Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Portland, OR

Distracted or inattentive driving

Distracted or inattentive driving often leads to drivers drifting into bike lanes, missing cyclists in crosswalks, or rear-ending riders at intersections. Even a momentary glance at a phone or in-vehicle screen can cause a driver to overlook a cyclist’s smaller profile and slower speed, resulting in crashes that would have been avoidable with full attention on the road.

Failing to yield

Drivers failing to yield at intersections or when turning, including right-hook and left-turn collisions, is a leading cause of serious bike crashes. These collisions often happen when a driver turns across a cyclist’s path without checking mirrors or blind spots, or when they misjudge the rider’s speed and distance, leaving the cyclist no time or space to avoid impact.

Reckless driving

Speeding and aggressive driving around cyclists increase both the likelihood and severity of crashes. When drivers follow too closely, pass too fast, or ignore safe passing distances, even a minor mistake can turn into a high-impact collision that throws a cyclist from their bike and causes serious injuries.

Impaired driving

Impaired driving, whether from alcohol, drugs, or certain medications, reduces a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and ability to notice cyclists. Because bikes are smaller and less visible than cars, drunk or drugged drivers are especially likely to misjudge distances, drift into bike lanes, or run red lights and stop signs, putting riders at extreme risk.

“Dooring” incidents

“Dooring” occurs when vehicle occupants open doors into the bike lane or into a cyclist’s path without checking for oncoming riders. Cyclists often have no choice but to collide with the door or swerve abruptly into traffic, which can cause secondary impacts with moving vehicles and lead to severe injuries.

Poor road conditions

Poor road conditions, such as potholes, debris, gravel, or uneven pavement, are particularly dangerous for cyclists because bikes are less stable than cars and have narrower tires. A sudden encounter with a deep hole, loose gravel, or a raised edge can cause a rider to lose control, veer into traffic, or be thrown over the handlebars.

Insufficient cycling infrastructure

Limited or poorly designed bike lanes and inadequate cycling infrastructure force cyclists to share narrow lanes with faster-moving vehicles. When bike lanes end abruptly, are placed in the “door zone,” or lack clear separation from traffic, drivers and cyclists are more likely to make conflicting movements and misjudge each other’s space.

Drivers disobeying traffic signals

Drivers disobeying traffic signals, signs, or other laws can create unpredictable situations that others on the road do not anticipate. Running red lights or stop signs, riding against traffic, or failing to signal turns can all lead to high-speed intersection crashes where neither party has enough time to react.

If you were injured in a cycling accident, you may be qualified for compensation for your medical care, time away from work, and emotional distress resulting from the accident. Call Eder Sturm Eder at (503) 227-4601 for a free consultation about your bicycle crash.