There are more than five hundred bicycle fatalities and 50,000 injuries resulting from a collision between a bicycle and an automobile each year. In fact, the fear of colliding with an automobile is perhaps the single greatest barrier to getting more people riding bicycles. Many people want to ride their bike but just feel like they are extremely vulnerable to injury or death. In truth, a large number of bicycle accidents don’t involve an automobile but are solo accidents which are caused by a defect in the bicycle itself or an unexpected road hazard.
Further, many bicycle victims are children who perhaps have not learned the appropriate safety rules before sharing the road with automobiles. Whether the bicycle accident is a solo accident or there is an automobile involved, there is generally negligence involved. The negligence may be on the part of the driver who was distracted or reckless or on the part of the bicyclist who was taking excessive risks in traffic. Should the driver be deemed to be negligent, the bicyclist has the legal right to be compensated for injuries and damages.
Driver Distraction as a Cause of Bicycle Accidents
Driver distraction is a huge cause of accidents, both in vehicle/vehicle as well as vehicle/bicycle or motorcycle. Drivers today tend to view the inside of their automobile as if it were their office. They will change radio stations, eat and drink, apply makeup, try to read a map, watch the billboards at the side of the road, turn around to discipline the children, chat with passengers, talk on their cell phone, text, and even read a book in traffic. All of these behaviors can lead to an accident with potentially fatal consequences.
Getting Medical Attention
When a bicyclist is hit by an automobile they should always be checked out at the emergency room even if they think they are “okay.” In many cases serious injuries can manifest once the adrenaline rush from the accident wears off. Minor injuries can morph into serious or permanent injuries at a time later on when it is too late to identify the negligent or distracted driver. If you are able, take photographs at the scene and try to identify any potential witnesses. Particularly if the driver who hit you drove off before you could obtain any information from them, your description of the scene may allow the police to find the driver and make them pay for your injuries.
Keeping Meticulous Records
Keep a detailed journal of every single detail you can think of that could be important down the line should a lawsuit be necessary to make the driver pay for your injuries and damages. You will want to carefully record all your physical symptoms and document through photos and notes the damage done to your bike as well. Never communicate with the insurance company prior to speaking with a highly experienced personal injury attorney. While they may sound like they want to help you, it is more likely they are simply gathering information to use against you later to deny your compensation. What you may see as an attempt to be honest could be turned on you later.
Finding an Attorney to Help With Your Bicycle Accident
Your attorney needs to have a thorough understanding of bicycle traffic laws, the prevailing prejudices against cyclists by motorists and how to best negotiate your bicycle accident case with the insurance company. Let your attorney advocate for your rights while you concentrate on healing your injuries.