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Negligent drivers can be the cause of a bicycle accident

On Behalf of | Jul 18, 2019 | Bike Accidents |

Motorists in Portland and other cities across the nation share the road with various types of vehicles. In addition to motor vehicles, drivers also share the road with pedestrians and cyclists. During the warmer months, more residents and visitors travel by bike. While this is an excellent way to get around and to enjoy the outdoors, this can also present some risks. When a motorist is not attentive or is negligent, a collision with a cyclist could occur, resulting in serious injuries and even death.

When bicycle accidents occur, it is likely due to the negligence of a motorist. The negligence in question could be distractions, such as texting, speeding, being under the influence of alcohol or even falling asleep behind the wheel. A driver has the duty to exercise ordinary care, and when drivers fail to do so and cause accidents, then they could be held accountable for a bicycle accident.

An injured cyclist may have the right to file a personal injury action following an accident with a motorist. There are typically two questions to consider in these actions. The first is whether the negligence or recklessness of the motorist caused the accident that harmed the cyclist. The second is whether any negligence of the cyclist caused or contributed to the accident.

If a driver was negligent, this could look like speeding, running a stop sign or signal, drifting into a bike lane or drunk driving. On the other hand, the negligence of a cyclist could look like riding the wrong way on a one-way street, running a stop sign and even turning abruptly into traffic.

The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be gruesome. A cyclist could suffer severe injuries. It is important that injured cyclists understand what rights and options they have to potentially offset the financial damages caused by the crash.

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