Do you know what to do if you’re injured in a bicycle accident?
Although bicycling is becoming more popular, America is still by and large a car-centric nation. Bicyclists are relegated to the fringes of the roadside in most cases, with dedicated bike lanes rarely provided outside the most progressive city centers. With cyclists sharing close quarters with drivers who, in many cases, view bikes as undesirable interlopers in the domain of the automobile, you might almost say accidents are inevitable.
Recently, 24/7 Wall St. crunched the numbers on fatal bicycle accidents in the 32 US cities with 500,000 or more residents and identified the top 10 most dangerous and safest cities for cyclists.
Los Angeles CA came in at #10 on the list of the most dangerous cities for riding a bike in the street. In 2015 (the most recent year with complete data available), 16 cyclists died in Los Angeles, making the bicyclist fatality rate 4.0 per 1 million people.
Although city-level statistics on bicycle accident injuries are not available, 24/7 Wall St. surmised that bicycle accident injuries are also more common in cities like Los Angles that have higher rates of bicycle accident fatalities.
Injured Cyclists May Be Entitled to Compensation
Most bicycle accidents are caused by drivers rather than by cyclists. When this is the case, it means that the injured cyclists—or the families of cyclists who have been killed—have the ability to seek compensation. This may be done by making a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or by filing a lawsuit against the driver.
For a personal injury case, applicable damages may include:
- Past and future medical care
- Lost wages
- Lost earning power
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage to the bicycle
For a wrongful death case, damages may include:
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Medical bills related to the accident
- Lost wages
- Loss of household services
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of love, companionship, guidance, and support
What to Do if You Are Injured in a Bicycle Accident
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, there are several things you must do in order to preserve your ability to present a strong case for compensation:
Get medical care ASAP. This is crucial for establishing that the accident caused your injuries.
Gather evidence from the scene of the accident. If you are able, take photos or videos of the scene of the accident, including the resting positions of your bike and any involved vehicles. Get contact information from any witnesses and insurance information from drivers.
Contact a bicycle accident lawyer. Your lawyer will help you understand your legal options and the potential value of your case. If hired, they will be a strong advocate for your best interests, arguing effectively in and out of court for you to receive maximum compensation.
The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker has the skills, resources, experience, and tenaciousness you need in a bicycle accident lawyer. Contact us at 800-333-0000 for a free consultation.
