Unfortunately, the increased number of cyclists means more people are at risk of bicycle accidents. According to data from the National Safety Council (NSC), over 1,260 bicyclists died on American roads in 2020 alone. Also, the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that over 425,910 bicyclists received treatment for injuries in hospital emergency rooms during the same year.
If you find yourself in a bicycle accident, contacting experts, such as those at Felix Gonzalez Law firm, will help you with the compensation and justice you deserve. Always understand the significance of hiring an expert lawyer when it comes to accidents and other forms of personal injury.
If cycling is your thing, the statistics should not worry you. Knowing how to act while on the road can ensure safety. But it starts with identifying the leading causes of bicycle accidents.
The Small Sizes Reduces Visibility
The leading cause of bicycle accidents is their small size, which makes them almost invisible among other vehicles on the roads. So, you may want to drive cautiously near intersections because a driver may fail to notice you when making a turn.
Irrespective of the size of a bicycle, road users are responsible for looking out for other road users. The at-fault party cannot use low visibility as a defense for hitting a cyclist.
If you are injured under such circumstances, you may need to talk to a bicycle injury accident attorney to help you look into the possibility of recovering damages for your injuries.
Distracted Driving and Poor Roads
Distracted driving or cycling is also a significant cause of bicycle accidents. A distraction is anything that gets the driver’s mind off the road, such as checking the phone or getting lost in a conversation with other vehicle occupants. “Distraction is not a problem with drivers only; it also affects cyclists in equal measure,” said car accident attorney Felix Gonzalez of the Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm.
If you are on a familiar road, you could be aware of lurking dangers such as potholes or uneven surfaces and prepare in advance to navigate them. But if you are on an unfamiliar road, conditions such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or gravel on the road can very easily lead to an accident.
Failure to Follow Traffic Rules
Bicycles are vehicles like any other when on the road, meaning riders are subjected to the same rules as other road users. Because of the small size and ability to ride even on the narrowest paths, bicyclists tend to think they can ride without following traffic rules.
But doing so on a public road only increases your chances of getting into an accident. Also, it may not be possible to recover damages for injuries suffered in an accident where you disregarded traffic rules. So, you will need to obey rules such as stopping at red lights, cycling on the right side, and using hand signals when turning.
Common Bicycle-Related Injuries
Some situations increase the chances of getting into an accident or the severity of injuries when an accident happens. Common risk factors include failure to wear a helmet, riding a bicycle at high speeds, getting on the road with little or no bicycle riding experience, and adverse weather.
Injuries resulting from a bicycle accident can include road rash, bruises, abrasions and cuts, broken bones and fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, dental injuries, and, in the worst-case scenario, death.
After an accident, call for an ambulance to ensure that you get medical help as quickly as possible. If you have a personal injury lawyer in mind, the earlier you can involve them, the greater the chances of getting a fair outcome for your case.
Conclusion
Understanding the leading causes of bicycle accidents can make you aware and help you avoid the dangers of accidents on the road. At the same time, we must understand that accidents are inevitable and can happen to anyone. If you have experienced such an unfortunate scenario, we recommend hiring a legal expert to help you get the compensation you deserve.
