One fear most cyclists have is being struck by a vehicle As more people have started taking up biking across the country, more accidents involving cars and bikes have been happening. According to a survey conducted by AAA, the number one fear most cyclists have is being struck by a vehicle. The concern is valid considering that 2016 marked the highest number of cyclist deaths in 15 years.
Bicyclists around the country feel that they should be safe on the roadways, and AAA has urged motorists to be mindful of bikes on the road. When cyclists are involved in collisions with cars, they often suffer severe injuries and in far too many cases, die from their injuries.
People who have suffered injuries as the result of being hit by a motor vehicle while cycling often feel that drivers of motor vehicles do not take the necessary precautions when driving around bicycles. Many of these tragic bicycle accidents could have been prevented if drivers exercised reasonable caution. At Parker Waichman LLP, we believe the roads should be safe for cyclists, and we serve as powerful advocates for our clients who have been injured by negligent drivers. Many of our clients have found the ability to move on from their accidents has been aided by holding the responsible party accountable for their actions, and by acquiring compensation for the harm done to them, which can help them pay for medical expenses, lost wages and other hardships that stem from their injuries.
Bicycles on the Road Are More Common, and Drivers Are More Careless
Between 1990 and 2013, the percent of Americans commuting to work by bike has increased by 62%. In some bike-friendly cities, the number is much higher, with cities like Washington D.C. experiencing a 498% increase, and Portland’s bike commuter percentage rising by 408%. Cities are where the majority of cyclist fatalities occur. About 70% of deaths involving a motor vehicle and a bike occur in urban environments.
With so many cyclists on the road, the chances of an accident inevitably increase. But the problem is exacerbated by the fact that distracted driving is also on the rise. Distracted driving is one of the significant concerns cyclists have because many drivers now take their attention away from the road to look at mobile devices.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety points out the importance of wearing a helmet when cycling. Head injuries cause the most significant number of cycling deaths and wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injuries by an estimated 50%.
Cyclists are Not Causing Most Accidents
The Florida Department of Transportation carried out a study on bicycle accidents and found that cyclists were not typically the problem. Most accidents were the cause of drivers and poorly designed streets. No matter who is at fault, the cyclist is likely the one to suffer. When a negligent driver injures a person on a bicycle, that driver can be held liable for the harm that they caused.
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit against a negligent driver can result in the injured person recovering much-needed compensation, and in the driver having to face the consequences of their actions. By holding people accountable for their actions, more drivers are urged to be responsible and make the roads safer for cyclists.
Parker Waichman LLP has decades worth of experience representing personal injury plaintiffs. We have recovered settlements and verdicts totaling in the billions of dollars for our clients.
Statutes of limitations limit your time to file
Personal injury claims must be submitted before a certain amount of time has passed. The amount of time permissible to file your lawsuit varies by state. It is critical that you speak with a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to avoid forfeiting your right to file a wrongful death claim.
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If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact Parker Waichman LLP today at 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
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