If you’re among the many folks around Auburn who have taken to riding a bicycle for your morning commute or you are an avid cyclist who loves the exercise component of cycling, then you may know firsthand how dangerous the streets can be when you have nothing between you and oncoming traffic. More and more people are riding bikes than ever before, and more bikes on the road means more accidents. Riding a bicycle puts you in close proximity not only with standard passenger autos, but with commercial vehicles and large trucks too. Even if you practice all the safety rules and wear appropriate head gear and reflective clothing, there’s still plenty of room for driver error and poor road conditions to lead to an accident. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, then you need to speak with our Auburn bicycle accident attorney right away to get started on the claims process.
According to NHTSA, there are roughly a half-million bicycle accidents each year, and hundreds of people are killed while riding their bicycles in towns across the United States. Among those injured, around 85,000 people receive traumatic injuries to the head, with hundreds of brain injuries resulting. Bicycle accidents also result in:
The sheer size of passenger autos compared to bicycles makes the force of any collision between the two a horrific experience. Sadly, nearly all bicycle accidents of this nature are preventable if not for the negligence of drivers on the road.
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a life-altering event, and it is one that can happen in the time it takes to blink. Some of the most frequent causes of accidents involving bicyclists include drivers failing to see bicyclists at marked crossings and drivers distracted by things going on in the cabin of the car, such as texting while driving or working with a radio or GPS. Inattention on the roadway, drifting into bike lanes or off the shoulder of the road, and overcorrecting while steering are also top causes of horrible bike accidents. Drivers operating their vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol are also less likely to see a bicyclist.
The path taken by the bicyclist can also be dangerous. Overgrowth of landscaping and vegetation can reduce visibility. Potholes and broken pavement can cause bicycles to lose contact with the pavement, resulting in accidents. No matter whether a driver’s negligence or unsafe conditions on the road cause your bike accident, you may be able to collect damages from the at-fault party.
You have a limited amount of time to file your bicycle claim under the statute of limitations. As soon as possible following your injury, see our Auburn bicycle accident attorney to lock in your right to collect damages and weigh your legal options moving forward.
