Collisions between bicycles and cars, trucks, or Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) frequently result in catastrophic or fatal injuries to the bicyclists involved. These types of collisions typically have a devastating impact on the involved cyclists because they lack the steel frame protection provided to occupants of enclosed motor vehicles.
The body of an enclosed motor vehicle serves as a shield for that vehicle’s occupants and it protects them from direct contact with the road or solid structures during a collision. Unlike drivers of motorized passenger vehicles, however, bicyclists are not afforded the same insulation at the moment of impact.
Hundreds of Oregonian bicyclists are injured every year in motor vehicle traffic crashes. This is especially true in urban areas like Portland, where bicycling is practically a lifestyle and where we see the highest incidence of bicycle-car accidents in Oregon. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, in 2011 there were a total of 928 motor vehicle traffic crashes that involved bicyclists who were injured. 15 of those accidents resulted in cyclist death. The most common errors made by these cyclists were failure to yield right-of-way to drivers, disregarded traffic signals, and riding on the wrong side of the road. The price-tag for these errors and for motor vehicle drivers’ reckless or negligent driving is very high.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries and losses. The caring and experienced bicycle accident attorneys at Dwyer Williams Cherkoss Personal Injury Attorneys, PC will evaluate the circumstances and facts of your bicycle accident to determine whether or not you are entitled to compensation . Call us today at 541-617-0555 for a free consultation in which we can discuss the facts of your bicycle accident injury claim.