A 27-year-old man from Wenatchee, Washington, was struck by not one but two pickup trucks yesterday afternoon while riding his bicycle. The man survived the auto collision, but he may have suffered a broken pelvis, according to a news report.
Here in Seattle, and throughout Washington state, thousands of residents use bicycles for their commutes. Unfortunately, the popularity of this means that we also hear about these horrible accidents much more often than anyone would like. While negligent drivers have numerous protections built into their cars, bicyclists have nothing but helmets. It seems quite amazing that this young man, hit by two motor vehicles, was not critically injured.
Nonetheless, a pelvis injury is generally quite traumatic physically. And the accident will likely take an emotional and financial toll as well.
According to a news report, the man was struck by the pickup trucks after he rode out of a Shopko parking lot onto the street. He was first struck by a westbound pickup and then an eastbound one. An early news report says that the drivers were not at fault, but it seems much too early for a police investigation to have confirmed this.
Bicyclists who are injured in motor vehicle accidents often work with personal injury attorneys in order to learn whether negligence played a role in their injuries. This can be on the part of the driver as well as the city for poorly maintaining roads or traffic signals. It could even be the fault of the bike or vehicle manufacturer. If another party is negligent, it is important to hold them accountable. Personal injury claims can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering related to the bike accident.
Source: Wenatcheeworld.com, “Bicyclist injured in crash with pickups,” Dee Riggs, May 11, 2012