Most Common Causes and Injuries Associated With Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents are extremely common. Most bicyclists get into accidents when they hit an object in the road, or fall off of their bikes. If you’ve been involved in an accident, a bicycle accident attorney in Houston can help you.
In the city of Houston alone, there have been approximately 408 accidents involving a bicyclist in 2017 alone. There have also been 398 accidents in 2018, 397 accidents in 2019, and 321 in 2020. Since bikes are much smaller, this leaves bicyclists without much protection. This means that bicyclists can sustain pretty serious injuries. Continue reading to learn more about other causes of bicyclist accidents and injuries.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
There are a few different things that can cause a bike accident to occur. Bicycles are not easy for motorists to see. When driving around or near a bicyclist, a driver must take extra precautions. Motorists that are driving distracted or not paying attention can easily cause an accident with a bicyclist.
Additionally, motorists may not be familiar with the laws regarding bikes. Depending on the state in which you reside, there may be laws that protect bicyclists. There are some states that have laws in place that allow bicyclists to share the same roadway as motorists. If motorists are unaware of these laws, this could result in an accident. Either way, being unfamiliar with the laws doesn’t make it an excuse for a motorist.
Here are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents:
- Not having good visibility- Since bicycles are not easy to see, this can cause an accident if a driver is not paying attention.
- Driving while distracted- Many motorists often become easily distracted while driving if they are looking at their phones, or listening to loud music. These things can create unsafe driving conditions for everyone in their path.
- Hazardous road conditions- Dangerous road conditions can also result in accidents.
- Failure to yield- If a motorist fails to yield to a bicyclist or when they are required to, this can result in a fatal accident.
Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents
Injuries can be quite extreme when they are the result of a bicycle accident. Some of the most common injuries sustained following a bicycle accident include:
- Knee, foot, and leg fractures
- Bruises, cuts, and abrasions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
- Head injuries or concussions
- Dental or facial injuries
These injuries can either be mild or severe. But it all depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Fortunately, a personal injury attorney will be able to help you sort out damages so you can receive compensation for your injuries. This compensation may also include pain and suffering.
Receiving Compensation for a Bicycle Accident
There are many laws that are put in place to protect you if you are involved in a bicycle accident, no matter what state you are in. If the cause of your bicycle accident was the result of a negligent driver, you may have several options to help you obtain compensation. You may also be entitled to receive damages from the motorist’s insurance company.
Various damages that you may be entitled to following a bicycle accident include:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent disability
You should never be liable for financial troubles resulting from a bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault. There is also no reason why you should have to suffer without receiving compensation.