Date: May 4, 2009
Location: Intersection of NE 21st and NE Columbia
Names: Brandon Dahren
Type: Automobile vs Bicycle – Hit and Run
Outcome: Serious Injuries
Brandon Dahren was the victim of a hit and run accident while riding his bicycle in northeast Portland. He was riding his bike through the intersection of Northeast 21st St and Columbia Boulevard when an SUV slammed into his front wheel. Dahren was placed in intensive care at Legacy Emanuel Hospital with a broken nose and missing teeth after his handlebars spun around and he struck the passenger’s side mirror. He managed to stumble the half-block to his work, where they called for an ambulance.
The worst part of the accident is that the driver of the SUV- a green or teal 90’s Ford Explorer- never stopped or asked if Dahren was alright. Fortunately, Brandon Dahren is expected to make a full recovery. The Portland police are still searching for the driver of the vehicle.
Portland intersections can be a dangerous place for bicyclists despite their heavy volume. There were 700 accidents involving bicycles from 2003-2006, and there were two fatalities in October alone.
Our hearts go out to Mr. Dahren and his family. We can only imagine how awful it is to know that someone caused an injury like this and then did not even have the human decency to stick around and call for help, let alone take responsibility for his actions.
Right now Brandon Dahren’s focus needs to be on healing. We hope that the driver is identified, and made to feel the effects of the law.
Branden Dahren and his family should also know, though, that if the the driver is never found, they still have legal options. The best Portland personal injury attorneys will know how to use Uninsured Motorist Coverage to compensate Mr. Dahren for his injuries.
As of the date we posted this blog, Shulman DuBois LLC does not represent any of the parties. If you are mentioned in this article and believe you may need legal help, please contact us or another reputable law firm. Oregon law firms specializing in personal injury, including us, will provide free and confidential consultations, so do not hesitate to call and ask questions.
