Ford Explorer struck bicyclist at Pacific Boulevard intersection
April 24, 2026 | Ocean Shores, WA
A 23-year-old Ocean Shores resident was hospitalized following a collision between her bicycle and a marked police vehicle at a busy intersection in the coastal city.
Danika R. Bills, 23, was injured after a bicycle crash involving a Ford Explorer at Ensign Avenue NW and Pacific Boulevard NW in Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County.
What Happened in the Ocean Shores Bicycle Crash?
The incident unfolded around 2 p.m. on a Friday when Danika R. Bills was cycling southbound on Ensign Avenue NW. As she entered the intersection with Pacific Boulevard Northwest, she was struck by a 2020 Ford Explorer driven eastbound by a police officer.
- Victim: Danika R. Bills, 23, of Ocean Shores
- Vehicle Involved: Fully marked police Ford Explorer
- Location: Ensign Avenue Northwest and Pacific Boulevard Northwest, Ocean Shores, Washington
- Time: Approximately 2 p.m.
- Injuries: Bills sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment
- Other Parties: The police driver reported no injuries
- Agency: Washington State Patrol is leading the ongoing investigation
Authorities have not yet released a determination on fault, but the investigation continues to examine factors such as visibility, speed, and right-of-way.
Why Do Bicycle Accidents Like This Occur?
Bicycle crashes often stem from a mix of road conditions, driver behavior, and cyclist vulnerability. Unlike motorists protected by vehicle structures, riders face heightened risks on open roads.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bicyclist fatalities rose sharply in recent years. The following table summarizes key statistics:
Year |
Bicyclist Fatalities |
Change from Previous Year |
|---|
2021 |
976 |
Not Available |
2022 |
1,105 |
+13% |
Source: NHTSA
These figures underscore the growing dangers for cyclists, with urban intersections posing particular hazards due to traffic volume and turning maneuvers.
Legal Insights on Bicycle Crash Investigations and Claims
In cases such as this, thorough analysis is essential to uncover contributing elements and support affected parties.
“Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road, and many factors can contribute to serious crashes,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, who handles bicycle accident matters. “It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process.”
Bond emphasized the urgency of independent investigations to secure evidence promptly.
- Preserve evidence quickly to build a strong case
- Review insurance options early in the process
- Engage professionals for witness interviews and professional analysis
- Navigate claims to avoid undervalued settlements
“Pending the investigation results, victims may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “The stress and worry following a serious injury could be overwhelming, disrupting all aspects of life, including family, work, finances, and overall quality of life. It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a client. Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).