Cycling is not only an important mode of transportation but is an integral part of life for many people. Not only is it an environmentally friendly mode of transportation but it also is a form of maintaining health and wellbeing to avid cyclists. However, there are hazards to bicycling especially in urban areas where there are more motorists who may not be looking out for bicyclists or who may be driving while distracted.
Hundreds of bicyclists are injured or killed in the United States every year due to another person’s negligence. Our firm takes the stress out of dealing with insurance adjustors’ calls, emails and correspondence to give you the chance to focus on healing and recovering. Further, we will help to ensure that you are fully compensated for the damage to your bike as well as coping with the medical expenses, lost income, and interference with your life.
The following are the common causes of bicycle accidents along with common types of injuries suffered, including death. If you suffered injuries, or if your loved one was killed in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of another, you may have the right to compensation.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
There are many different types of bicycle accidents that occur between bicycle riders and motorists. The following are the most common types of bicycle accidents.
- Dooring Accidents: Dooring accidents are when a motorist opens a car door and a bicyclist runs into the door causing an accident.
- Side-Swiping Accidents: Bicyclists are often sideswiped by a car in traffic. The responsibility to ensure there are no bicyclists near a vehicle remains with the motorist.
- Rear-End Accidents: Driving too close to a bicyclist can result in a rear-end accident.
- Crossing in Front of a Bicycle: If a motorist tries to cross lanes, or make a left turn without looking for a bicyclist, a severe accident can occur.
- Human Error: By far, the most common cause of bicycle accidents is human error including negligent actions such as driving while distracted, driving while intoxicated driving while drowsy, speeding, driver error in weather conditions, reckless or negligent driving and a failure to follow traffic laws.
Common Injuries
A bicyclist’s collision with a motorist can cause catastrophic injuries or even death. Some of the most common bicycle injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, fractured bones, lacerations, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis or even death. If you were injured in an accident involving a bicycle and a vehicle, it is imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to receive proper medical care and also establish that you have a valid claim for compensation. You have the right to receive a fair settlement for your medical bills, loss of wages due to your inability to work, and pain and suffering.
Wrongful Death
If your loved one died due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to receive compensation. You may file a wrongful death claim if you are a surviving spouse, children, or parents, or blood relatives or adoptive siblings who are partly or wholly dependent on the decedent. While no amount of money will bring your loved one back, you likely have bills associated with the bicycle accident, including funeral expenses, medical bills, the value of elder care or child care your loved one provided, the loss of future earnings, and the surviving spouse’s and/or children’s loss of companionship, support, and guidance.
Contact an Experienced Bicycle Attorney
If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Griggs Injury Law at (816) 474-0202 to help you build a strong personal injury or wrongful death claim and protect your rights to receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries and damages.
