Individuals who live in suburban areas across the United States are finding bicycles to be a more reliable and affordable form of transportation. Individuals are able to climb on their bikes, strap on their helmets, and go. They do not have to worry about gas prices, getting caught in a traffic jam, or even purchasing auto insurance.
Unfortunately, riding a bicycle does not provide all the comfort and security as one would imagine. No matter how many safety measures are enacted to help bicyclists across the country, they are still vulnerable to reckless and dangerous drivers who share the roadways with them.
In 2016 alone, over 840 bicyclists were killed by automobile drivers on the road. This climbing number equals over 2.2% of all traffic-related deaths for the year. As more individuals are choosing bicycles for transportation, it is crucial that everyone on the road is more careful and courteous of others on the roadway. If you or your child has been injured as a result of a bicycle accident, contact a personal injury attorney at Needaninjuryattorney.com as soon as possible to protect your legal rights to compensation.
Dangers Of Bicycle Accidents
Although bicycles are a proven reliable method of transportation, individuals who ride bicycles are disadvantaged in comparison to individuals in motor vehicles. Bicyclists lack adequate safety equipment to adequately protect them against injuries or death should they be involved in an accident with a motorist. Although bicyclists are able to wear safety vests, padded helmets, and other types of protection, being involved in an accident with a negligent driver can have a very devastating impact on their lives.
Bicyclists who are involved in accidents with cars are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries or death. When it comes to filing a lawsuit to recover compensation for damages in a bicycle accident, the claimant will be required to prove that the driver of the vehicle was at fault. Proving liability in this type of accident is relatively difficult. Injured claimants truly benefit from hiring a personal injury attorney to work on their behalf. An experienced attorney from Needaninjuryattorney.com can help clients by assessing their claims, gathering evidence, conducting investigations of the accident scene, and contacting witnesses in order to put together a thorough and accurate case. Call us to speak with an attorney today.
Laws Protecting Bicyclists Across The Country
Regardless of which state you live in, there are several laws established under the United States Constitution that provide equal rights to bicyclists on the roadway. Some of these laws include:
The Constitutional Right To The Road: By law, bicycles are considered to be a form of non-motorized vehicle. Under the Constitution, individuals riding bicycles are afforded the same legal rights and privileges as those riding horses and carriages. These individuals are able to share the roadway with automobiles and shall be respected in the same manner.
The Right To The Road: Certain states classify bicycles as a type of carriage. Similarly to the Constitutional Rights provided to them, some state maintains certain laws that state bicyclists must be provided the same rights and restrictions as other carriage drivers sharing the same roadway.
The Statutory Right To The Road: Every state across the country maintains bicycle laws. These laws typically provide bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as individuals in automobiles who share the same roadways. These laws are applicable to areas where bicyclists are not strictly prohibited.
Given the vast amount of laws across the country aimed to protect bicyclists, it is important that automobile drivers recognize them and observe them on the roadways. Motor vehicle drivers need to remain observant, cautious and alert around bicyclists, so they do not become involved in accidents.
There are certain instances where bicyclists can be found partially at fault of their accidents. Most states continue to afford bicyclists the ability to collect compensation for their injuries so long as they do not hold majority responsibility. This requires claimants to meet a steep burden of proof in order to file a successful lawsuit. If a bicyclist is injured in a bicycle accident, it is important that they contact a personal injury attorney right away to protect their legal rights. The attorneys at Needaninjuryattorney.com are standing by waiting to take your call.
Bicycle Accidents Can Happen At Anytime
Although you may set out with a destination, there is no guarantee that you will make it there as scheduled. Unfortunately, there are several factors that can contribute to a bicycle accident. Some of the most common ways bicyclists become involved in accidents are:
- Uncovered potholes in the streets
- Broken or cracked sidewalks or bicycle lanes
- Fixed objects in the roadway
- Speeding bicyclists that lose control of their bicycles
- Stray animals darting out in front of bicycles
- Unclear designation of bicycle lanes on the roadways
- Faded bicycle lanes
The majority of bicycle accidents happen at busy intersections. Most often, these accidents occur when drivers turn out in front of bicyclists without paying attention. There are several instances when a bicycle accident can involve a motor vehicle. Some of the most common reasons for this type of bicycle accident include:
- Drunk drivers
- Drivers under the influence of drugs
- Distracted drivers behind the wheel
- Drivers who are going above the posted speed limit
- Car accidents involving multiple cars
In rare cases, drivers can suffer health complications while they are behind the wheel. Individuals who suffer heart attacks, seizures, or those who faint while driving can collide with bicyclists on the roadway. Although this is a very unfortunate situation, the drivers are not legally excused for the damages they caused.
Bicycles are designed to be seen in all conditions. Numerous bicycles have reflectors, head and tail lights, and drivers even wear helmets and vests with reflectors to help drivers notice them on the road. Unfortunately, heavy traffic and traveling at night can make it difficult for drivers to see them regardless of how much equipment they have on.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bike accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another person, you need the assistance of a qualified and skilled bike accident attorney at Needaninjuryattorney.com to help ensure that your rights are protected at all times
What Types Of Bicycle Accidents Happen In The United States
Across the United States, car-involved bicycle accidents can take several forms. We commonly encounter bicyclists who are injured by parked car operators who suddenly open their doors. Drivers or their passengers open the doors of the car directly into the bicycle lane, causes the bicyclist to strike the door and risk being ejected.
