Cyclists Struck from Behind by Passing Motorists

Posted on behalf of Rizk Law on Aug 25, 2014 in Auto Accident

Within just four days, Oregon State Police reported three bicycle-involved traffic crashes, two serious and one fatal. In all three accidents, the cyclists were struck from behind.

On August 12, 2014, at approximately 4:44 p.m., a bicyclist was riding westbound along the paved shoulder of Highway 126 near milepost 9 when he was struck from behind by the right front quarter panel and side mirror of a west bound 2003 GMC Sierra pickup. The cyclist was ejected from his bicycle and seriously injured.

Only a few minutes later on August 12, 2014 at approximately 5:00 p.m., a bicyclist was traveling along the paved northbound shoulder of Highway 47 near milepost 41. A 1999 Chevrolet van was traveling northbound when the driver reportedly fell asleep and struck the bicycle from behind. The cyclist was ejected from the bike and pronounced deceased at the scene.

Four days later on August 16, 2014 at approximately 9:45 a.m., a bicyclist was the last of five cyclists riding near the fog line on Rogue River Highway near milepost 8 when her bicycle was struck from behind by a Chevrolet pickup. The cyclist was ejected from the bicycle and received non-life threatening injuries. The driver, who told the investigating trooper that oncoming traffic prevented him from moving to the left as he was approaching the bicyclist, was cited for Careless Driving.

To avoid collisions Oregon State Police urges drivers to:

  • Stay alert to conditions around you as you drive.
  • Signal your intentions to others and anticipate what other road users may do.
  • Turn off cell phones.
  • Allow enough room when passing bicyclists, as you would when passing another vehicle. A single lane does not allow enough room for both a bicycle and your vehicle. Give extra room around children on bicycles because they can be unpredictable.
  • Stop and give assistance if you strike a bicyclist and call 911 as necessary Driving away from the crash constitutes a hit-and-run which is a serious crime in all States.

If you are hit and injured by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle, you may be eligible to file a damages lawsuit. To find out if you have a case, contact a bicycle accident lawyer in Portland from Rizk Law today for your free consultation. There are no upfront fees if we take on your case.

Rizk Law – Ph: 503.245.5677.