Helpful Information on Bicycle Accident Injury Claims

Spring looks like it’s coming a little earlier this year, and that means more outdoor fun. Bicycles, tricycles, scooters, skates, and more are traditional spring activities for adults, teens, and children alike. It is a fun and healthy recreational pastime that allows us to get outside, spend time with our loved ones and enjoy the good weather.

Unfortunately, bicycle safety hides under the carpet all too often and accidents happen because of this. Even when safety 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 beyond the control of the rider; Motor vehicle and bicycle defects. If a car, truck, or product defect causes an accident that results in an injury to the passenger, the responsibility rests with the passenger, not the passenger. Both of these situations can lead to serious personal injury on behalf of a cyclist.

Various serious injuries can result from bicycle accidents; such as brain damage, traumatic brain injuries, commas, 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), between 1932 and 2008, more than 50,000 bicycle-related deaths occurred.

These alarming statistics do not even include injuries and deaths suffered from bicycle defects. According to the same statistics, in 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 bicycle accident deaths were children. Bicycle safety is something everyone should take seriously. We can prevent these accidents from happening with responsible driving and an early education.

When it comes to product and bike defects, there is not much we can do to prevent these unfortunate and unforeseen incidents from occurring. We can only hope and trust that bicycle manufacturers are working hard to prevent problems with their products and do everything possible to improve the safety value of their products. The most common defects seen in bicycle accidents include problems with bolts, screws, compound forks, aluminum frames, and similar components.

Bicycle accident lawsuits

In the event that a person is seriously injured in a bicycle accident as a result of the carelessness or defect of another driver’s bicycle, it is critical to immediately contact a bicycle accident personal injury attorney. All states have a statute of limitations that dictates how long a victim, or their family, has to file a personal injury lawsuit. Once this time period expires, the victim can no longer legally sue for compensation.

A licensed personal injury attorney can help bicycle accident victims obtain compensation for their damages, such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, hospital bills, prolonged rehabilitation, lost wages, work time, and much more. Licensed accident attorneys with extensive experience and knowledge are likely to negotiate and settle out of court for their clients. Make sure you choose a law firm that has your best interests in mind.