In other instances, bicycle accidents occur when motor vehicle drivers turn from their lanes at intersections. These accidents occur when drivers turn either left across the roadway or right at the corner. These individuals often turn around corners without looking for bicyclists. As a result, they either strike the oncoming bicycle, causing the bicycle to crash into the car, or the bicyclist will swerve to avoid hitting the car and crash into something else.
Although not as common, bicyclists can also become victims to rear-end accidents. When drivers become distracted behind the wheel, they often miss seeing the bicyclists ahead. This causes the motor vehicle to crash into the rear-end of the bicyclist and can throw them to the ground. Depending on the size of the vehicle, the point of impact can occur at the bicycle tire, or the vehicle can crash directly into the bicyclist.
If you or your loved one is injured in a bicycle accident that was not your fault, it is crucial to receive immediate medical attention as soon as possible. Then, seek the legal guidance of a reputable lawyer from Needaninjuryattorney.com who can answer all of your questions and make sure that your rights are not violated. Individuals should receive a full medical exam, regardless of whether they feel any pain immediately after the accident. It is imperative for injured victims to get adequate and timely medical attention before they concern themselves with the legal process. Call the law offices of Needaninjuryattorney.com today to discuss your accident.
Injuries Often Seen Among Bicyclists Involved In Accidents
Bicyclists who are involved in automobile accidents can suffer debilitating injuries. Bicyclists are generally exposed to the elements. They are not encased like drivers of motor vehicles. For this reason, they are at an increased risk of suffering injuries even in low-impact collisions. Some of the most common injuries bicyclists suffer from include:
Broken bones: In many bicycle accident cases, bicyclists sustain broken arms, legs, and fingers. These can be small fractures, or they can be as severe as full bone breaks. Recovering from a broken bone can take several weeks to months, depending on which bone is broken and the severity of the injury.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: Unfortunately, not every state across the country has established helmet laws. For this reason, we see a large number of bicyclists suffering from TBIs in car accidents. This body part is particularly vulnerable to sudden force.
Spinal Cord Injuries: This type of injury can have a devastating impact on a bicyclist’s life. A spinal cord injury can result in temporary or permanent paralysis, which often has life-changing consequences.
Severed Limbs: Bicyclists who are trapped between vehicles and other objects can lose their arms and legs due to the impact at the time of the collision. Losing an arm or leg can be life-altering, especially if the bicyclist is an athletic rider.
Bruises, Scrapes, and Scarring: Even the most minor bicycle accident can leave its mark on an injury victim. Bruises, scrapes, and scarring are extremely common injuries sustained by bicyclists during accidents. These can be quite minor in nature, or they can painfully spread across their entire bodies.
Each accident has a very different effect on the bicyclist. Cases where bicyclists are ejected from their bicycles often result in some of the most severe injuries. Suffering from injuries can force bicyclists out of work and require extensive medical treatment to care for. The United States judicial system provides a process for injured bicyclists to recover compensation for damages sustained in a bicycle accident.
Recoverable Damages For Injured Bicyclists
If a person is injured in a bicycle accident, they may be entitled to recover compensation for damages sustained. Damages can be awarded to victims to cover the economic impact of their accidents. Some of the most common awards cover:
- The costs for medical care related to the accident
- Any prolonged therapies or surgeries needed to address injuries or conditions
- Lost wages
- Lost earnings for bicyclists permanently disabled by the accident
- Pain and suffering to cover the physical and emotional pain of victims
- Loss of enjoyment for individuals who are no longer able to engage in activities due to their injuries
- Loss of companionship for spouses impacted by the bicyclist’s injuries
- Mental anguish
- Costs of the bicycle and damaged property
- All other costs associated with the accident and injuries sustained
Under certain circumstances, judges are able to award punitive damages to injured parties. This type of award is usually given to victims who suffer as a result of gross negligence. Punitive damages are assessed against negligent parties as a form of punishment. In order to collect the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to, it crucial that you hire an experienced and aggressive personal injury attorney to work on your case. Call the lawyers at Needaninjuryattorney.com today to schedule a free consultation.
Protect Your Rights With An Aggressive Personal Injury Attorney
Individuals involved in bicycle accidents may not always know how to handle the legal aspects of what happened to them. For this reason, it is imperative to hire an aggressive personal injury attorney from Needaninjuryattorney.com to handle your claim.
Bicyclists should not have to worry about contacting insurance companies, dealing with witnesses or drivers, or fight for their rights to compensation. Working with an attorney allows victims to focus entirely on their recovery without having to worry.
Our personal injury attorneys at Needaninjuryattorney.com will help clients by filing their claims, gathering evidence, deal with insurance companies, collecting witness statements, and hiring experts to re-create the scene of the accident. Our experienced attorneys will effectively negotiate a fair and full amount of compensation necessary to cover all of the injuries and damages from the bicycle accident.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident that was caused by the negligence of another person or company, it is crucial for you to hire a personal injury attorney at Needaninjuryattorney.com as soon as possible to protect your legal rights to obtain the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.