For all commuters—motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians sharing the road is essential to avoid bicycle accidents with injuries and deaths. Unfortunately, the openness and lack of protection for bicyclists and general ignorance of bicycle safety precautions on the part of motorists and cyclists alike, make this mode of transportation potentially more dangerous than it needs to be. When cyclists and motorists collide, especially at high speeds, the consequences can be dire.

An increase of motor vehicles on the road and a decrease in awareness of cyclists has contributed to the tripling of deaths among adult cyclists since 1975, according to the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Cyclists are significantly less protected than motorists and, therefore, more vulnerable to serious injury when involved in a crash.

As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states, “when a crash occurs between a vehicle and a bike, it’s the cyclist who is most likely to be injured.”

Types of Bicycle-Related Crashes

Cyclists experience two main types of crashes: falls and collisions with motor vehicles. While falls are the most common kind of bicycle crash, motor vehicle collisions are the most serious.* The data points to the proximity between cyclists and automobiles in urban versus rural areas. 78% of fatal bicycle accidents occur most commonly in urban areas, where a cyclist is more likely to come into contact with an automobile. Bicycle fatalities in rural areas, where there might be fewer cars on the road, are less common (22%). Ultimately, the more that bikes and cars come into contact, the more opportunity exists for collisions and, unfortunately, injury.

The Best Way to Avoid Injury is to Avoid Crashes

Cyclists and motorists are both responsible for following the rules of the road, and both remaining careful and alert can help decrease bicycle-automobile collisions.

The NHTSA urges cyclists to cycle predictably when on the road. Cyclists should move in the same direction as traffic, obey street signs, signals, and road markings, and avoid or minimize sidewalk riding. Motorists should always be aware of cyclists on the road, yield to cyclists as they would other motorists, and give cyclists plenty of room on the road by making sure not to pass too closely. Additionally, cyclists should always wear a proper-fitting helmet.

Montlick & Associates Bicycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Bicyclists are prone to serious injury when hit by heavier motor vehicles. Any bicyclist who suffers injuries related to an accident with an automobile should consider discussing the situation with an experienced, knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney. Our attorneys can help you determine if someone else may be at fault for the accident that led to your injuries and, if injured, helps you get the compensation you deserve.

Injuries associated with bicycle accidents can be severe and debilitating, leading to costly medical care, lost income, disability, pain and suffering, and more. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact our bicycle accident lawyers at Montlick & Associates to learn how to best protect your legal rights.

Determining Who is at Fault for Causing a Bicycle Accident

A thorough evaluation of a bicycle accident is necessary to determine what caused or contributed to a given accident. A variety of factors are considered as part of an investigation, including, but not limited to:

  • Whether anyone involved in the accident was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Whether a driver was speeding, failed to yield, ran a red light, or committed other traffic violations.
  • The weather conditions and the time of day of the accident.
  • Whether the motorist who caused the bicycle accident fled the crash scene.

There are many ways in which a bicycle accident can happen. Our bicycle accident attorneys examine the facts and circumstances of each client’s unique case to pursue a maximum financial recovery under the law on their behalf. Unless prevented by serious injury, a bicyclist should always consider filing a police report, seeking a medical evaluation, and taking pictures of the accident. If the person is seriously injured and unable to take these steps, speaking with a knowledgeable attorney or having a close family member do so can help injured individuals understand how to move forward in their case.

Injuries Associated with Bicycle Accidents

Just like any auto accident, a bicycle accident can result in significant and debilitating injuries, such as:

  • Broken, shattered, or fractured bones
  • Cuts, gashes, and open wounds
  • Soft tissue injuries such as torn ligaments, tendons, and muscles
  • Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries that have the potential to result in partial or complete paralysis
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that can lead to permanent damage
  • Internal organ damage
  • Burns
  • Road rash
  • Injuries requiring surgical intervention
  • Death

Consult with Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys!

Serious injuries can result in major consequences, and recovering from a bicycle accident can be a long and arduous process. An injured cyclist might not be able to work, have physical and mental disabilities, experience pain and suffering related to the crash, have mounting medical bills, and not know where to turn for help.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it is important that you contact a bicycle accident injury attorney to protect your rights. Our attorneys understand the immense difficulty of dealing with short and long-term injuries sustained in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence and will fight hard on behalf of each client to maximize the value of their cases.

Montlick & Associates Has Over 39 Years Of Legal Experience

If you have been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Montlick & Associates today for your free consultation. Montlick & Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout the United States for over 39 years.

No matter where you are located, our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED® (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Sources

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety

https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/bicyclists

https://helmets.org/