Most bicycle accidents happen when a motorist hits a cyclist. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries if involved in a traffic crash. If you were a cyclist in a traffic crash, contact an attorney to discuss your right to compensation.
Do not delay. Contact a bicycle accident lawyer and get started down the road toward financial compensation.
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How Common Are Bicycle Accidents?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bicyclists make up only one percent of all traffic accidents annually. However, despite the small number of cyclists on the road, bicycle crashes make up around two percent of all crashes nationwide. The CDC has published more statistics about bicycle accidents, including the following:
- More than 130,000 cyclists are injured in traffic crashes across the country annually
- Around 1,000 cyclists die every year in a crash nationwide
- Bicycle accidents cost the national economy more than $23 billion to cover the cost of injuries and deaths every year
Common Bike Accident Scenarios
There are some common bike accident scenarios, including the following:
Speeding and Recklessness
Operating a vehicle too fast or recklessly can cause a serious accident. Speeding or driving recklessly increases the chance of causing a serious accident, especially with a cyclist.
Inattentiveness
Motorists should always remain focused on driving to avoid accidents with cyclists. Distracted driving, whether from mobile devices or other distractions, significantly increases the risk of accidents.
Poor Visibility
Accidents are more likely in low-light conditions, such as at dawn or dusk, when drivers might not see cyclists.
Road Hazards
Poorly maintained roads can easily cause a bicycle accident. Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces can all lead to a driver losing control of their vehicle or a cyclist being unable to react to the hazard in enough time to avoid the accident. Suing a government entity, as you might need to in this instance, can be difficult. Contact a bicycle accident attorney if you believe that you have a claim against the government.
Right Hook
A right hook collision happens when a cyclist is overtaken by a vehicle that then turns right in front of them, cutting them off. A motorist’s failure to yield the right of way or follow other traffic laws might cause a right hook collision.
Left Cross
A left cross crash happens when a car turns left across the path of an oncoming cyclist, often failing to see them. It can result in any number of serious injuries, as described below.
Dooring
A dooring accident happens when a driver or passenger opens their door into the path of a cyclist, which leads to a collision.
Intersection Collisions
Many accidents happen when cyclists are struck by cars while navigating intersections; for example, when a vehicle turns left or right in front of an oncoming cyclist or when a driver runs a red light.
You need an attorney if you have suffered an injury in any of the above types of bicycle accident scenarios. A lawyer can explain your rights after an accident and get you access to full and fair financial compensation.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Every accident is unique and will bring its own set of challenges with it. Some injuries are more common in bicycle accidents. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to the following types of injuries:
Road Rash
Because cyclists do not have the benefit of covering like motor vehicles, road rash is a common injury in cyclist crashes. Road rash includes abrasions from sliding on the pavement, which can occur when a cyclist falls, leading to painful injuries.
Fractures
Fractures are common after bicycle accidents. Broken bones, particularly in the wrists, arms, collarbones, and legs, are common due to falls or collisions.
Head Injuries
A cyclist can easily suffer a head injury after an accident. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are serious risks in bike accidents.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries might seem less serious than other types of injuries, but they can significantly impact an individual’s life. Sprains, strains, and bruises can happen from the impact of the crash.
Back and Spinal Injuries
Injuries to the back, including herniated discs, can occur in severe accidents. Bicycle accident victims might be at a higher risk of serious back and spinal cord injuries than motorists who cause a traffic crash.
Knee Injuries
Damage to ligaments and cartilage can happen during impacts or falls.
Facial Injuries
Injuries to the face, including cuts, fractures, and dental injuries, can occur, especially without proper protective gear.
Despite the type or extent of your injuries, you deserve to be compensated. Contact a bicycle accident lawyer to learn more about what you might be entitled to recover after a bicycle traffic accident.
How Can a Bicycle Accident Attorney Help Me?
Having a bicycle accident attorney working for you means you can rely on their knowledge to benefit your case. Here are some of the most practical ways that an experienced attorney can benefit you after a bicycle accident case:
Settlement Negotiations
Settlement negotiations are an important part of your bicycle accident claim. Fighting a large insurance company alone can be scary. Fortunately, an attorney will seek what you deserve from the insurance company. Using their knowledge and skill, an attorney can fight for the best possible outcome for your case.
Litigation Support
Cases sometimes do not get settled in the negotiation phase. If you cannot reach a satisfactory settlement with the insurance company, your lawyer might file a lawsuit in court. Your attorney will support you throughout the litigation process.
Legal Advice
During your case, you will undoubtedly have many questions. Having an attorney means you have access to a reliable source for legal advice.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, contact a lawyer now. You deserve the support of a qualified personal injury lawyer after an accident. Get started down your road to financial recovery after getting into a bicycle accident. Case evaluations are free with no obligation, so consult a local bike accident attorney.