Bicycling is not only great for the environment but also for your health. It’s a cheap way to get to and from anywhere. No fuel needed; just your physical effort. It is not surprising that more people are biking to work and also biking for health and pleasure.
Unfortunately, bike accidents are also on the increase. Hundreds of cyclists are killed every year by motorists nationwide. Many others are injured in accidents resulting from a wide variety of causes.
Causes of bike accidents
There are many causes of bike accidents. Some of the most common causes include:
- Motorists failing to check their blind spots before making a turn
- Failure of motorists to yield to cyclists at traffic stops
- Motorists opening doors without checking for cyclists
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence
- Defective bike parts
- Dangerous pavement or road conditions
- Dog chases
Preventing injuries and accidents
Although bicycle accidents are common, cyclists can take various precautions to prevent accidents or reduce the impact of injuries from the accidents. These strategies include:
- Using the bicycle lane where available
- Wearing protective gear e.g. reflective jackets and helmets
- Using hand signals
- Outfitting bike with a bell
- Not using sidewalks
- Riding in the same direction as traffic
- Using a bike lamp while riding at night
Taking your claim to court
It is important to get in touch with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after a bicycle accident. This will help you begin the claims process on the right foot.
In many cases, bike accident victims are able to get compensation for their losses through settlements reached before the case goes to trial. If your case makes it to trial, it is likely going to be decided by a jury. There are several factors the jury will consider when determining whether you should be awarded damages and how much should be awarded. These include:
- The severity of the crash
- Your condition before and after the crash
- The condition of your bike before and after the crash
- The severity of your injuries and whether they are permanent
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering as a result of the crash
- Witness accounts
- The factors that led to the accident e.g. drugs, alcohol, distractions, road conditions, the weather
Having an experienced bike accident attorney representing you will help to improve your chances of getting a fair compensation whether your claim makes it to trial or not. Your attorney will assess your claim, gather evidence to support it, negotiate with the insurance company and ensure that your claim is presented in the best light.
