaverton-Hillsdale, she struck Jessie Belter, 28, who was eastbound on Bertha and riding in a bike lane. The report also said that Belter is pregnant.

An emergency crew responded to the scene and found that Belter had sustained a broken right leg in the collision. She was transported to OHSU Hospital for treatment. Poor remained at the scene and was cooperative with police in their investigations.

Poor was cited for failure to obey a traffic device. Police say she had initially stopped for a stop sign but then failed to yield to Belter.

We would like to wish Jessie Belter a full and speedy recovery from her injuries after this frightening accident.

We hope this accident serves as a reminder to drivers to be careful around Oregon bicyclists.

When a bicyclist gets hit by car, the biker always loses – no matter who was at fault – because cars are so much heavier. As Portland bicycle accident attorneys, we understand the dangers and the consequences of getting hit by car.

In bicycle accident cases, injuries are often very severe. Even if you were wearing a helmet, make sure you are tested for traumatic brain injury – sometimes these are not immediately apparent until tests have been performed. Seek immediate medical treatment.

What You NEED to Know:

• If you have been hit by a car, you can file a claim with the auto insurance company of the person who hit you.
• The at-fault driver’s insurance should cover all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and even damage to your bicycle.
• Your own Personal Injury Protection (through your own auto insurance) still applies in this type of case, so use your PIP to pay bills until you settle your claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance.
• You have two years (in most cases) to file a claim.
• But in some cases, like if the driver works for the city, state, or county, you could have deadlines as soon as 180 days.
• You should not sign a release with the other insurance company until you are sure you know the extent of your injuries and damages.
• The insurance adjuster is not your friend. His job is to save his company money by paying you as little as possible.
• In most cases, it is a good idea to hire a bicycle accident attorney to protect your rights because insurance company adjusters can be tricky.

If you have more questions about the personal injury process, what to do after being hit by car, or want to speak to an attorney, call 503-222-4411 or visit www.pdxinjurylaw.com

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