Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Accident Lawyer

In all states, bicycles are considered vehicles on the roadways and their riders have the same responsibilities and rights as drivers of motorized vehicles.  As our roadways see increased bicycle traffic, the likelihood of accidents involving bicycles increases.  

As Americans are beginning to ride bicycles more frequently for exercise, commuting to work or for enjoyment, the number of fatal bicycle accidents has steadily risen.  In fact, in 2019 there were nearly 1,000 bicyclists killed in crashes with motor vehicles.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important that you talk with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer before you talk with the insurance company.

Reasons for the significantly increased fatality rates include:

• Motorized vehicle drivers are not being careful and sharing the road with bicyclists
• There are not enough bicycle lanes in cities to ensure the safety of bicyclists
• New bicyclists are sometimes not as familiar with safe biking practices

Many Serious Bicycle Accidents Happen In Cities

It’s not surprising that when a bicycle and a car collide, it is the bicyclist who will most likely suffer injuries.  Statistics show that bicycle accidents with the most serious injuries tend to happen more frequently in cities.  This is because cities are less able to install bike lanes and have more traffic on their roadways.

Some of the most dangerous cities for bicyclists include Philadelphia, Memphis, and Columbus, OH.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Several common causes of bicycle accidents include:

1.  At-Fault Driver Inattention:  As vehicle drivers become more distracted behind the wheel, they are more likely to collide with bicyclists.  30% of all injuries to bicyclists happen as a result of a driver not paying attention to the roadway and their surroundings.

2.  Failure To Yield:  Some motor vehicle drivers don’t understand that bicyclists have the same rights on the roadways as vehicle drivers.  When a vehicle driver doesn’t understand the rules of the road and when to yield to a bicycle, bicyclists become accident victims.

3.  Dangerous Roads:  Many cities do not have properly maintained bike lanes.  This failure to provide safe riding conditions accounts for around 13% of all bicycle accidents each year.

4.  Rider Inattention: Because bicycle riders have little to protect them, they must use extreme caution to keep themselves safe.  Using headphones or cell phones while riding can lead to distraction and catastrophic injuries.

5.  Riding After Dark:  About 50% of all bicycle accidents happen after dark.  Cyclists put themselves at risk if they don’t wear reflective gear while riding after dark.

Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents

The most serious bicycle injuries happen as a result of collisions with motor vehicles.  Some of the most common diagnoses after bicycle accidents include:

• Head Injuries — skull fracture, concussion, brain contusion, intracranial hemorrhage
• Neck and Back Injuries — cervical strains, lower back pain
• Knee Injuries — Patellofemoral syndrome
• Hip Injuries — Trochanteric bursitis, iliopsoas tendonitis
• Foot/Ankle Injuries:  Metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, paresthesias

Sources:  American Family Physician

What Should You Do If You Were Seriously Injured In A Bicycle Accident?

Make sure you or someone you know gets photos of the accident scene and your vehicle following the collision.  When we handle your accident case, we obtain the accident report, your medical information and interview any witnesses for you.

Your first priority should be your health and recovery. If a family member has been injured, be sure they have your full support and the details of everyday life handled for them. Get the medical treatment you need. Let the doctors treating you know exactly what happened to your body during the accident, including what portions of the body were struck, locations of bruises, areas of soreness, whether you lost consciousness, and problems with vision or memory. You should also be prepared to describe pain, kind of pain you experience, including the location of the pain; whether it’s sharp or dull; whether it involves burning, tingling, or numbness how long it lasts; what kinds of activities seem to aggravate the pain; and, whether medication helps.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Claims adjusters work for insurance companies and must act in the best interest of the insurance company. It’s that simple. They have lawyers to protect their interests, and you need the same protection.  You need an experienced team of bicycle accident lawyers to make sure you receive a full settlement for all of your damages — your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.