An estimated 337,738 people were injured or killed in bicycle accidents in 2022 alone, according to a study conducted by the National Safety Council. According to the latest statistics, about 54.7 million Americans ride bicycles at least once per year. Meanwhile, that’s a significant increase from the previous year’s total of 51.4 million.

Bicycling is an increasingly popular form of recreation and travel, but there are many hazards, especially when sharing the road with motor vehicles. 

How Bicycle Accidents Occur

Bicyclists face multiple dangers on the road, and unfortunately, accidents involving motor vehicles can have devastating consequences. Unlike car occupants, who are protected by vehicle frames, seatbelts, and robust safety equipment, bicyclists don’t have the same protection. They are, therefore, more vulnerable to severe injuries, even in minor collisions.

Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons, but the majority are caused by the negligence or recklessness of other drivers. Typical causes include distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, opening car doors unexpectedly, making unsafe lane changes, driver impairment, and poor road conditions.

Accidents happen, but those injured deserve fair compensation from those responsible. Contact the Dornan Law Team to learn more about your rights and determine whether you’re entitled to compensation.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Injuries to cyclists can vary, but common injuries from bicycle accidents often include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

• Spinal Cord Injuries

• Paralysis

• Fractures or Broken Bones

• Internal Organ Damage

• Deep Cuts

• Bruising

• Road Rash

• Scarring

• Disfigurement

• Dismemberment

• Death

Bicycle accidents can have long-lasting and financially devastating effects, impacting a person’s mental health, emotional well-being, physical abilities, and economic stability. For example, if you have been injured in an accident involving a bicycle, you may endure a prolonged recovery period, mounting medical bills, and significant time away from work.

A skilled personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process. They can also help you pursue compensation to cover expenses and help you find peace of mind.

Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney After a Bicycle Accident

Crash deaths involving bicyclists account for about 2% of the total annual motor vehicle accident fatality rate, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). That means for every 100 car crashes, two were also fatal bicycle accidents.

Not all bicycle accidents involve motor vehicles, and not all are fatal. However, bicycle accident claims can be complex. This is especially true when determining liability, proving negligence, and calculating compensation.

Often, insurance companies minimize the claim and offer decreased settlements to bicycle accident victims. Bicyclists may also encounter unfair bias from underwriters, witnesses, defendants, and even juries. However, an experienced personal injury attorney can make a difference in your case by examining the evidence, advocating for your rights, negotiating settlements, and ensuring an equitable outcome.

Benefits of Personal Injury Attorney Representation

Here are ways a personal injury attorney can help you after a bicycle accident:

• Investigating the circumstances

• Determining negligence

• Calculating damages

• Negotiating with insurance companies

• Gathering/presenting evidence

• Interviewing witnesses

• Representing bicycle accident victims in court

• Pursuing litigation (if applicable)

While some personal injury cases involving bicycle accidents settle out of court, many go to trial. Your personal injury attorney will prepare to present a strong argument on your behalf, backed by the evidence gathered during the investigation.

Those injured in a bicycle accident may be entitled to various types of compensation, so a skilled personal injury attorney will also help you pursue a claim for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, wrongful death, pain and suffering, and more.

The Dornan Law Team understands the devastating impact bicycle accidents can have on victims and their families. Our experienced legal experts are dedicated to advocating for your rights.

We have successfully handled numerous bicycle accident cases, helping victims recover compensation and confidently navigate the legal process. We can help you, too. Contact the Dornan Law Team today to schedule a consultation.