Portland Cyclist Wins $1.5M Lawsuit Against TriMet After Ebike Collision

A Portland e-bike rider has been awarded more than $1.5 million by a Multnomah County jury following a collision with a TriMet driver three years ago.

Ken Flippen was riding his new e-bike in Southeast Portland’s Brooklyn neighborhood in September 2021 when a TriMet SUV struck him while he was in a crosswalk at the intersection of Southeast 17th Avenue and Lafayette Street. Flippen recounted the incident to KGW, saying, “I saw that TriMet had stopped, so I proceeded to go. The driver apparently didn’t check my direction and ran me over. I screamed, ‘Stop, you’re going to kill me,’ and he stopped just in time. However, my leg got caught on the bumper, causing severe injury.”

The crash resulted in a serious, flesh-eating bacterial infection for Flippen. He described the ongoing pain and medical challenges, noting, “I endure pain every day and have undergone multiple surgeries. My leg still carries risks, and the skin grafts are just temporary covers. I wear a large compression sock, and any further damage could mean additional surgeries.”

Flippen pursued legal action against TriMet, alleging negligence on the part of the driver, who failed to stop, pay attention, or maintain control of the vehicle. TriMet’s defense argued that Flippen was partially to blame for riding on the sidewalk and against traffic. Despite these claims, Flippen’s attorney, Greg Kafoury, refuted these accusations, stating that initial court documents inaccurately depicted the incident. “We proved that the diagrams provided by TriMet were misleading,” Kafoury explained. “If people believed the initial paperwork, they would have thought it was Flippen’s fault, which it wasn’t.”

Critical evidence came from Flippen’s GoPro footage, which showed the accident occurring in an intersection where drivers are required to yield. The video revealed that the TriMet vehicle stopped momentarily before accelerating as Flippen began to cross. After a five-day trial, the jury awarded Flippen more than $1.5 million.

KGW contacted TriMet for a statement. A spokesperson responded, “As we continue to evaluate the case and determine our next steps, TriMet is withholding further comment at this time.”

Have thoughts on this landmark case? Share your opinion and join the conversation about cyclist safety and accountability in urban environments. Leave a comment below, or connect with us on social media to discuss how we can work together to prevent similar accidents in the future.

RELATED CONTENT

Kristina Grant

+ posts

Kristina Grant is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.

Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.

When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.

Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.

Portland Cyclist Wins $1.5M Lawsuit Against TriMet After Ebike Collision

Kristina Grant

Mokwheel Slate Folding E-Bike Review

E-bike Boom: Michigan Opens Thousands of Miles of Trails

Salt Lake City Revs Up E-Bike Incentive Program to Reduce Traffic and Boost Sustainability

Master Your Ebike Ride with Controller Tuning

Electric Bike Buying Guide

Are Electric Bikes Allowed In Cades Cove?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Kristina Grant

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply Cancel reply