Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in bicycle accidents in the United States.
Many motorists believe that bicycles do not belong on public streets, which is a false assumption. In terms of the law, bicyclists enjoy the same privileges as cars when using public roadways. Motorists must yield to cyclists in the same way they would to any other vehicle on the road. Cyclists are not obligated to stay on the shoulder to allow for the passage of cars.
Unfortunately, cyclists are typically seen as second-class citizens by drivers on the road, which can result in deadly accidents. Whether you’re cycling to work or on a leisurely bike ride, you shouldn’t wind up with a catastrophic injury.
If you were hurt in a bicycle accident because of someone else’s carelessness, you are entitled to compensation. Having the best Port St. Lucie bicycle accident lawyers is essential to your success. At Fetterman & Associates, PA, we have a track record of success in representing cyclists who have been injured in accidents with reckless drivers.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents?
Because of their size, weight, and speed, motor vehicles are far more likely to inflict serious damage or death in a cycling collision than a bicycle. It is also worth noting that bicyclists are not afforded the same level of protection as those in a car. Cyclists have essentially little protection from serious bodily harm in a crash with a motor vehicle besides wearing a helmet.
Collisions can be caused by a variety of incidents, including:
Distracted Driving
Other motorists and bicyclists alike are at risk because of distracted driving. Drivers preoccupied with their phones rather than the road are much more prone to causing catastrophic collisions. Texting, speaking on the phone, or browsing social media are some of the most common sources of distraction.
Failing To Give Cyclists the Right of Way
One of the most prevalent types of bicycle accidents is when a motor vehicle suddenly changes lanes in front of a cyclist. These collisions usually happen when the driver fails to notice the bicyclist, even when the rider can be clearly seen. It is crucial that drivers constantly remind themselves of the importance of keeping an eye out for all types of vehicles, including bicycles, to prevent inattentional blindness.
Dooring
Many bicyclists are familiar with the peril of “getting doored” when traveling down a street with parallel parking. To put it another way, these are collisions caused by drivers or passengers who open their doors while they’re parked in front of approaching cyclists on the side of a street. There’s no way for the bike to react quickly to keep from hitting the door and falling over.
Impaired Drivers
Cyclists are put at risk by drivers who are intoxicated or haven’t gotten enough sleep before getting behind the wheel. It is more likely that a driver may cause a fatal collision with a bike if they are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.
Inadequate Visibility
Because of their size and shape, bicycles have difficulty being seen by motorists. Bicyclists should always utilize blinking lights at the front and back and wear bright clothes with a reflective surface to increase their visibility.
What Are the Common Injuries That Result From Bicycle Accidents?
There is no specific bicycle accident injury that characterizes all of them. Cyclists are lucky to be alive if they are involved in an accident with a motor vehicle or one caused by a driver’s negligence. Bicycle accidents frequently result in severe, life-changing injuries, such as:
Spinal Cord Injuries
Cyclists frequently lose control of their bicycles and go over their handlebars, resulting in a serious injury or death. Their bodies slam onto hard, rough surfaces with considerable force. Bikers’ spinal columns and the spinal cord, a sensitive network of nerves inside the column, are frequently damaged in these unsettling tumbles. Damage to the spinal cord, such as bruising, nicks, and tears, prevents messages from traveling from the brain to the rest of the body. They can induce weakness, numbness, or paralysis, which may or may not go away over time. Getting paralyzed is a life-changing event for a bicyclist, and it can cost millions of dollars just to get through a year of rehabilitation.
Broken Bones
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, the severity of your bone fractures can vary. Treatment for a hairline fracture can be done with minimal time away from work. On the other hand, compound fractures and crushing injuries not only result in excruciating pain and lost time at work, but they also carry a high risk of consequences, such as infections, repeated operations, and even paralysis.
Serious Road Rash
It’s normal for cyclists to skid along the road after being thrown from their bicycles in a crash. When a cyclist comes into contact with abrasive asphalt, their clothes can be torn away, and their skin gets sandpapered. It’s equivalent to a bad burn, and it’s called “road rash.” Many traumas occur when you get road rash — lacerations, abrasions, and even heat burn—which may need several months to heal.
Head and Brain Injuries
There’s a good reason why so many people recommend wearing a helmet when biking. Many cyclists suffer from head injuries, and helmets can help prevent this. A brain injury can have a devastating impact on a person’s life, leaving them with long-term and severe consequences. An individual’s cognitive, physical, and emotional abilities can be permanently impaired by a serious brain injury. Concussions can cause a cyclist to suffer from headaches, disorientation, and fatigue, even if they are considered mild.
Get the Assistance of Experienced Port St. Lucie Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with expert Port St. Lucie bicycle accident lawyers if you have any concerns about who is liable and who may have been negligent following a bicycle accident. The attorneys at Fetterman & Associates, PA, have handled many similar situations throughout the years. Our goal is to help those who have been injured by the actions of others get the compensation they deserve while protecting their rights.Contact us online or call 561-693-3872 today to see how we can help.
