Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle Accidents

Road bicycling is getting increasingly popular. As the number of bicyclists rises, so does the number of bicycle-related road accidents in the United States.

While modern cities and infrastructures are designed to follow road safety measures, two-wheelers are typically less protected than others in a collision. Until a universal sense of responsibility and awareness develops in all motorists, bicycling will be a risky for both bicyclists and motorists.

Bicycle Accidents in the United States: Facts & Statistics

  • Though the average number of bicycle-related crashes is decreasing in the United States, the number of fatalities is rising.
  • The number of lethal bicycle accidents and fatal injuries has increased by 30% in the past 10 years.
  • 857 bicyclists died on US roads in 2018, an increase of 6.3 percent and 2.1 percent of all traffic fatalities during the year. This is the highest number since 1990 when it was 855. (It was 1,003 back in 1975).
  • Bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 60% and brain injury by 58%.
  • Approximately over 800 people die each year in a pedalcyclist related traffic crash.According to the figures, bicycle accidents are more common and far deadlier in urban areas.
  • Men are 8 times more likely to die in a bicyclist crash.

What is Statistically Safer, Driving a Car or Riding a Bicycle?

Just like anything else, there are advantages and disadvantages to bicycle commutes. The risks depend upon your environment, road maintenance status, and other motorists.

Statistics show that the number of bicycle-related accidents is steadily on the rise since 2012. Approximately, more than 750 people die in bicycle accidents every year in the United States. Although the number of bicycle accidents is less than motor vehicle accidents, the fatality index demonstrates more risk for bicyclists.

Bicyclists are armed only with helmets for the most part. Meanwhile, motorists typically sustain less-lethal injuries because of seatbelts, heavy bumpers, or airbags. Even if the number of bicycle accidents is much lower than car accidents, each fall or crash can be deadly.

Do You Need A Free Consultation?

Let our experts maximize your case value. Talk to us for a free consultation.

Free Consultation

Bicycle Accidents: What to Do After the Crash

Many bicyclists sustain significant harm after they are struck from a motor vehicle. A medical professional can examine your body carefully for all injuries and ensure you do not make things worse for your body.

The adverse driver may have broken the law. You should contact the police at the scene of the accident so the scene is fresh. The sooner you contact the police, the sooner you can file a report, and the sooner the evidence can be recorded and preserved. Make sure you record your recollection of the accident with as much detail as possible while your memory is still fresh.

Try to get the ID of the motorist, license plate number, and any witnesses. If possible. If you are injured badly, you may ask for help from the police or a witness. You should also take photos of your bicycle damage, injuries, and car.

Filing a police complaint, recording a statement, or filing a compensation claim can be intimidating on top of recovering from bodily injuries. You should contact a professional bicycle accident lawyer for a free evaluation.

It might seem safer when you ride against the traffic as you can see who is coming, but what seems safe isn’t always safe practically. Many bicyclists believe it would save them from careless drivers if they get a glance of rash driving from a distant view, but the statistics do not stand with such philosophy. Many arguments suggest that riding against traffic makes you more vulnerable to fatality and that riding with traffic is the safer route.

Other Bicycle Accident Lawyer Information

Who Is at Fault—Bicyclist or Driver? Liability for Bicycle Accidents at Intersections

A bicycle is typically deemed as a “vehicle” and just like the car drivers, cyclists are also expected to act responsibly on the roads. In most car-bike accidents, liability is held on the basis of “right of way.” In most cases, liability is shared by both the parties, but if a motorist’s defense is strong in the court that signal was in his favor thus granting him the “right of way,” the cyclist can be held for violating traffic rules. That’s why seeking an expert bicycle accident attorney’s help at the onset of your case is crucial. If the cyclist wants to prove the motorist at fault, he or she must present evidence of negligence.

Bicycling Rules in the United States

Like a motorist, a cyclist also has to follow the rules of the road:

A cyclist should never ride against the traffic but should go with the flow. In the US, that’s on the right.
A cyclist should follow traffic signs, walk/wait/stop signals, assigned lanes, and among other road markings.
As with driving a motor vehicle, a cyclist should stay alert and look carefully before taking a turn and should make a signal.