BICYCLE ACCIDENTS - Protect Your Rights With the Help of a Qualified Bicycle Accident Attorney

With more than 85 million bicycle riders in the US, the opportunity for a bike accident is growing. Yet bicycle injury statistics are severely underreported. Police departments routinely fail to document physical or property damage relative to a bicyclist unless the need for medical attention appears imminent. A qualified Bicycle Accident Lawyer understands how harmful these omissions can be to a bicycle rider and can take steps to protect the cyclist’s rights.

Bicycling promotes improved health and helps the environment, but precautions are necessary. On average, 90% of cyclists killed are involved in crashes with motor vehicles, and of the reported events in 2007, about 700 cyclists lost their lives while another 43,000 were significantly injured. Statistically speaking, a bicycle rider has a higher risk of death per mile traveled than does a passenger in an automobile.

There are multiple causes for bicycle injuries. The most common include:

• Falls from the bicycle 
• Collisions with motor vehicles 
• Impact with stationary objects 
• Adverse weather 
• Poorly maintained roads 
• Bicycle equipment failure or faulty helmets 
• Poor operating judgment

The CDC reports that more than 500,000 people seek emergency room treatment for bicycle-related trauma each year. Injuries from bicycle accidents can be severe, such as:

• Head or spinal injuries
• Road burn and lacerations 
• Disfigurement 
• The loss of one or more senses or limbs 
• Bone damage or internal injuries
• The loss of quality of life 
• Death

Most bicycle injuries involve children, however, adults account for nearly 70% of bicycle deaths. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety confirms that most bicyclist-motorist crashes occur no more than a mile from the bicyclist’s home.

Injuries from biking accidents can be latent and not present with symptoms until some time after an accident. Delay in contacting a qualified Bike Accident Attorney could limit or eliminate a bicyclist’s right to pursue a case. Following these guidelines can protect current or future claims.

1. Seek legal advice immediately and follow the attorney’s advice 
2. Do not sign anything without legal representation 
3. Seek immediate medical assistance 
4. Keep records

Compensations that may be available to those injured in bicycle-related accidents include:

• Current and ongoing medical expenses 
• Pain and suffering 
• Loss of income or future earnings 
• Loss of companionship or support 
• Punitive damages for defective bicycles

If you have been injured in a bicycle-involved accident, or a loved one has been lost, use our free evaluation form to learn your rights. We can help you understand all available recourses that may provide compensation for your loss. Complete our evaluation form, and a knowledgeable and experienced attorney will contact you. In bicycle accident cases, timeliness matters. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help initiate the recovery you deserve. 

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