Posted on Wednesday, March 9th, 2016 at 10:53 pm
Riding bicycles is an excellent form of exercise and recreation for individuals and families. Many people have started riding their bicycles to work and to run errands to reduce their transportation costs. Unfortunately, riding a bicycle can be extremely dangerous. Bicyclists have a greater risk of catastrophic injuries because they are virtually unprotected in a collision with a motor vehicle. Passengers in vehicles are protected from the impact of a collision by the vehicle’s frame; however, a bicyclists takes the full impact in a collision.
During 2013, more than 900 people lost their lives in bicycle accidents in the United States and over 494,000 people had to visit the emergency room for injuries sustained in bicycle accidents. Nearly a third of all bicycle accidents involve a motor vehicle making it the number one cause of bicycle accidents. According to a national survey of bicyclists, common causes of bicycle crashes include:
- Collisions with motor vehicles
- Rider error (i.e. going too fast for conditions, inexperienced riders, distracted riders, etc.)
- Improperly maintained roads and/or roadway hazards (i.e. uneven payment, potholes, obstructions, etc.)
- Improperly maintained equipment and/or bicycles
- Falls
- Improperly installed bicycle parts
- Faulty bicycle parts
If you have been injured in a bicycle crash, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries if another party is responsible for your accident. When another person causes a bicycle accident, that person should be held accountable for the damages he or she caused. Filing a bicycle accident claim is the first step in recovering financial damages if you have been injured.
Common Injuries Sustained in a Bicycle Accident
Wearing a bicycle helmet and other protective bicycle gear can reduce the severity of some bicycle injuries; however, there is nothing a rider can do to guarantee he or she will not suffer injuries in a bicycle crash. Bicyclists are at a high risk for head injury in an accident. Other common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include but are not limited to:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Scrapes, cuts, lacerations, and bruises
- Rib fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Injuries to the teeth, mouth, and face
- Internal bleeding and/or internal organ damage
The amount of compensation a bicycle accident victim may receive depend on the severity and type of injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Damages in a bicycle case can be substantial due to the likelihood for serious injuries. Victims may be entitled to receive compensation for damages related to:
- Past, present, and future medical bills and expenses
- Past, present, and future lost wages
- The loss of earning capacity if the victim is unable to return to the same job or earn the same income prior to the accident due to his or her injuries
- Property damage (i.e. bicycle, clothing, helmet, safety equipment, etc.)
- Cremation, burial, and/or funeral expenses
- Physical pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement, and permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Long-term personal care and/or medical care
- Transportation expenses and other out-of-pocket expenses related to injuries sustained in the collision
What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Bicycle Accident?
The first priority is your health. Seek immediate medical attention after a bicycle crash even if you do believe your injuries are minor. The second priority is to protect your right to receive compensation for your financial, physical, and emotional damages by contacting a bicycle accident attorney. Begin by contacting the bicycle accident lawyers of the Tiemann Law Firm for your free consultation with one of our Sacramento personal injury attorneys. You can contact us online, call our toll free number at (916) 999-9000, or chat with a representative on our website. Our friendly staff is here to help you as you recover from injuries caused by a negligent driver.
