Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle Accident Statistics

Bicycle accident, injury and death statistics are collected and reported by government and health agencies. A few important statistics, according to their respective agencies, include:
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – In the United States in 2015, there were approximately 467,000 injuries related to bicycles and approximately 1,000 bicyclists’ deaths.
  • National Safety Council – In 2018, there were 1,024 bicyclists’ deaths in the United States. Of the 1,024 deaths, 682 were from involvement in motor-vehicle accidents and 342 from other bicycle incidents.
  • United States Department of Transportation Fatality Analysis Reporting System – More male bicyclists, than female bicyclists, have been killed in motor-vehicle accidents every year since 1975.

Risks of Bicycle Riding 

Bicycles traveling on roadways by law have the same responsibilities and rights and face the same risks as motor vehicles. The most common risks of riding a bicycle that involve hiring a bicycle accident lawyer include:

  • Motor-vehicle traffic
  • Road hazards
  • Visibility 

What Are Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

The following common causes of bicycle accidents can increase the probability of accidents involving a motor-vehicle driver and a bicyclist. 

  • Location familiarity: Riding in unfamiliar areas increases the probability that the rider will not be prepared to adjust for traffic signals, crosswalks, and road hazards that they may encounter increasing the potential for loss of control, which can lead to a bicycle crash with a motor vehicle.
  • Light condition: Lack of light, early morning and night, can cause visibility issues, and a driver might not see the bicyclist, which can lead to a bike crash.
  • Speed: Speeding decreases the time a driver has to avoid a bicyclist.
  • Distraction: Drivers failing to be 100% focused on the road and the surrounding traffic while texting, talking, eating, searching for items or other actions will have little to no awareness of bicyclists on the roadway, and can even swerve into a bike lane accidentally. 
  • Intoxication: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescription medication impair normal function, reaction time, and vehicle control. 
What Are Some Bicycle Accident Injuries?
  • Abrasions
  • Bruises
  • Dislocations
  • Embedded debris
  • Eye trauma
  • Fractures
  • Internal bleeding
  • Lacerations
  • Mild and traumatic brain injuries
  • Rectal trauma
  • Strains
  • Deaths

Bicycle Accident Lawsuits

Some states have Vulnerable Road User (VRU) laws that legally protect non-steel-cage-vehicle road users. The VRU imposes an increased penalty for road negligence that leads to severe injury. Only Washington, Hawaii, Delaware, Oregon and Vermont have VRU laws. However, the District of Columbia and 17 other states enforce aspects and penalties associated with VRU.

Bicycle accident cases can be complex in liabilities, laws and damages. If you need help navigating a bicycle accident lawsuit, contact The Law Center and let us connect you with an established bicycle accident lawyer near you.

What Will My Bicycle Accident Lawyer Need to Prove in My Bicycle Injury Claim? 

In order to prove a bicycle injury claim, the plaintiff will need to prove that negligence was involved by the motorist or other external factors. Negligence requires that the defendant, at-fault driver, neglected to provide a duty of care to the plaintiff (bicyclist) and the breach of that duty of care caused the harm claimed by the plaintiff.

Types of Bicycle Lawsuit Damages 

Compensatory damages potentially available for recovery in bicycle accident lawsuits include:
  • Medical treatment bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage

In certain circumstances punitive damages, to punish the defendant for egregious disregard for the plaintiff, may also be awarded to accident victims in a bicycle lawsuit.

Wrongful Death Bicycle Accidents 

Wrongful death occurs when a death is the result of negligence, abuse or carelessness. Negligent acts or behaviors that could result in wrongful death can include careless driving, speeding, texting, driving intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, intentional attacks of violence or death as a result of the course of another crime.

Bicycle Accident Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for bicycle accidents vary from state to state. To learn more about the negligence in your accident and its specific statute of limitations, connect with an expert bicycle accident lawyer who is knowledgeable in bicycle law in your state at 866-465-1419 or fill out the case form below.

Get Legal Help After a Bicycle Accident

Finding a Leading Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Finding an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can be highly difficult. Save the time and effort by contacting The Law Center and its network of leading national bicycle accident lawyers and firms. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Consult with the best bicycle accident lawyer near you and understand your legal rights. Complete the form or call 866-465-1419 to get connected today.

The Law Center Can Help

The Law Center is just that, a center of accomplished legal representation from across the nation. The network of The Law Center partners are made up of firms and lawyers who are passionate about representing injured clients and are experts in a variety of practice areas including personal injury, wrongful death, toxic exposure, and more. The Law Center also provides access to leading medical resources for the injured and ill. Join the thousands that have been served and that have recovered millions for injuries, illnesses, and deaths caused by the negligence of others.

Sources

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