Yes, bicycle accidents are on the rise! Statistics nationwide (most notably by The US Department of Transportation and the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals) suggest that there are 19,000 serious injuries a year, and perhaps as many as 3,000 deaths over a twelve-month-period. What’s even more alarming is the fact that most bicycle accidents are not reported to authorities! That’s right, even when there are serious injuries involved, the matter is often ignored.
Young Adults and Children Are Most at Risk
So, it’s quite likely that there are two or three times more injuries and deaths than the official estimate. Another sad fact remains that many cyclists who are injured or killed are children—and yes, toddlers through teens are at the highest risk of suffering a bicycle injury.
According to figures, most cycling injuries and collisions happen in crowded urban areas, where there is the highest concentration of bicycles mingling with traffic; specifically road junctions and roundabouts. Most accidents occur in daylight and the most dangerous hours are said to be between 3:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. Nevertheless, when there are bicycling accidents at night, these usually do involve fatalities, even more so than daylight collisions.
Keep Yourself Safe with These Steps
How may you keep yourself safe from a bicycle accident? Now more than ever, it is essential to stay alert and to drive defensively. While most bicycle accidents do occur because of the cyclist losing his balance, when cars collide with bicycles—a major force colliding with a relatively lightweight object—the damage is far more devastating.
According to police reports, the failure to look both ways (either by the cycler or the motorist) is the number one cause of collisions. Therefore, in order to stay safe, motorists are well advised to drive defensively and anticipate motorists’ blind spots and delayed reactions. Furthermore, cyclists are encouraged to turn fully, avoiding unnecessary risk, and exercise caution when it comes to entering the road from the pavement. Drive defensively always and take your time crossing those dangerous roads!
If you have been injured in a bicycle collision, it is imperative that you discuss the accident with an attorney as soon as possible after being released from the hospital. Remember, in most cycle injuries, there are limb injuries, chest injuries or even potentially fatal head injuries. When in doubt, always get a checkup…and then always get a legal perspective of the situation—even if the police report implies you were at fault. Be aware of your rights in all walks of life.
For more information, about bicycle accidents, contact the legal team at Steven A. Bagen & Associates today.
