While bicycle trips account for only 1% of all trips made in the United States, cyclists face a considerably higher risk of injury or death due to a crash than do occupants of motor vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, bicycle crashes accounted for 2.2 percent of all traffic deaths in 2016. In Oregon, the percentage of bicycle fatalities is the third highest in the nation, at 4.5% of all traffic-related fatalities.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Oregon through no fault of your own, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Bicycle Accident Liability
In bicycle accident cases, liability depends on the unique circumstances of each accident. In many cases, the fault rests with a negligent driver. In those cases, an injured cyclist is generally able to seek compensation from the driver’s auto insurance company. However, bicycle accident cases and the issues they present can often be quite complex. The insurance coverage and liability in bicycle accident cases frequently involve multiple parties and insurance companies. The process can be overwhelming to any person who finds themselves injured through no fault of their own while riding a bicycle.
To seek full and fair compensation for your injuries, you need the help of an experienced Oregon bicycle accident attorney. Call us today for a free evaluation of your Oregon bicycle injury claim.
Common Cause of Oregon Bicycle Accidents
The most common cause of crashes between bicycles and motor vehicles is some form of driver negligence. Some of the most common causes of bicycle crashes and common bicycle accident scenarios include the following:
- Drunk driving and/or driving under the influence of a controlled substance
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or driving too fast for the conditions
- Dangerous right turn into the path of the cyclist or into the cyclist (“Right Hook”)
- Failure to yield right of way to bicyclist
- Failure to observe bike lane(s)
- Failure to check blind spot when changing lanes or turning
- Failure to give turn signal(s)
- Following bicycle too closely and/or rear-ending cyclist
- Unsafe passing of bicycle or another car
- Dangerous left-hand turn into path of oncoming bicyclist (“Left Cross”)
- Opening car door into the path of a bicyclist (“Door Prize”)
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action before you will lose your ability to seek compensation for your injuries.
Please call the Law Office of J. Clay McCaslin at 503-239-1910 or email us today to schedule your free initial consultation.