It looks like spring is coming a little earlier this year, and that means more outdoor fun. Bicycles, trikes, scooters, rollerblades and more are traditional springtime activities for adults, teens and children alike. It is a fun and healthy recreational hobby that allows us to get outdoors, spend time with loved ones and enjoy the good weather.
Unfortunately, bike safety is swept under the rug far too often and accidents happen because of this. Even when security is properly considered, there are incidents that can occur outside of our control. For this reason, all cyclists and bicycle enthusiasts should know their rights if they are injured on a bicycle through no fault of their own.
Bicycle accidents and injuries
There are two main types of bicycle accidents that result from negligence outside the control of the bicyclist; motor vehicle and bicycle defects. If a car, truck, or product defect causes an accident that results in injury to the passenger, the liability falls on them, not the passenger. Both of these situations can result in serious personal injury on behalf of a bicyclist.
Several serious injuries can result from bicycle accidents; such as brain damage, traumatic brain injuries, comas, concussions, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and even death. These injuries can be life-threatening or permanent in serious situations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from the years 1932 to 2008, there were more than 50,000 bicycle-related deaths.
These alarming statistics do not even include injuries and deaths suffered from bicycle defects. According to the same statistics, in the year 2008 alone, more than 50,000 cyclists were injured in negligent traffic accidents. The most devastating truth among these statistics is that in 2008, 13% of deaths from bicycle accidents were children. Bike safety is something everyone should take seriously. We can prevent these accidents from happening with responsible driving and education at an early age.
When it comes to product and bike defects, there isn’t much we can do to prevent these unfortunate and unexpected incidents from occurring. We can only hope and trust that bicycle manufacturers are working hard to prevent problems with their products and doing everything they can to improve the safety value of their products. The most common defects seen in bicycle accidents include problems with bolts, screws, composite forks, aluminum frames, and similar components.
Bicycle Accident Lawsuits
In the event that someone is seriously injured in a bicycle accident as a result of another driver’s carelessness or a defect in the bicycle, it is crucial to contact a bicycle accident personal injury attorney immediately. All states have a statute of limitations that dictates how long a victim, or their family, has to file a personal injury claim. Once this deadline expires, the victim can no longer legally sue for compensation.
A licensed personal injury lawyer can help bicycle accident victims recover compensation for their damages, including pain and suffering, medical bills, hospital bills, lengthy rehabilitation, lost wages, time off work, and much more. Licensed accident attorneys with extensive experience and knowledge are likely to negotiate and settle out of court for their clients. Be sure to choose a law firm that has your best interests in mind and in mind.